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Batavians purchase Oakfield bowling lanes,
plan significant upgrades throughout
MAY 27, 2023 -- The Oakfield Hotel and Bowling Lanes has new owners.
Batavians Tom Fluker, a Pepsi account executive, and Patrick Wester, owner of A to Z General Contracting, have teamed up to purchase the bar/restaurant and 12-lane bowling center.
The facility had been owned since 2019 by Cory Paris, also a Batavia resident. 
Prior to that, the Scopano family owned the business – known as the Oakfield Hotel and Scopano’s Paradise Lanes -- for more than 50 years.
Speaking by telephone to The Batavian this morning, Fluker (photo at right) indicated the duo has an ambitious plan to increase the entertainment options at the South Pearl Street location.
“We’ve got a lot of ideas. There’s really five aspects to the place,” Fluker said, rattling off the following areas that need to be addressed – rooms for rent, outdoor pavilion, bowling lanes, interior renovation and the bar/restaurant.
He said there are eight one-bedroom apartments, plus a loft and a two-bedroom unit upstairs.
“Over the course of time, we want to keep the loft and the two bedroom and then we want to take the eight apartments and make two or three one-bedroom apartments and have some for office space,” he said. “We’d like to rent out some office space for meetings, or maybe a lawyer or somebody wants to come in.”
Fluker said he and Wester eventually want to utilize the huge outdoor pavilion for summer activities such as horseshoes, volleyball and cornhole.
“The biggest issue is there is such a big walk from outside to go inside to get beer and food or whatever. So, we're going to put some coolers and some grills outside for the players to have quick access to their drinks and for something to eat,” he said.
Bowling has always been a large part of the operation, but there haven’t been any certified leagues there recently. Fluker said that he and Wester aim to rectify that situation.
“We’re going to go through the lanes – pinsetters, scoring and the oil machine – to make sure that things are running the way they need to be to have league bowling,” he noted. “We’re looking at this in three phases, over the next three to four years, with the goal of making it a high-end bowling center.”
He said they are looking at upgrading the scoring, adding flat screens, purchasing glow house balls and installing black lights and specialty lighting for cosmic bowling on the weekends or for birthday parties. Fluker, who served as president of the Genesee Region USBC for several years, said he also wants to restore the youth bowling program in Oakfield.
Once up and running, the lanes will be called Strike Force Lanes, he said.
As far as the bar and restaurant are concerned, Fluker said they are looking at a train theme, tipping their cap to the history of the railroad that ran near to the building.
“If I’m looking at the picture correctly, the railroad ran about 40 to 50 feet away from the building, and I think across the road, kind of diagonally, was the West Shore (Railroad) depot,” he offered. “I’ve been getting some West Shore memorabilia and will also incorporate some old pictures from the Oakfield Hotel from back in the day. And, for sure, we’ll be adding some lighting and getting rid of the taxidermy that has been there forever.:”
Fluker said the kitchen will be remodeled to increase efficiency and TVs will be added in the restaurant area, which eventually will take on a sports theme. The partners also are looking to add about 20 arcade games, separate from the bar area, and will keep the big room off of the bar for extra seating and for larger gatherings.
“We’re going to get in there in July and take a look at the situation,” he said. “Get into the walls and ceiling to see what’s going on. Obviously, we’re going to take a look at the roof over the bowling lanes. If you don’t have a (solid) roof, you don’t have bowling. Plus, we're going to make it handicapped accessible."
The business is currently closed.
-- By Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC Association Manager
Mount Morris youth places second at NYS tournament
MAY 26, 2023 -- Dominic LaPiana of Mount Morris averaged 217 for seven games on Saturday en route to a second-place finish in the New York State Scholarship Tournament at Doug Kent's Rose Bowl Lanes in Newark.
The 14-year-old right-hander was the No. 1 qualifier in the Boys Grades 9 & Above Division with a 1,506 score with handicap for six games. His scratch games were 201-240-235-205-195-232.
In the stepladder finals, LaPiana tied with Kaiden Bailey of Boonville Lanes, 245-245, but fell short in the ninth and 10th frame roll-off. Still, he earned a $400 scholarship for his efforts.
ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS: First-place winners at the Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament this year were recognized during the GRUSBC Annual Banquet. From from left, Roe Smith and Missy Potter, women's doubles; back, Andy Martin, Kristin Clement, Polly Nothnage, Jeff Nothnagle, open team; Cory Werner and Steve Werner, open doubles. Jeff Nothnagle also won the open all-events.
Le Roy, Mount Morris, Medina bowlers
win $500 each in Annual Banquet drawing
MAY 23, 2023 -- Bowlers in leagues at Le Roy Legion Lanes, Mount Morris Lanes and Medina Lanes were the lucky winners of $500 each on Saturday night at the Genesee Region USBC Annual Banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming.
Kevin Wallace of Stafford, a member of the Le Roy Moose League; Jason Jennings of Le Roy, a member of the Monday Night Early League at Mount Morris Lanes, and Jared
Zinkievich of Medina, a member of the Wednesday Community League at Medina Lanes, had their tickets drawn at the close of the banquet.
The event was highlighted by comments from guest speaker Patric Donaghue of Rochester, a former Batavian who will be inducted into the New York State Bowling Hall of Fame next month. Donaghue has excelled in both the Senior Professional Bowlers Association -- cashing in multiple events -- and at the USBC Championships, where he has a 200-plus average in more than 20 years of competition on the challenging oil patterns.
The Grand Prize drawing consists of entries compiled during the season by league bowlers who participate in the association's awards program. More than 8,000 entries were in the selection bin.
Four bowlers won $25 each. They were Dennis Van Duser of Perry, Paul Spiotta of Batavia, William Yates of Churchville and Zachary Farruggia of Mount Morris.
GRUSBC Vice President Jerry Davis was re-elected for another three-year term, as were directors Gary Gilman and Alishia Foss. Dennis Maid of Byron was elected to fill one of the two vacant director positions.
Association Tournament champions and seasonal leaders were recognized with the presentation of plaques.
Tom Fluker of Batavia updated the 51 in attendance of his plans to purchase Paris Lanes in Oakfield. Fluker and partner, Pat Wester, have bought the 12-lane center, along with the Oakfield Hotel restaurant, and will be renaming the facility Strike Force Lanes.
GRUSBC President Gary Kuchler has announced that the league secretary meetings for the 2023-24 season will take place on Aug. 15 at T.F. Brown's in Batavia and Aug. 17 at Mount Morris Lanes, both at 6:30 p.m.
Photo at right: Ben Sputore, a member of the Turnbull Heating Junior Program at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, had the association high average (183) and high series (645) for boys in youth programs.
STATE TOURNAMENT WINNERS: Gavin Slocum of Perry, left, and Dominic LaPiana of Mount Morris excelled in a pair of New York State youth tournaments recently. Slocum earned a scholarship (amount to be determined) in the NYS Youth Pepsi regional event at AMF Fairview Lanes, rolling 412 scratch in the Boys U10 division. LaPiana earned a trip to the NYS Youth Scholarship Tournament finals on May 20 at Doug Kent Rose Bowl Lanes by qualifying in the Boys Handicap Grades 9 & Above at the regional tournament at ABC Gates Bowl.
YOUTH TRAVEL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: The Perry Bowling Center 2 team captured the Genesee Region Youth Travel League title this season. From left, with trophies that were presented at the league luncheon on Sunday (April 16), are, from left, Hunter Clark, Dillin Goulet and Shyann Covell. Covell also won the handicap no-tap tournament at Mount Morris Lanes with an 831 series. Dan Neus of Mount Morris was second with 799, Clark third with 768, Liam Beagle of Le Roy fourth with 758 and Brett George of Mount Morris fifth with 741. All won scholarships.
YOUTH TRAVEL LEAGUE LEADERS: Individual leaders in the league are, from left, Gianna LaPiana of Mount Morris Lanes, girls high handicap series, 646; Anthony Cuozzo, Mount Morris Lanes, boys high handicap series, 706; Ben Sputore of Mancuso Bowling Center, boys high scratch game, 279; high scratch series, 639, and high average, 193; and Shyann Covell, girls high handicap game, 259. Carter Armijo of Mancuso Bowling Center had the boys high handicap game, 270; while Allie Faryna of Perry Bowling Center had the girls high scratch game, 200; high scratch series, 542, and high average, 160.
Nothnagle, Perry teams capture titles
in GRUSBC Association Tournament
UPDATE -- APRIL 17
Results of the 16th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament are official, with the Nothnagle Drilling team winning the Open Division and the Perry Girls team taking the Women's Division.
The tournament took place on March 24-26, 31-April 2 at Perry Bowling Center (Team event) and Mount Morris Lanes (Doubles & Singles events).
Division champions are as follows:
Open Team -- Nothnagle Drilling, Le Roy Legion Lanes, $1,000. Team members are Kristin Clements, Jeff Nothnagle, Andrew Martin and Polly Nothnagle.
Women's Team -- Perry Girls, Perry Bowling Center, $360. Team members are Montana Bzduch, Joann Van Duser, Katy Bzduch and Rachel Huntz.
Open Doubles -- Steve and Cory Werner, Perry Bowling Center, $400.
Women's Doubles -- Roe Smith and Missy Potter, Mount Morris Lanes, $300.
Open Singles -- Matthew Hurlburt, Perry Bowling Center, $300.
Women's Singles -- Barbara Casavant, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion, $200.
Open All-Events -- Jeff Nothnagle, Le Roy Legion Lanes, $120.
Women's All-Events -- Traci Spanitz, Le Roy Legion Lanes, $80.
Highlights included 300 games by Ed Toscano and Matt Hurlburt, both in Singles competition, and a 290 game by Scott Gibson in Doubles.
CLICK HERE for official standings.
CLICK HERE for the prize list.
Prize checks have been distributed to proprietors at Perry, Mount Morris Lanes and Oak Orchard Bowl for their bowlers and some are being mailed to cashers.
Polly Nothnagle won the 14-pound MOTIV Venom Shock and Mark Washburn won the 15-pound MOTIV Venom Shock.
Burger, Cobb duo claims top spot at No-Tap Doubles
FEBRUARY 20, 2023 -- Sixty-nine teams -- three short of a full house -- competed in the 3rd Genesee Region USBC No-Tap Doubles Tournament over the weekend at Letchworth Pins in Portageville.
At the end of it all, after three squads on Saturday and three on Sunday, the duo of Tina Burger and Rodney Cobb of Bliss took home the top prize of $720 with a combined effort of 1,624 with handicap.
Results are unofficial pending average verifications.
Cobb rolled an 843 series, including a 300 game, while Burger added 595 on the final squad yesterday. This, plus their 186 pins handicap, pushed them to the lead past the teams of Volkert Whiting/Tom Irwin Jr. and Jordan Gelser/Mark Washburn, who each posted 1,618. They will split the second and third place money of $360 and $240.
Also cashing were as follows:
$200 -- Matt Nolan-Paul Baney 1611.
$180 -- Jeff Nothnagle-Andy Martin 1592
$170 -- Barb Casavant-Breanna Seever 1584.
$160 -- Dave Duboy-Mike Bramer 1583.
$150 -- John Wolff-Bill Neubert 1582.
$140 -- Gary Kuchler-Rob Manners 1575.
$130 -- Brandon Luce-Haley Luce 1569.
$110 -- Matthew Lowin-Rodney Green 1563, Samantha Hyde-Mickey Hyde 1535, Shawn Hurlburt-Darren Morgan 1534.
$100 -- Kelly Klump-Jeff Barber 1532, Scott Gibson-Bob Cassidy 1532, Roe Smith-Pat Smith 1528, Cordell Fanton-Troy Fanton 1524.
Perry teams dominate Youth Team tournament
FEBRUARY 7, 2023 -- The Perry Bowling Center team of Mason Herman, Gavin Slocum and Allie Faryna took first place Sunday in the Genesee Region Youth Team Tournament at their hometown center.
The trio combined for 1,905 with handicap to win the top prize of $100 scholarships and trophies each.
Faryna and Slocum teamed with Dillin Goulet to place second at 1,841, while another Perry team, Shyann Covell, Goulet and Hunter Clark placed third at 1,830.
Eleven teams participated in the tournament.
LaPiana, Klein/Prevost teams place first
in GRUSBC Adult-Junior Tournament
JANUARY 17, 2023 -- Bowlers from Mount Morris Lanes and Le Roy Legion Lanes took top honors at the Genesee Region USBC Adult-Junior Doubles Tournament on Sunday at Medina Lanes.
In the 12-and-Under Division, Gianna LaPiana and her father, Chad LaPiana, Mount Morris residents, placed first with a 1,392 score with handicap -- earning Gianna a $250 scholarship and a trophy.
In the 13-and-Over Division, LeRoyans Hudson Klein and Trey Prevost combined for a 1,336 score wilh handicap to place first -- earning Hudson a $250 scholarship and a trophy.
Thirty-three teams participated in the tournament -- 14 in the 12-and-Under Division and 19 in the 13-and-Over Division.
Scholarship winners are as follows:
12 & Under (14 entries)
1 – Gianna LaPiana/Chad LaPiana, 1,392 -- $250 scholarship plus trophy for Gianna
2 – Madeline Bourg/Matt Bourg, 1,341 -- $125 scholarship
3 – Gavin Slocum/Matt Slocum, 1,312 -- $70 scholarship
4 – Emily Maloy/Karen Allis, 1,300 -- $35 scholarship
13 & Over (19 entries)
1 – Hudson Klein/Trey Prevost, 1,336 -- $250 scholarship plus trophy for Hudson
2 – Dominic LaPiana/Chad LaPiana, 1,326 -- $125 scholarship plus trophy for Dominic
3 – Shyann Covell/Richard Covell, 1,319 -- $70 scholarship
4 – Sarah Wilson/Jeff Wilson, 1,310 -- $50 scholarship
5 – Kyle Brett/Reid Cole, 1,308 -- $35 scholarship
6 – Trea Nickerson/Rick Pernicone, 1,308 -- $35 scholarship
Scott Culp captures 4th Scratch Memorial crown
JANUARY 9, 2023 -- Scott Culp of Honeoye Falls successfully climbed the stepladder finals consisting of five former champions to claim the 69th Genesee Region USBC Scratch Memorial Tournament title on Sunday at Mancuso Bowling Center.
The high-revving 44-year-old right-hander, who won the event in 2017, 2018 and 2020, saved his best for last -- rolling a 279 game to defeat Matt Slocum of Perry, who posted 204. Slocum won the tournament in 2007.
The victory was worth $700 for Culp, who has been one of the area's finest league and tournament bowlers for the past two decades. Slocum, who has returned to action this season after suffering a collapsed bicep muscle in his right arm, earned $350.
CLICK HERE for the complete tournament scores.
Culp, qualified in the fourth position for the stepladder finals, and proceeded to defeat Jake Rosenbeck of Medina, 198-190; No. 3 seed Adam Philp of Le Roy, 222-195, and No. 2 seed Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw, 245-180, before facing Slocum.
Culp said he didn't think he'd get past the first game of the stepladder finals due to a sore arm.
"My arm started bothering me in the first match, so I backed off a bit -- (releasing it) easier at the bottom," he said. "Bowling on the same pair for the finals, I was able to get lined up and that made it tough for the guys coming in."
He said he used the Storm IQ Tour for most of the tournament -- ending with that ball and the Roto Grip Hyper Solid Pearl in the title match.
Slocum, another powerful righty, said he was happy to be in top form after suffering the injury in the same tournament last year.
"I was able to line up in practice and used the same ball throughout -- the Roto Grip Hectic. Slocum posted a 933 score for the four-game semifinals, edging Gray Jr. by 13 pins for the top seed.
Gray Jr., the 2016 and 2019 champion, won $240, while Philp, who won in 2011, earned $200, and Rosenbeck, the 2021 champion, pocketted $180.
Gray earned an additional $25 for being the overall high qualifier with 1,000 for his four games. Rosenbeck fired 277 in his fourth semifinal game to jump into the finals.
The tournament -- which was contested on a special "Challenge" oil pattern designed by Kegel -- drew 74 entrants over three qualifying squads (two on Saturday and one on Sunday morning). The GRUSBC added $300 to the prize fund.
The top 17 bowlers after qualifying bowled four more games on Sunday afternoon to determine the five finalists.
Medina's Curtis Foss placed sixth, Batavia's Mike Pettinella was seventh and Le Roy's John Lowe was eighth. All won $160.
In ninth through 12th place, each earning $135, were Dave DiSalvo of Mount Morris, Brian Green of Batavia, Aaron Philp of Le Roy and defending champion Devon Leach of Batavia.
In 13th through 17th place were Nick Johnson of Bergen, Hayden Allis of Medina, Dennis Van Duser of Perry, Brady Weber of Perry and Jim Pursel of Batavia. They each won $120.
Aaron Philp had the tournament's high game -- his first USBC-certified 300 game during the opening qualifying round.
SCRATCH MEMORIAL FINALISTS: From left, tournament finalists Matt Slocum, Kevin Gray Jr., Adam Philp, Scott Culp and Jake Rosenbeck.
Youth Doubles Tournament Results
DECEMBER 6, 2022 -- Twenty-four teams competed in the Genesee Region USBC Youth Doubles Tournament over the weekend at Le Roy Legion Lanes.
The results are as follows:
A DIVISION (250 AND OVER)
1 – Zach Abel/Kyle Brett, Oak Orchard, 1,351 -- $100 scholarships and trophies each
2 – Conner Herdlein/Ben Sputore, Mancuso’s, 1,279 – $25 scholarships and trophies each
3 – Shyann Covell/Allie Faryna, Perry, 1,273 – trophies each
4 – Juliana Allis, Oak Orchard/Ben Sputore, Mancuso’s, 1,261
5 – Kyle Brett/Juliana Allis, Oak Orchard, 1,245
6 – Jeremiah Roberts/Wyatt Willett, Mount Morris, 1,241
7 – Carter Armijo, Mancuso’s/Gavin Slocum, Perry, 1,234
8 – Omer Fugate/Kyle Brett, Oak Orchard, 1,230
9 – Andrew Pocock/Hudson Klein, Le Roy, 1,227
10 – Gianna LaPiana/Brett George, Mount Morris, 1,218
11 – Trent Willis/Mason Santini, Mount Morris, 1,202
12 – Omer Fugate/Juliana Allis, Oak Orchard, 1,195
13 – Logan Callard/Juliana Allis, Oak Orchard, 1,180
14 – Ethan Clarke/Anthony Cuozzo, Mount Morris, 1,174
B DIVISION (249 AND UNDER)
1 – Olivia Herman/Allie Faryna, Perry, 1,356 -- $100 scholarships and trophies each
2 – Sarah Wilson/Jeffrey Wilson, Mount Morris, 1,294 – $25 scholarships and trophies each
3 – Mason Semmel-Fuller/Anthony Cuozzo, Mount Morris, 1,287 – trophies each
4 – Zach Abel/Logan Callard, Oak Orchard, 1,256
5 – Jacob Salamone/Jackson Bennett, Mount Morris, 1,253
6 – Gavin Slocum/Olivia Herman, Perry, 1,220
7 – Jaramia Keane/Dominic Leone, Mount Morris, 1,163
8 – Karter Fanara/Liam Rice, Mount Morris, 1,128
9 – Jacey Wagner/Emily Maloy, Mancuso’s, 1,110
10 – Dillon Goulet/Hunter Clark, Perry, 1,072
SENIOR MASTERY: From left, Tournament director Paul Spiotta, Roger Allis, Bob Santini.
Roger Allis wins Senior Masters; Santini 2nd, Shields 3rd
NOVEMBER 28, 2022 -- Roger Allis of Medina broke into the tournament bowling winner’s circle for the first time by capturing the 17th annual Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters on Saturday at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
The 60-year-old right-hander defeated Scott Shields of Batavia, 279-247, and Bob Santini of Mount Morris, 224-192, in the three-person stepladder final round to claim the $325 top prize. He also earned a free entry into the GRUSBC Scratch Memorial Tournament on Jan. 7-8 at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.
Allis rolled a 683 series in the three-game qualifying round – taking the 11th spot out of the 12 bowlers who advanced – and followed that with 440 in the two-game second round and 225 in the semifinals to make it to the finals. He averaged 231 for his eight games.
Santini, who registered 701 in the qualifying round, 440 in the second round and 268 in the semis, earned $200 for placing second while Shields pocketed $150 for placing third. Shields rolled 690 in qualifying, 406 in the second round and 204 in the semis to advance.
Batavian Mike Pettinella placed fourth – averaging a tournament-high 241 for six games, including 724 in the qualifying round and 520 in the second round. His 203 in the third round fell a pin short of tying Shields for the third and final spot.
Also reaching the semis were Dean Cadieux Jr. of Oakfield and John Beadle of Albion, who placed fifth and sixth, respectively. They and Pettinella won $100 apiece. Beadle was the high qualifier at 733 and Cadieux was second at 729. They averaged 227 and 229, respectively.
Other cashers ($70 each) were Brian Weber of Perry, Bill Logan of Albion, Rick Pernicone of Dansville, Paul Spiotta of Batavia, Fred Gravanda of Batavia and Reid Cole of Albion. Pernicone, Logan and Weber all broke the 700 mark in the qualifying round.
The tournament drew 45 entries -- 28 in the 50-59 age group, 13 in the 60-69 age group and four in the 70-and-over age group.
Nine in the money at Gladys Ford Senior event
NOVEMBER 11, 2022 -- Nine bowlers cashed at the Gladys Ford Senior Women's tournament last weekend at Le Roy Legion Lanes.
Prize winners and their earnings are as follows:
Class AA (75 and over) -- Jeanne Rosa, Perry, $150; Bee Sank, Mount Morris, and Grace Bogle, Perry, tie for second, $50 each.
Class A (70-74) -- Marcia Zambito, Albion, $85.
Class B (65-69) -- Marian Gerhardy, Albion, $90; Arlene Underhill, Batavia, $50.
Class C (60-64) -- Chris Bovee, Dansvile3, $130; Cathi Fournier, Dansville, $80.
Class D (55-59) -- Sue Boring, Albion, $85.
Checks will be mailed out this weekend.
SEVENTH HEAVEN: Curtis Foss, left, is congratulated by GRUSBC Association Manager Mike Pettinella upon winning his seventh Masters' title Sunday afternoon. Pettinella placed second in the eight-bowler finals.
Curtis Foss wins 7th Masters crown; Pettinella 2nd
OCTOBER 24, 2022 -- The 60th and final edition of the Genesee Region USBC (and former Batavia) Masters Tournament was written over the weekend and, once again, Curtis Foss of Medina was the headliner.
The 35-year-old right-hander captured his unprecedented seventh Masters’ crown Sunday at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen by winning six of eight matches and averaging 218 on a challenging oil pattern in the eight-bowler Peterson Point match play final round.
Foss amassed 409 Peterson Points. Under that system, 30 points are awarded for winning a match and points added or subtracted for each game score in relation to 200.
CLICK HERE for final round summary.
In claiming the $300 first prize, Foss became only the second bowler in Masters’ history to win three consecutive tournaments (2019, 2021 and 2022). The event did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tony Martino of Batavia won the Masters’ three straight years from 1974-76.
Foss’ previous titles came in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015.
The top-seeded Foss actually started slowly, losing 229-175 to Perry’s Brady Weber in the opening match, before putting together three straight victories with games of 237, 204 and 277 to move into first place.
From there, he held that spot by winning three of his last four matches.
Genesee Region USBC Hall of Famer Mike Pettinella of Batavia finished in second place, posting seven games of 200 or better – highlighted by a 259 in a game five win over Mark Brown of Attica, another GRUSBC Hall of Famer.
Pettinella, 67, averaged 215 in the finals – splitting his eight matches and totaling 288 Peterson Points. He and Foss had a close battle in game two, with Foss prevailing, 237-235, by striking on his first ball in the 10th frame.
Foss, a Professional Bowlers Tour member who has 60 perfect games and 49 800 series to his credit, called his victory “an incredible achievement and one that I work for day in and day out each year.”
“It has always been my favorite tournament,” he said. “It means a lot to me, sharing it in winning with my dad (the late Robert Foss Jr., who won the event in 2012).”
A user of Storm bowling balls, Foss maps out and drills his own equipment at a pro shop he has set up at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
“I am truly thankful for the support I get from my best friend, Brittany; my mom, Susan; the Hanks family; my grandma, Cathy, and friend, Melissa,” he said. “And, of course, all the love from my dad and (late) grandparents, Darrell and Millie. This is dedicated to them all.”
Rick Pernicone II of Dansville finished in third place, winning six matches while averaging 200 for 213 Peterson Points.
He was followed by Jake Rosenbeck of Medina (4-4, 206 average, 208 points); Weber (4-4, 199 average, 172 points); two-time Masters’ champ Tom Rohl of Le Roy (4-4, 191 average, 69 points); Brown (3-5, 187 average); Derek Leach of Batavia (1-7, 165 average).
The GRUSBC contributed $450 from the Masters Tournament fund to the prize list but will be dropping the tournament from its lineup due to a decline in entries over the past few years. This year’s event had 22 entries.
Three Inducted into GRUSBC Hall of Fame
TRIO ENSHRINED: From left, Tim Fonte of Dansville, William VanAlst of Stafford and Tom Fluker of Batavia were inducted into the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame on Saturday night at the association's Annual Banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming. Watch for a story on Monday.
Alexis Patterson is 2022 Scholarship Recipient
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE: GRUSBC President Mike Johnson congratulates Alexis Patterson of Dansville, a member of the youth bowling program at Mount Morris Lanes and president of the Genesee Region Youth Travel League, as this year's recipient of the Barbara Kreiley Memorial Scholarship Award. Alexis will receive $750 toward her college expenses as she enrolls in the Physician's Assistant curriculum at Canisius College.
MAY16, 2022 -- The three men who were inducted into the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame on Saturday night shared a common theme – “giving back to the sport that has given them so much” over the years.
Tom Fluker of Batavia and William VanAlst of Stafford, both in the Meritorious Service category, and Tim Fonte of Dansville, in the Achievement Veteran category, were enshrined at the local bowling association’s annual banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming.
Ninety-six people attended the event, which also included the presentation of the Barbara J. Kreiley Scholarship Award to Alexis Patterson of Dansville, a standout youth bowler at Mount Morris Lanes who will be attending Canisius College in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
Fluker, 51, served on the GRUSBC board for 12 years, including six as president. He was instrumental in promoting youth bowling, establishing the Genesee Region Youth Travel League and developing the association’s generous awards program. He also is a United States Bowling Congress Level I bowling instructor and traveled around the Northeast to conduct clinics for those wanting to teach the sport to kids.
About 40 of his former youth bowlers, their parents, family and friends on hand to celebrate his induction, Fluker thanked all of them and congratulated the members of the teams that advanced to the New York State Youth Team Championships on two occasions.
A Pepsi-Cola sales executive, Fluker said he “his competitive spirit” drives him to be the best he can be in all walks of life. An accomplished bowler with 11 perfect games, he said he got more satisfaction from watching his youth bowlers thrive.
“I sacrificed going to many tournaments because I was coaching,” he said. “And to me that was priority one. The kids knew Saturday morning was their time … and I got more enjoyment out of their success than mine.”
He said he encouraged his youth bowlers to put in the practice time to improve.
“I wanted to give them every opportunity to succeed, letting them know that today is the day to seize it because they might not have it tomorrow,” said Fluker, who was nominated and presented by Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC association manager.
VanAlst, 71, has been a fixture at Le Roy Legion Lanes for the past 48 years as a member and current secretary-treasurer of the Tuesday Night League and previously as coordinator of the youth bowling program and Le Roy Junior Travel League. He also served as secretary-treasurer of the former Genesee Valley Youth American Bowling Alliance that included nine bowling centers.
In his speech, he said he never has shied away from helping out when needed, but still didn’t imagine he would be involved in the same league for nearly 50 years.
He joked that Don Laurie “railroaded me into that spot (secretary) in 1977 and I’m still here today … and once you get elected to it, it’s pretty hard to get out unless you leave the area or pass away. Fortunately, I haven’t done either.”
VanAlst, a partner in a Rochester engineering firm for the past 49 years, thanked all of his fellow bowlers and his wife, Karen, who provided much assistance in compiling the scores and keeping the standings from the youth programs. He said they both got involved when their sons, Scott and Matt, were little.
“I wanted them to learn how to bowl correctly, how to keep score and how to play as a team member,” he said. “Bowling is a sport that you can enjoy year round and you can enjoy for your entire life. And it's good to know the proper way to do that.”
VanAlst was nominated by GRUSBC Director AJ Allenbrandt and presented by his son, Scott VanAlst, who shared that his father’s legacy is one of “dedication, commitment, loyalty, caring and kindness.”
Fonte has been an association member for 47 years – averaging over 190 consistently in the era before high scores and over 200 for nine of the past 10 seasons. He rolled a 300 game in 1997 and an 806 series in December of 2021 at the age of 73. His tournament victories include the Lilac City in Rochester and Wild Irish Rose in Canandaigua, and he placed second in the GRUSBC Senior Masters in 2019.
He also worked at the pro shop at Mount Morris Lanes for 25 years, serving as manager from 1994-2003, and coached youth bowlers there for 15 years.
A Vietnam veteran, Fonte said he started bowling and working at Panorama Lanes in Rochester, remembering the day he found a fingertip ball on the rack that proprietor Marcel Fournier said that he could have.
“That started by career,” he said, stopping to thank the Hall of Fame committee for inducting him and “Jesus Christ, my Savior, who made all of this possible.”
Fonte said he underwent 10 major surgeries after returning home from Vietnam, and found “that the only sport I could do was to bowl.” He then found his way to Mount Morris Lanes, where he joined a league and eventually learned how to drill bowling balls at the pro shop there.
He was nominated by GRUSBC Director Karen Bonner and presented by his son, Kris, who called his father and bowling teammate his “hero.”
Ray DiSanto Sr. of Rochester, a Batavia native and member of five bowling and sports halls of fame, was the keynote speaker.
DiSanto, 92, spoke about his numerous bowling tournament achievements – he averaged 200 at the age of 14 – and his career as a respected bowling coach and longtime owner of Bowlers World Pro Shop in Henrietta.
He also offered some tips to today’s bowlers, noting that creating ball speed is essential to achieving high scores with the technologically-advanced bowling balls.
In the modern game, he said, bowlers need to learn to be “late at the line to create more power and more ball speed.”
“The weight of the ball is not as important as it was years ago, when 16 pounds was the norm,” he said. “Today, 15s, 14s and even 12-pounders. So, if you think the ball is too heavy and you’re rolling it too slow, don’t be afraid to go down in weight. These balls are extremely powerful.”
Re-elected to three-year terms on the GRUSBC Board of Directors were Karen Bonner, sergeant-at-arms; and Frank Jarkiewicz, Joann Van Duser, John Wood and Gary Kuchler.
Champions of the GRUSBC Association Tournament also were recognized with plaques, as follows:
Open Team -- Jason Quilliam, AJ Allenbrandt, Michael Lambert, Mike Johnson, 3,061;
Women’s Team -- Montana Bzduch, Joann Van Duser, Rachel Huntz, Katy Bzduch, 2,339;
Open Doubles -- Geoff Harloff and Ed Doody, 1,504;
Women’s Doubles -- Christine Bovee and Karen Henry, 1,276;
Open Singles – Ricky Daniels, 838;
Women’s Singles -- Donna Wolff, 690;
Open All-Events -- Brian Cline, 2,295;
Women’s All-Events -- Donna Wolff, 1,997.
Seasonal league leaders received plaques, as follows:
High Series, Men – Brian Cline, 847; High Average, Men – Curtis Foss, 240.
High Game, Women – VJ Frew, 300; High Series, Women – Amy Allis, 735; High Average, Women – Amy Allis, 203.
High Game, Boys – Dominic LaPiana, 268; High Series, Boys -- Gavin Baney, 690; High Average, Boys -- Ryleigh Culver, 197.
High Game, Girls -- Alexis Patterson, 231; High Series, Girls -- Juliana Allis, 613; High Average, Girls -- Gracelin Mahnke, 175.
Winners of the annual grand prize drawing were David Lohmer of Canaseraga, Jason Quilliam of Batavia and Robert Nolan of Albion, $500 each, and Rick Pernicone of Dansville, Chris Huntz of Castile, Eric Sickles of Perry and Roger Allis of Medina, $25 each.
Livingston Lanes Switching to String Pinsetters
January 27, 2022
Livingston Lanes in Geneseo is replacing its conventional AMF pinsetters with string pinsetters. Mike Pettinella was given access to the "back of the house" by bowling center employee John LaGeorge and posted this short video.
Click here for a story by Mike Pettinella on The Batavian.
GRUSBC Revises Hall of Fame Nomination Forms
DECEMBER 17, 2021 -- Do you have someone in mind to nominate for the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame? You can do so by filling out one of the forms below and submitting it to an association director or mailing it to Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC Association Manager, 55 Edgewood Drive, Batavia, NY 14020.
CLICK HERE for Achievement nomination form.
CLICK HERE for Meritorious Service nomination form.
VJ Frew reacts after rolling a 300 game on Saturday (Nov. 20) at Mount Morris Lanes. Submitted photo.
VJ Frew Rolls 300 Game at Mount Morris Lanes!
NOVEMBER 24, 2021 -- Piffard resident Venitha "V.J." Frew became just the second woman to reach perfection at Mount Morris Lanes when she recorded a 300 game on lanes 5-6 last Saturday in the Saturday Night Mixed League.
The 46-year-old right-hander, who works as the meat and produce team leader at the Geneseo Walmart, put 12 consecutive strikes together in game three of her series, that didn't start off so well with games of 156 and 113. A 170-average bowler, Frew has averaged close to 200 in the past and listed a 288 as her previous high game.
Formerly V.J. Ellis, she bowls on a team with her husband, George (they were married on Sept. 25 of this year), and Sam and Ashley Repass. Ashley is George's daughter.
Ironically, they were bowling against a team that included V.J.'s daughter, Courtney McDaniel.
After the 113 game that saw her leave seven splits, Frew said she decided for a change of pace by passing the time on her cell phone with her sister and other children to conduct their annual Christmas draw.
"The only changes I made is I just relaxed," she said. "And the funny thing is (which helped her during the third game) I was distracted. My sister, who lives an hour away, had come over that night to the bowling alley. Since we all always do a family Christmas draw, we got my phone and her phone and another phone and kind of like video-chatted all of our children. And we sat there drawing names out for the Christmas draw."
She said she just got up to bowl, set her feet, looked at her mark and let the ball go.
"I didn’t even pay attention. I actually thought I had had a spare in the first or second frame. So, I didn't even know how many strikes I had in a row. After I threw the first strike in the 10th frame on lane 6, I heard my husband in the background cheering. I said, 'Oh, cool' and looked up at the screen and thought, 'Oh my goodness.'"
That's when the nerves set in, she said.
"I started trembling very badly. And I got up there and I apparently rushed myself, although I didn't feel that I did," she said.
It was then that another bowler, Jamie Watson, got up and made his delivery in attempt to slow Frew down a bit.
After the 11th strike, she said all she thought about was keeping the ball out of the channel.
"All I kept saying is do not pitch it in the gutter, do not pitch it in the gutter," she said. "So, I let it go and it was a good ball. And I knew even if I only got nine or eight pins, I was going to be more than satisfied because my high game before that was 288."
Frew said she was fortunate in that three of her deliveries crossed over to the Brooklyn side but her 15-pound Roto Grip UFO knocked down all the pins each time.
The previous 300 game at Mount Morris Lanes was rolled by Amanda Coniglio of Mount Morris on Feb. 23, 2015.
Frew said she is opting for the ring from the USBC, personalized with her initials and Mount Morris Lanes, New York on it. She also will receive a plaque from the Genesee Region USBC.
In Memoriam - Dennis C. Englert
SEPT. 25, 2021 -- Dennis C. Englert, who was elected to the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame in 2018, died on Tuesday, Sept, 21 at the age of 69. He was the manager at Letchworth Pines in Portageville for 20 years.
He is survived by his wife, Eunice (Perry) Englert whom he married December 14, 1968, and sons, Andrew (wife Jody) of Lima and Michael of Nunda; Granddaughter Riley Englert of Lima, Step-Grandson Tyler (Katie) Coleman of Retsof. Step Granddaughter Autumn Coleman of Lima. Step Great Grandsons Myles and Wesley Coleman.
Contributions in Dennis's memory may be made to Nunda Ambulance (P.O. Box 652) or Keshequa School Bus Drivers Scholarship Fund.
GRUSBC Caps Season by Inducting Three into HOF,
Recognizing Rich Wagner for His 300-300-299--899
Hall of Famers: From left, Matt Balduf, Mark Brown and Brian Weber.
Guest speaker Tommy Kress with Rich and Jennifer Wagner.
MAY 9, 2021 -- The Genesee Region USBC on Saturday night celebrated the completion of a successful 2020-21 league and tournament season by inducting Brian Weber of Perry, Matt Balduf of South Byron and Mark Brown of Attica into the Hall of Fame and honoring Batavian Rich Wagner for his remarkable 899 series.
About 80 association members and guests attended the GRUSBC annual awards banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming. Tommy Kress of Hilton, New York State USBC and Rochester NY USBC Hall of Famer, was the guest speaker.
Weber and Balduf were enshrined in the Achievement Regular category and Brown was inducted into the Meritorious Service category.
Weber thanked former Perry Bowling Center owner Bill Beachner and current owners Brett and Joann Van Duser for supporting him on the lanes, which enabled him to win numerous association tournaments and events throughout Western New York. He has recorded more than 20 perfect games and two 800 series, posting honor scores in six different GRUSBC bowling centers.
Balduf thanked his wife, Darleen, for giving him the freedom to bowl in tournaments on the weekends, and his teammates, especially Mike Johnson of Batavia, whom he paired with in 2018 to win the association doubles crown. Balduf has 10 300 games, including a perfect game in a PBA Experience League on a demanding “Sport” lane condition. He also has three 800 series, with a high of 836.
Brown thanked his parents, Jerry and Donna Davis, and his wife, Penny, for encouraging and assisting him in running tournaments at local bowling centers, most of them for charitable causes. He credited Frank Formicola of Rochester, a noted tournament promoter, for instilling in him the need to distribute entry forms to area halls in an effort to attract bowlers to his events.
Following the Hall of Fame ceremony, association officials surprised Wagner with a special “shadow box” award recognizing his 300-300-299—899 series on Feb. 11 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center.
Wagner’s wife, Jennifer, shared her thoughts on the accomplishment – noting that the left-hander now has 44 perfect games, with the first one coming at the age of 15.
“We are all so proud of you and are excited to see what else you’re able to achieve,” she said. “Continue to stay humble but also stay hungry.”
Wagner, upon receiving the award from Association President Gary Kuchler, said he couldn’t feel his legs for the final six frames of that eventful night but managed to hit the 1-2 pocket each time – even on the final ball which resulted in the 6-pin standing.
“I played all sports growing up and baseball in college, but I never thought that it would be in bowling where I would be the most nervous,” he said.
Nevertheless, his 899 is the best in the nation thus far this season, which officially ends on July 31.
Other honorees were youth bowlers Haylee Thornley of Batavia and Jayden Neal of Albion, 12th graders who received $750 and $500 scholarships, respectively, from the GRUSBC.
Thornley will be attending Daemen College to study Physical Therapy and Neal will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology to study Robotics & Manufacturing Technology.
Kress shared stories from his illustrious amateur and professional career, which includes a dozen local tournament victories, as many Rochester NY USBC association titles and more than 30 top 24 finishes on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour.
Major accomplishments include a second place finish in the 1985 USBC Masters, highlighted by match play victories over legends Earl Anthony and Pete Weber on television, and leading the qualifying of the 1980 Quaker State Open in Grand Prairie, Texas.
His message was that everyone should follow their dreams and don’t listen to those who say you’re not good enough.
“They said that I wasn’t good enough because I have a short backswing, but I didn’t listen to them,” he said. “I practiced and developed my game, what works for me, and I went into each match with confidence,” he said.
Kress, who is enshrined in the Frontier Field Walk of Fame, continues to excel on the lanes, despite two knee replacements. Two months ago, he rolled a 300 game in the Rochester Senior Masters – giving him perfect games in six consecutive decades.
The GRUSBC also presented plaques to its association tournament winners and season leaders.
Association Tournament
Open Team, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion, Ben Lennox, Matt Baker, Richard Heise, Robbie Hanks; Women’s Team, Brown II, Le Roy, Judy Blaun, Donna Davis, Robin Blaun, Penny Brown.
Open Doubles, Todd Mortellaro and Scott Shields, Batavia; Women’s Doubles, Patricia Gilbertson and Jeanne Rosa, Perry.
Open Singles, Harris Busmire Jr., Bergen; Women’s Singles, Katy Bzduch, Perry.
Open All-Events, Nathan Cordes, Batavia; Women’s All-Events, Rachel Huntz, Perry.
Season Leaders
Adult
High Game, Men – 300, 32 perfect games; High Series, Men, Rich Wagner, 899; High Average, Men, Curtis Foss, Medina, 249; High Game, Women, Amy Allis, Medina, 287; High Series, Women, Diane Hurlburt, Warsaw, 738; High Average, Women, Hurlburt, 201.
Foss’ 249 average is an association record.
Youth
High Game, Boys, Gavin Baney, Albion, 278; High Series, Boys, Ryleigh Culver, Medina, 751; High Average, Boys, Culver, 195; High Game, Girls, Thornley, 257; High Series, Girls, Juliana Allis, Medina, 676; High Average, Girls, Allis, 184.
Grand prize drawing winners for $500 each were Jamie Watson of Leicester, Darleen Balduf of South Byron and Samantha Bacon of Pike. Twenty-five dollars winners were John Kamakaris of Geneseo, Tiffany Jewell of Holley and Mark Brown.
In an election for president, Johnson defeated Kuchler and will begin a three-year term on Aug. 1. Directors Pat Fuller of Medina, Tom Sardou of Bergen and Sharon Willett of Mount Morris were re-elected for another three years.
Scholarship winners Haylee Thornley and Jayden Neal with President Gary Kuchler.
Association Tournament champions, front from left, Patricia Gilbertson and Jeanne Rosa; back, Penny Brown, Donna Davis and Robbie Hanks.
Kuchler presents high average plaque to Curtis Foss.
Batavian Rich Wagner rolls 300-300-299--899
FEBRUARY 12, 2021 -- Entering tonight’s (Feb. 11) league bowling competition, 36 bowlers had registered 900 series – 36 
consecutive strikes over three games – that have been officially recognized by the United States Bowling Congress, the sport’s national governing body.
And if it wasn’t for one stubborn 6-pin on the final delivery of the final game, Batavian Rich Wagner, one of the best bowlers in the Genesee Region USBC over the past 20-plus years, would have added his name to the list.
The 38-year-old left-hander rolled games of 300, 300 and 299 for an 899 series while competing on lanes 23-24 for the Toyota of Batavia team in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center.
“On the last ball (on lane 24 at the 24-lane center), I was thinking just hit the head pin; don’t throw it in the gutter,” Wagner said. “My legs were shaking. I couldn’t feel them. I didn’t want to fall down on the lanes. It was just get it there. I tugged it just a little bit, but it could have gone.”
Wagner said he was grateful to have the opportunity to potentially etch his name into the record book.
“The more I’m thinking here, processing it a bit, I had a chance. I can’t complain,” he said. “I can’t get upset or anything like that.”
He said he used two different balls throughout the night -- a DV8 Turmoil II Solid on lane 23 and a Turmoil II Pearl on lane 24, balls drilled by Brian Green of Striking Effects Pro Shop last year.
“I was swinging 23 a little bit and I was pretty straight up the boards on 24,” he said.
Wagner said every ball was in the 1-2 pocket, some driving the 5-pin into the 10-pin (a “swishing” strike) but most packed solidly in the sweet spot. He said he caught a break in the sixth frame of game three.
“I drifted just a little to the right and hit the pocket a little soft, but a messenger came back (off the side wall) and ripped out the 7-pin,” he said. “Other than that, every shot – minus a few swishers – was just dead on.”
Wagner actually had three perfect games in a row in the league as he finished with a 300 last week in a 751 series on lanes 17-18. Ironically, he tripped a 6-pin on the last ball.
Tonight’s outburst raised his league-leading average to 235, and shattered his previous high series of 812. He now has 43 perfect games.
Mancuso Bowling Center manager Mike Sputore called the feat "the most impressive three-game set I'll ever see."
"It was unbelievable and I'm really glad for Rich as he's just a great guy," he added. "You could see how very humbled he was by it, which says a lot about his character."
A sergeant at Albion Correctional Facility, Wagner said he appreciated the support he received from his teammates – Tom Fluker, Matt Buckley, Leon Hurd and Nathan Cordes – as well as from the other league bowlers.
His team won its match against the Eastown Beverage team of Geoff Harloff, Jim Pursel, AJ Allenbrandt, Mike Johnson and Matt Balduf -- rolling 3,334 scratch with Cordes chipping in with 697. Pursel rolled 697, starting with a 279 game, for Eastown Beverage.
“It didn’t get all quiet. They kept it loud and not making it as nerve-wracking, even though it was,” he said, adding when the messenger took out the 7-pin in the sixth frame, “I didn’t feel my legs the rest of the night.”
One of those who was looking on was Wagner’s wife, Jenn, who bowls with another team in the league.
“I hid behind two people so he wouldn’t see me,” Jenn said. “It was pretty amazing. Afterwards, I told him it didn’t matter whether he got that last strike or not because it was incredible either way. It’s bittersweet, but incredible at the same time.”
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The previous all-time high series in the Genesee Region USBC was an 858 rolled by lefty Brian Cline of Middleport on Jan. 13, 2018, also at Mancuso Bowling Center. His games were 279-279-300.
-- Story by Mike Pettinella, The Batavian.
In Memoriam
Joe Trigilio - GRUSBC Hall of Famer
Aug. 9, 1953-Sept. 1, 2019
CLICK HERE for a List of GRUSBC Services
AWARDS FOR OUR BOWLERS: The Genesee Region USBC is proud of its awards program, which recognizes bowlers of all ages and all skill levels. Secretaries can submit awards to the association office by clicking on the Links tab at the top of this page and filling out the GRUSBC Online Submission Form.
Rule 17a is There to Ensure Fairness in Tournaments
AUGUST 15, 2016 -- When it comes to tournament competition, protecting the integrity of the game is the "name of the game."
The Genesee Region USBC is making a renewed commitment to ensuring that all tournament bowlers get a fair shake. Tournament bowlers can rest assured that all entering averages will be scrutinized -- utilizing the tools available per USBC rules.
One of those is Rule 17a, which governs tournament management's right to adjust averages prior to competition for a variety of reasons when there is information indicating the bowler's entering average does not represent the bowler's ability.
Information that can be used includes, but is not limited to:
• Average bowled on a Sport/Challenge condition but league was not marked as such
• Bowler has multiple league averages which are tremendously higher, all with less than 21 games
• Bowler shows a big decrease in average in consecutive years
• Bowler has had his/her entering average adjusted by another tournament
Did you know USBC Rule 17a-2 allows for disqualification of scores when this information is discovered after the player has bowled? According to Rule 17a, the penalty for violating this rule includes loss of games, prize winnings and disqualification.
Although disqualification may seem extreme, it is a comfort to the other tournament participants to know tournament management is protecting the integrity of the game.
