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Around NYS - August 2018

Rome NY USBC to Service Utica Association Bowlers

The Rome NY USBC association's decision to service the bowlers of the former Utica Central NY USBC and Utica USBC WBA has been approved by the United States Bowling Congress office in Arlington, Texas.

USBC officials said they consider the former Utica bowling centers (AMF Pin-O-Rama Lanes and Yorkville Lanes) as part of the Rome jurisdiction at this time but, for 2019-20 and beyond, proprietors of those two centers could request to move to another association in Central New York.

With this development, the bowling centers now covered by the Rome NY USBC are in the geographic area of Utica, Rome, Barnevald, Camden and all areas in between, according to Howard York, Rome association manager.

Merle Foster is president of the Rome association, which also services bowlers in the former Rome youth association.

The USBC is in the process of determining the outcome of a dispute that prevented the merger/dissolution of the Utica associations, including the transfer of funds and other assets.

July Fundraiser Brings in $3,157 for Charities

Contributions to the New York State USBC's July fundraiser have raised $3,157 to help support cancer programs, youth scholarships and other charities.

The fundraiser was based on the New York Lottery evening number.

Tickets were $5 each and were sold by NYS USBC directors and youth committee members, and at the state association's tournaments and annual meeting.

CLICK HERE for a list of winners.

Three NYS Women Just Miss
USBC Senior's Medal Round

AUGUST 3, 2018– Three New York State USBC members came close but just missed making the medal round of the United States Bowling Congress Senior Championships on Thursday in Reno, Nev.

Competing at the National Bowling Stadium, Ann Tennissen (Albany USBC), Sharon Carson (Albany USBC) and Kathleen Willy (Greater Buffalo USBC) placed seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively, in their age classifications of the Women's Division tournament.  The top six bowlers in each of the six age groups advanced to the medal round today.

In the 70-74 age group, Tennissenn finished with a 1,304 six-game total with handicap, missing sixth place by a mere two pins.

In the 55-59 age group, Willy rallied with a 551 scratch score to finish with 1,330 with handicap, but fell four pins short of sixth place.

And in the 50-54 age group, Carson rolled 566 to finish with 1,315 with handicap, but ended the competition 11 pins from the sixth spot. Carson had led the field after Wednesday's opening round.

Two other New Yorkers competed in the Women's Division -- Jessie Buck (Syracuse USBC BA), who placed 23rd in the 65-69 age group, and Annie Howell-Benitez (Westchester County USBC), who placed 32nd in the 60-64 age group.

In the Open Division, Edward Bauman Sr. (Fulton County USBC BA) placed ninth in the 55-59 age group, ending with a 633 scratch series to finish with 1,286 with handicap.

Other New Yorkers and their scores:

Maria Johansen (Hudson Valley USBC), 75 & Up, 1,163, 24th place;
Charles Trudell (Syracuse USBC BA), 65-69, 1,289, 12th place;
R. Jeffery Ward (Greater Buffalo USBC), 60-64, 1,265, 14h place;
Kenneth DuBois (Syracuse USBC BA), 50-54, 1,221, 12th place.

Complete results can be found on bowl.com - Tournaments - Senior Championships.

Reimbursement checks to the NYS USBC participants will be mailed the week of Aug. 20.

NYS Women's Senior Singles
More Than 400 Signed Up
for Event in Chester Next Month

JULY 11, 2018 -- More than 400 women representing 28 local associations are signed up to compete in the 38th NYS Women's Senior Singles Championships on Aug. 17-19, 24-26 at Colonial Lanes in Chester.

The tournament's format consists of six games over two days is six age classifications (starting at age 50) with bowlers participating on the following squads:

-- Friday, Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 18 at 9:30 a.m.
-- Saturday, Aug. 18 at noon and Sunday, Aug. 19 at 2:30 p.m.
-- Saturday, Aug. 18 at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 19 at noon

-- Friday. Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 25 at 9:30 a.m.
-- Saturday, Aug. 25 at noon and Sunday, Aug. 26 at 2:30 p.m.
-- Saturday, Aug. 25 at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 26 at noon.
-- Saturday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 26 at 9:30 a.m.

The tournament is being hosted by the Mid-Hudson USBC.

Hotel information can be found in the Tournaments section.

For more information, contact the NYS USBC office at bowlny300@yahoo.com or by calling 585-343-3736.

NYS Open Championships
Long Island, Southern Tier
Squads Finish on Top

JUNE 12, 2018 – Ball Bangers (Long Island USBC) and Owego Bowl (Southern Tier USBC) claimed divisional titles at the 94th NYS Open Championships.

The tournament took place from April 21 through May 20 at Patel's Kingston Lanes.

CLICK HERE for final standings.

CLICK HERE for prize list.

Ball Bangers posted 3,494 (all scratch) to edge its companion team, Silver Foxes, by 16 pins for the $2,400 first prize in the 1001 & Over Handicap division. Team members are Michael Wodzinski, Adam Sher, Noel Ocasio, Thomas Grunwald and Anthony Pepe.

In the 1000 & Under Handicap division, Owego Bowl recorded 2,926 to take home the first prize of $1,250. Oomsdale Farm (Albany USBC) was second at 2,893.

Members of the first-place team are Pamela Carney, Shannon Rhodes, William Eynon, Bryant Craft and Randy Crooks Jr.

Winners of the tournament's other events are as follows:

Doubles 401 & Over – Derek Magno (Syracuse USBC BA) and Steve Meyer (Rochester NY USBC), 1,570, $800. The 1,570 was the high scratch score.

Doubles 400 & Under – Ronald Weeks and Jon LaRock (Auburn USBC BA), 1,267, $550.

Singles 201 & Over – Brad Maltman (Rochester/Canandaigua USBC), 783, $500. Terry Thompson (Long Island USBC) had the high Singles scratch score of 779.

Singles 200 & Under – Weeks, 724, $325.

All-Events 201 & Over – Antonio Zaia (Fulton USBC BA), 2,219, $250. Jim Zimmerman (Syracuse USBC BA) and Art Alexander III (Syracuse USBC BA) tied for the All-Events scratch title with 2,218 and will split the prize money awarded for the 2019 USBC Masters should they wish to compete.

All-Events 200 & Under – Charlene Brandow (Albany USBC) and Jeffrey Brown (Southern Tier USBC), tie, 2,041, $125 each.

One in five entries in the Handicap divisions cashed. The prize fund includes $500 bonuses for the two first-place teams and $2,500 added to pay five scratch scores in each event. Winners will receive the higher prize from either the handicap or scratch scores – not both.

Prize checks were mailed to group leaders/captains today (June 15), and must be cashed/deposited within 90 days.

SCRATCH CHAMPIONS: Members of the Kenmore Lanes team that took first place in the NYS Women's Championships scratch division are, from left, Krista Voelker-Burt, Jessica Aiezza, Michelle Sterner and Sarah Germano.

NYS Women's Championships
Buffalo, N,F., Auburn Teams
Claim Tournament Titles

JUNE 11, 2018 – Teams based out of Greater Buffalo USBC, Niagara Falls USBC WBA and Auburn USBC WBA captured divisional titles at the 82nd NYS Women's Championships which ran from April 14 through May 20 at Fishkill Bowl in the Hudson Valley.

CLICK HERE for final standings.

CLICK HERE for prize list.

In the 760 and Over Scratch Division, the Kenmore Lanes squad (Greater Buffalo USBC) took home the top prize of $812 with a 2,831 effort. Team members (see photo) are Krista Voelker-Burt, Jessica Aiezza (Schenectady USBC), Michelle Sterner and Sarah Germano (Rochester NY USBC).

In the 600-759 Handicap division, Team B O D (Niagara Falls USBC WBA) won for the second straight year, posting 2,697 for the $1,200 top prize. Team members are Theresa Porter, Christina Yamonaco, Christine Hein and Brenda Chatt.

And in the 599 and Under Handicap division, the Drew Crew (Auburn USBC WBA) placed first with 2,530, good for $1,200. Team members are Amber Preston, Nicki Wheaton, Nikki Bennett and Theresa Armstrong.

Voelker-Burt and Sterner also won the 380 and Over Scratch doubles title with 1,436, while Stephanie Muraca and Julie Hooks (Rome NY USBC) teamed for first place in the 300-379 Handicap division with 1,385 and Margie Gordon and Melanie Allen (Syracuse USBC WBA) won the 299 and Under Handicap division with 1,309.

In Singles, champions are Rhonda Holt (Tri-County NY USBC), 762, 190 and Over Scratch; Kimberly Hawkins (Mid-Hudson USBC), 743, 150-189 Handicap, and Lois Erdman (Tri-County NY USBC), 745, 149 and Under Handicap.

All-Events champions are Danielle Merino (Long Island USBC), 2,129, 190 and Over Scratch; Doris Moorer (Long Island USBC), 2,049, 150-189 Handicap, and Brittney Morgan (Tri-County NY USBC), 2,108, 149 and Under Handicap.

Prize checks were mailed on June 13, and must be cashed/deposited within 90 days.

NYS USBC Inductees, Honorees

HALL OF FAME, SERVICE AWARDS: The New York State USBC inducted four to the state Hall of Fame and honored two Adirondack USBC members for their service to the sport of bowling at its Hall of Fame & Awards Dinner on Saturday night (June 2) at The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Albany. Seated from left are Frank Cornicelli of Schenectady and Corinthia Ward of the Bronx, inducted for meritorious service; standing, Doug Bohannon of South Glens Falls, proprietor recognition; David Demperio of Syracuse, HOF superior performance; Helen Waite of Glens Falls, HOF superior performance, and Nelson Chase of Hudson Falls, service to youth. Photo by Mike Pettinella/NYS USBC association manager.

NYS USBC Hall of Fame Inducts
Cornicelli, Ward, Demperio, Waite

JUNE 4, 2018 – Induction into the New York State USBC Hall of Fame is the icing on the cake, said 95-year-old Frank Cornicelli of Schenectady as he along with three others – Corinthia Ward of the Bronx, David Demperio of Syracuse and Helen Waite of Glens Falls – were enshrined during ceremonies on Saturday night.

One hundred sixty-five people attended the Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner at The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Albany.

Cornicelli and Ward were inducted into the Meritorious Service category while Demperio and Waite were honored for Superior Performance.

NYS USBC "service awards" were given to Nelson Chase of Hudson Falls, Service to Youth; and Doug Bohannon of South Glens Falls, Proprietor/Manager Recognition.

"I thought my induction into the Schenectady Hall of Fame was something, but being put into the state Hall of Fame tops everything," Cornicelli said as he concluded his acceptance speech in front of 50 family members and friends – including PBA stars Parker Bohn III and Doug Kent, whose appearances were surprises to Frank.

In photo at right, Kent, Bohn and PBA Regional standout Ray Edwards with Frank Cornicelli.

Cornicelli, in his role as coordinator for the Schenectady Hall of Fame dinners, regularly was able to get professional bowlers to speak at the events, and has become friends with many PBA members.

A NYS director for 20 years and two-time past president of the Schenectady BA, Cornicelli made his mark as the association's sole lane inspector, beginning in 1983. He often would have to go to several centers in one evening to check the lanes following an honor score.

Later on, he chaired the association's certification crew, continuing those duties – including lying down in the pit to take lane measurements -- until he was 89!

"He thanked his wife, Eunice, for letting him contribute to the sport he loves, calling her "the Hall of Famer in my house."

Ward made it a point to thank her children – who were at the dinner along with her grandchildren – for encouraging her to serve the New York City, Triboro Youth and New York State associations in various capacities over the past 35 years.

"No matter what I got involved in, they were always supporting me," she said. "My goal was that I wanted to see people be happy (about bowling) and find a way to make things better."

Demperio, a frequent top finisher in NYS championship tournaments (including a 2011 NYS Open Senior Doubles title) and Syracuse USBC BA Hall of Famer, kept his speech short, but did share how he got started 52 years ago as a "Bantam" bowler in Camillus.

"I remember telling my dad that I joined the Bantam league and the cost was 90 cents a week," he said. "He said, 'How are you going to pay for that?' So, I delivered penny savers – 212 of them for $2.12 per week. My mom gave me a buck and put the rest in the bank."

Demperio's regional tournament titles include the Syracuse Herald Masters in 1988 and 1989, the Van Wie Doubles in 1989, the Lilac City Team event and Bud Light Shootout. In 1987-88, he captured the Syracuse BA tournament All-Events title.

"Grateful and honored" were the feelings shared by Waite, who has numerous NYS tournament victories to her credit, including four Team titles (2011, 2014, 2015, 2016), a Singles title (2010), two Doubles titles (2008, 2010) and two All-Events titles (2009, 2010).

A Glens Falls WBA Hall of Famer and Empire State Games medalist, she thanked John and Sean Bickford of Broadway Lanes, NYS Hall of Famer Sheila Allen, "who said I would be here someday," and all those who helped her achieve success in the sport.

Chase, coordinator of the Youth Pepsi Championships for the NYS USBC since 2004, credited Tom Solimine Sr. of White Plains, the longtime NYS youth bowling director, for mentoring him and "running a great ship."

"This should be called the Tom Solimine Service to Youth Award, don't you think?" he said as he accepted his plaque.

The Youth Pepsi tournament – a scratch event -- has flourished under Chase's guidance as he has capable handled responsibilities at the local, regional and state finals levels.

Proprietor of Kingpin's Alley Family Fun Center since 2013, Bohannon said the recognition is a "team award."

"Our team -- circle of friends and family – are what make this possible," he said.

Bohannon has made it a priority to enhance the bowling experience through promotions, tournaments and fundraisers for many local charities, and through special events and coaching clinics for youth bowlers.

NYS USBC Annual Meeting

MEET THE CANDIDATES: USBC President Frank Wilkinson, left, interviews NYS USBC Board of Director candidates during the 7th Annual Meeting on Saturday in Albany. From left are Liz DeHart, Jan Moro, Mark Scuderi, Dan Solimine and Stephen Fawcett.

YOUTH LEADER SPEAKS: Amber Lupi of Schenectady, NYS Youth Leader president, encourages delegates to start a Youth Leaders chapter in their local association to get more young people involved in the sport of bowling. Photos by Mike Pettinella/NYS USBC Association Manager.

Moro, Fawcett Elected
to State Board of Directors

CLICK HERE for Annual Meeting program book.

JUNE 4, 2018 – Jan Moro of Syracuse and Stephen Fawcett of Schenectady are the newest members of the New York State USBC Board of Directors as a result of voting Saturday at the state association's 7th Annual Meeting at The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Albany.

Moro, photo at right, president of the newly-merged Central NY USBC (a merger of the Syracuse local associations), and Fawcett, photo at left, a NYS USBC regional (youth) tournament manager, were unanimously elected to the board by a voice vote of delegates along with incumbents Mark Scuderi of Rochester and Dan Solimine of New Rochelle.

Delegates (118 attended the meeting) also unanimously voted to return Liz DeHart of Staten Island to her role as the board's vice president.

Moro replaces Corinthia Ward of the Bronx and Fawcett replaces Tom Solimine Sr. of White Plains on the board as Ward and Solimine completed their terms of service.

Delegates also agreed to rescind a slate of amendments previously proposed by the NYS USBC Board of Directors that dealt with reducing the size of the board from 15 (including officers) to 13.

The board reconsidered the amendments in light of the number of committees needed to efficiently complete the organization's tasks and in anticipation of receiving applications from those wishing to serve on the board.

A proposed amendment to exempt the two directors representing the NYS Bowling Proprietors of America from term limits was passed, however. Currently, the NYS BPA directors are Rick O'Neil of Owego and Kathy Leitgeb of Albany.

Other highlights of the meeting:

-- USBC President Frank Wilkinson of Staten Island spoke about the Aug. 1 deadline for local associations to be merged, bowling ball technology study, national championship tournaments, renovations to the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., and offering online tournament registration to state associations.

"It hasn't been an easy process, but it is something we should be proud of," said Wilkinson, concerning local association mergers. "We're excited to reach our first convention under the new merged umbrella."

He said that a new rule that prohibits weight holes in bowling balls is a "step in the right direction" and he encouraged bowlers to go to bowl.com to familiarize themselves with the pending regulations.

Wilkinson, whose term expires at the end of the July, said the USBC is eager to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Women's Championships next year in Wichita and said this year's Open Championships in Syracuse have been successful.

"Our events are growing again," he said. "The changes we have made are intended to get as many people to bowl as possible."

-- The NYS USBC recognized director Betty Kingsley of Rochester as the winner of the national Helen Baker Award for outstanding association service. Kingsley served on the former Women's International Bowling Congress  board of directors, was the former president of the Rochester USBC WBA and has been a NYS USBC director for several years.

-- The NYS USBC and Long Island USBC paid tribute to the late A.S. "Doc" Doctorow during the Memorial Service and in the Annual Meeting program book (see the About Us page of this website). Doctorow was well-known throughout the state for his service to youth bowling. He passed away on March 23, 2018. A special event in his honor is scheduled for 11 a.m. June 30 at East Islip Lanes, East Islip, NY (631-581-6200).

See photo on Memorials page.

-- NYS USBC President Roger Buckman, Association Manager Mike Pettinella and nine committee chairs gave reports on their activities for 2017-18, a bowling season that saw increased state association donations to charitable causes and an uptick in the amount of academic and youth tournament scholarships awarded.

-- Delegates participating in various fundraisers on Saturday around $2,000 for the NYS USBC Pathways to the Cure efforts. Additional contributors to the cause were the Johnstown USBC WBA, NYS Bowling Writers and NYS Women's 700 Club, Claudia (CC) Cinelli, known as the Quarters Lady, donated to the Youth Team Tournament scholarship fund. Since 2001, CC has donated $8,067 to the scholarship funds.

NYS USBC Crowns Youth Champions

MAY 24, 2018 -- Results and photos from the four NYS USBC youth championship tournaments -- NYS Youth Scholarship, NYS Youth Team, NYS Youth Pepsi and NYS Adult-Junior -- can be found by scrolling over the Youth tab and clicking on Youth Tournaments.

Schenectady County's Favata Selected
to Receive 'Pat' Zonneville Scholarship

GO TO YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE FOR PHOTO

APRIL 27, 2018 – Dominick Favata of Niskayuna (Schenectady County) has been selected to receive the Priscilla "Pat" Zonneville Memorial Scholarship awarded by the New York State USBC for the 2017-18 season.

FOR MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR'S WINNERS, SCROLL OVER THE YOUTH TAB AND CLICK ON THE YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS TAB.

The $4,000 scholarship -- $1,000 annually, renewable for up to four years -- is named after Priscilla Zonneville, the first president of the NYS USBC and NYS Hall of Famer, who passed away on Sept. 6, 2016.

Six other graduating senior scholar-athletes will be receiving scholarships from the state bowling association as a result of judging by the NYS USBC Youth Education Services committee.

They are:

-- Tristan Turner, Schuylerville, $3,000 ($750 renewable annually for up to four years)

-- Christina Aldridge, Webster, $2,000 ($500 renewable annually for up to four years)

-- Nicholas Nawrocki, Lewiston, $1,000.

-- Christopher Wollschleger, Bloomfield, $1,000.

-- Michael Mirabile, Coram, $1,000.

-- Cassandra Bowman, Waverly, $1,000.

The NYS Youth Leaders contribute $1,000 to these scholarships

2018 Spirit Award Scholarship Winners:

1. $750 - Skyler Schrlau, Wellsville, Region 3, 11th Grade
2. $500 - Corinne Saluste, Batavia, Region 2, 11th Grade
3. $250 - Joseph Yang, Rye, Region 9, 11th Grade

2018 Future Star Scholarship Winners:

1. $250 - Sarah Doud, Henrietta, Region 2, 1st Grade
2. $200 - Zachary Whittaker, Kingston, Region 8, 6th Grade
3. $150 - Rebecca Wells, Connely, Region 8, 4th Grade
4. $100 - Jesse Taccone, Spencerport, Region 2, 5th Grade
5. $ 50 - Brayden Masclee, Fairport, Region 2, 5th Grade

All scholarship recipients will be receiving a congratulatory letter from NYS USBC President Roger Buckman.

2019 Women's Championships
to Take Place in S. Glens Falls;
Open is Heading to Waverly

MARCH 27, 2018 – The NYS USBC has secured its lineup of adult state championship tournaments for the 2018-19 season -- heading to the Adirondack Region for the NYS Women's and Queens and to the Sayre-Athens-Waverly Valley for the NYS Open.

Agreements have been reached with the 42-lane Kingpin's Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls and the 28-lane Saratoga Strike Zone in Saratoga Springs to host the NYS Women's and Queens championships, respectively, and with the 32-lane Valley Bowling Center in Waverly to host the NYS Open in April and May 2019.

Both the Team and Doubles/Singles competition will take place in South Glens Falls (Women) and Waverly (Open).

The dates for the 2019 Women's tournament are April 6-7, 12-14, 26-28, May 3-5, 17-19, and the dates for the 2019 Open tournament are April 12-14, 26-28, May 3-5, 17-19.

The Queens is scheduled for April 13, 2019.

Other NYS USBC 2018-19 adult championships were previously announced.

They are:

Women's Senior Singles – Aug. 17-19, 24-26, 2018, Colonial Lanes, Chester.

Open Senior Doubles & Singles – Oct. 13-14, 20-21, 2018, Sunset Bowl, Waterloo.

Senior Masters – Nov. 3, 2018, Cort Lanes, Cortland.

Masters – March 2, 2019, Dixie Lanes, Elmira.

Bowling center proprietors interested in bidding for 2019-20 NYS USBC tournaments may contact the NYS Bowling Proprietors Association office at nysbpa@aol.com for information.

NYS USBC Now Accepting
Credit/Debit Card Payments

DECEMBER 1, 2017 -- As announced at the 2017 New York State USBC Annual Meeting, the NYS USBC is now able to accept credit card payments for tournament entry fees.

Team captains and individuals bowling in singles and doubles tournaments can pay for their entry using their debit or credit cards.

This option -- which comes with a small service charge -- will be available through the state association office in Batavia or on site (where walk-ins are permitted).

For more details or if you have any questions, call the NYS USBC office at 585-343-3736.