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SENIOR STANDOUTS: Mike Pettinella, left, and Tom Rohl, first- and second-place bowlers at Saturday’s Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters at Mount Morris Lanes.
Pettinella captures third GRUSBC Senior Masters
NOVEMBER 24, 2024 -- Batavia’s Mike Pettinella became the first three-time champion of the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters Tournament on Saturday, defeating fellow GRUSBC Hall of Famer Tom Rohl of Le Roy, 237-160, in the title match at Mount Morris Lanes.
The victory was worth $360 plus a free entry into next month’s GRUSBC Scratch Memorial Tournament for the 69-year-old right-hander, who also is the oldest competitor to win the event.
Pettinella now has five Senior Masters’ titles – two in the Batavia Bowling Association (2003, 2005) and three in the GRUSBC (2009, 2011, 2024) – along with three second-place finishes.
After starting with 193 and 189 in the three-game qualifying round, it didn’t look like Pettinella, local journalist and bowling columnist, would make it to the next round. It took a 268 third game, including a closing string of seven strikes, to hit a 650 total – just enough for him to advance.
A member of the MOTIV Bowling team, he said a switch to the MOTIV Crimson Jackal to begin the third game of qualifying was a turning point in the tournament.
“That ball gave me enough angle on the back end to carry the corner pins and put some strikes together,” said Pettinella, who had finished in second place the week before in the 60-and-Over Tour event at Mancuso Bowling Center. “I went with that ball in the stepladder finals, which enabled me to stay in the track area between the second and third arrows.”
In the two-game quarterfinals, Pettinella’s 430 was good for the fifth spot – with the top six advancing – and in the one-game semifinals, his 247 tied with Rohl to put him in the three-person stepladder finals along with Rob Manners of Rochester, who posted 234.
Pettinella defeated Manners, a 52-year-old righty, 216-160, before facing the 51-year-old left-hander Rohl for the title.
Rohl, who was looking to join Batavians Paul Spiotta and Fred Gravanda as the only bowlers to win a regular Masters and Senior Masters, earned $250, while Manners pocketed $150.
Bowlers advancing to the semifinals, winning $120 each, were defending champion Rob Gustke of Rochester, Paul Bacon of Lockport and Kevin Gray Sr. of Honeoye Falls.
Gustke led the qualifying round with a sparkling 809 series, highlighted by a 299 third game.
Eight bowlers eliminated in the quarterfinals earned $70 each. They were Don Parrott and Brian Weber of Perry, Pat Donaghue of Pittsford, Gregg Wolff and Spiotta of Batavia, Reid Cole and Tim Talbot of Albion and Jim Hunt of Piffard. Parrott rolled 749 and Donaghue registered 716 in the qualifying round
The tournament drew 47 entrants.
CLICK HERE for tournament statistics.
A Dozen Women Cash at Gladys Ford Memorial Tourney
NOVEMBER 12, 2024 -- Twelve Genesee Region USBC members earned prize money over the weekend (Nov. 9-10) at the 39th Gladys Ford Memorial Women’s Handicap Singles Tournament at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.
Competition took place in five age classifications including, for the first time, a division for bowlers 49 years old and under. Fourteen women participated in that division.
All told, the tournament drew 38 entries. Prize money includes a $200 contribution from the Genesee Region USBC.
Bowlers who cashed are as follows:
75 & over – Bernice Maloney, Mount Morris, 640 series, $120; Bonnie Wass, Warsaw, 627, $100; Beth Krueger, Piffard, 625, $53.
70-74 – Betsy Linsner, Piffard, 587, $90.
60-69 – Deborah Hurst, Wyoming, 646, $120; Christine Bovee, Dansville, 616, $100; Lisa Granger, Silver Springs, 569, $53.
50-59 – Mary Lou George, Dansville, 657, $90.
49 & under – Vanessa Hurlburt, Gainesville, 669, $180; Judy Wright, Silver Lake, 626, $120; Sarah Cassidy, Albion, 625, $80; Heather Forrester, Perry, 624, $51.
League secretary information
AUGUST 27, 2024 -- League bowling is right around the corner and the Genesee Region USBC is here to assist league officers every step of the way.
CLICK HERE for a 2024-25 welcome from Association Manager Mike Pettinella.
CLICK HERE for information about the association's awards program.
2023-24 Genesee Region USBC Final Average Book
JULY 8, 2024 -- Final averages of Genesee Region USBC certified bowlers can be found by clicking on the Averages tab at the top of the home page.
The Adult average book does not include the names of the following bowlers, who have yet to pay the USBC membership fee for 2023-24.
All bowled in the Toyota of Batavia 4-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center:
Dan Crane -- 358 pins, 3 games, 119 average.
Darren Crane -- 2469 pins, 21 games, 117 average.
Zack Detman -- 1334 pins, 9 games, 148 average.
Alex Hamilton -- 1057 pins, 12 games, 88 average.
Teri Hamilton -- 257 pins, 3 games, 85 average.
Scott Lazarony -- 945 pins, 6 games, 157 average.
If and when fees for these bowlers are received, the average book will be updated to include their names.
In Memoriam
Shannon Parker -- 5/16/24 -- Medina -- League bowler at Medina Lanes
Randy Leach II -- 10/14/24 -- Batavia -- bowler at Mancuso Bowling Center.
Patrick O’Donnell -- 10/12/24 -- Batavia.
Wilbur A. Gray -- 8/5/24 -- Batavia -- WFW State Bowling Tournament director for many years.
Kerry Green -- 7/6/24 -- Bethany -- Father of Brian (Alexis) Green, Batavia bowlers and owners of Striking Effects Pro Shop.
Kermit Beadle – 5/17/24 – Albion -- Secretary for the Monday men’s bowling league in Albion and Tuesday’s teacher’s league at Mancuso’s in Batavia for many years.
Nan Nesbitt – 6/10/24 -- Batavia – longtime bowler, secretary. She bowled in 7 different leagues and 23 national tournaments, was a 600 Club Member and a member of the Hall of Fame.
Nicholas LaFarnara – 6/12/24 -- Batavia -- member of the Thursday night league at Mancuso's.
David E. O'Neill -- 6/2/24 -- Pavilion. Father of Le Roy Legion Lanes Manager Scott O'Neill.
Cosmo J. “Custy” Costantino -- 5/31/24 -- Batavia.
Gloria A. Fluker -- 5/16/24 -- Batavia -- Mother of Tom Fluker, StrikeForce Lanes proprietor.
Donald Frank Milliman -- 4/29/24 -- Batavia.
ROHL CALL: Tim Rohl, left, and his brother, Tom, pose with their parents, John and Betty Rohl, after their induction Saturday night into the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame at Batavia Downs Gaming.
Genesee Region USBC Inducts Tim, Tom Rohl;
Awards Scholarship to Benjamin Sputore
MAY 12, 2O24 -- Respect for the sport of bowling was front and center on Saturday night as brothers Tim and Tom Rohl were inducted into the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame at the local association’s Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony at Batavia Downs Gaming.
Honored for their achievement on the lanes, the Le Roy natives were enshrined before 70 people at the newly-remodeled Genesee Banquet Room.
Their presenters – former GRUSBC President and Hall of Famer Paul Spiotta for Tim and Hall of Famer Mark Brown for Tom – each spoke of the way the gentlemanly demeanor displayed by the soft-spoken left-handers over the past 40 years.
Both Spiotta and Brown mentioned the word “respect” in their introductory speeches – noting that the Rohls earned the respect of their peers by showing respect for the game.
Tim Rohl, 57, who has resided in Florida for the past 18 years, is a four-time GRUSBC Masters champion, while Tom Rohl, 50, who continues to live in Le Roy, won the prestigious tournament twice.
They have multiple GRUSBC Association Tournament titles, including the Johnson-Ianni Doubles event as teammates in 1999, as well as victories in tournaments throughout the area.
(See their major accomplishments below).
Many others were recognized at the banquet, including Batavia High senior Benjamin Sputore, who received the Barbara J. Kreiley Scholarship Award ($750) and also a plaque and ring for his 300 game on Oct. 14, 2023. Sputore also had the high series for boys with 720.
Sputore (photo at right) said he plans to attend Genesee Community College in the fall in pursuit of an associate’s degree in general studies/criminal justice.
ASSOCIATION LEADERS – 2023-24
Adult
High Game, Men – 300 – (28)
High Series, Men – 857 – Brian Cline (Mancuso Bowling Center)
High Average, Men – 239 – Brian Cline (Mancuso Bowling Center)
High Game, Women – 289 – Amanda Coniglio (Mount Morris Lanes)
High Series, Women – 745 – Amanda Coniglio (Mount Morris Lanes)
High Average Women – 212 – Traci (Spanitz) Gustke (Le Roy Legion Lanes)
Youth
High Game, Boys – 300 – Ben Sputore (Mancuso Bowling Center)
High Series, Boys – 720 – Ben Sputore (Mancuso Bowling Center)
High Average, Boys – 194 – Dominic LaPiana (Mount Morris Lanes)
High Game, Girls – 211 – Ava Tortorice (Mount Morris Lanes)
High Series, Girls – 534 – Emma Balduf (Mancuso Bowling Center)
ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS
Open Team – Christ Recycle, 2,860. Team members are Marvin Christ, Larry Boyce, Albert Burch and Robbie Hanks.
Women's Team – Splitz & Giggles, 2,501. Team members are Sharon Stefanini, Tiffany Crawford, Barbara Casavant and Breanna Seever.
Open Doubles – Daryl Dillon and Greg Gilman, 1,524.
Women's Doubles – Karen Allis and Jane Chaddock, 1,284.
Open Singles – Jeremy Yasses, 775.
Women's Singles – Breanna Seever, 654.
Open All-Events – Scott Culp, 2,262.
Women's All-Events – Breanna Seever, 1,937
TWO DIRECTORS ELECTED – DUES INCREASE APPROVED
GRUSBC members in attendance elected Matt Bourg of Alexander and Troy Fanton of Kendall to the association’s board of directors. Bourg’s term runs through 2026 while the term of Fanton, who is replacing Pat Fuller of Medina, starts on Aug. 1 and runs through 2027.
A proposition to increase the membership dues by $1 – to $25 for a Standard membership and to $9 for a Local Only Adult membership passed by a 43-6 vote. The GRUSBC’s local portion of the dues had been fixed at $8 for a Standard membership since 2019-20.
GRAND PRIZE DRAWING WINNERS
Association members Donna Pike of Mount Morris, Danielle Schultz of Batavia and Jack Duyssen of Le Roy each won $500 in the grand prize drawing that concluded the awards ceremony.
Twenty-five-dollar winners were Tim Fonte of Dansville, Keith Holland of Alexander, Joe Connolly of Le Roy and Christina White of Kendall.
Andy Martin of Le Roy won the Brunswick Rhino Pro bowling ball.
TIM ROHL
-- 1990 BBA Association Tournament All-Events scratch champion, 2,046 for 9 games;
-- 1991 BBA Association Tournament Team, Singles and Doubles champion;
-- 1993 BBA Association Tournament Team champion (Kraus Trucking), 3,089 scratch;
-- Bowled 760 in Kraus Trucking’s 2,224 three-man series with Jerry Geissler and Bruce Kraus in 1989-90 season;
-- Won seven Classic League titles at Mancuso Bowling Center with Kraus Trucking and Terry Hills teams;
-- Has seven 300 games, as many 290-299 games, two 800 series in local association competition, with high averages of 224, 221 and 219 in the Mancuso Classic League and 220 in the Batavia Bowling Center Classic League (1990).
-- Tournament titles include the Channel 4 Open, winning $4,000; Western New York Classic Tour and Attica Open, and he made the finals of the 2004 Storm Challenge in Las Vegas.
-- As a collegiate bowler, his 752 at the 1985 NJCAA Regionals in Corning was in the top 10 in the nation at that time.
After relocating to the Sarasota, Fla., area in 2006, Tim placed seventh in the Florida USBC state tournament with 791 in singles in 2012, and compiled league averages of 231 and 236 with two 300 games and two 800 series from 2010-13.
TOM ROHL
-- 2000 GRUSBC Association Tournament All-Events scratch and handicap champion, 2,177 for 9 games, and multiple years of top finishes in association tournament doubles and singles.
-- Has 10 300 games, six 290-299 games and five 800 series in local association competition, with his first coming in 1995-96 as part of an 811 series while bowling with Tim and their father, John, at Legion Lanes.
-- Has a high series of 824 (Livingston Lanes in Geneseo) with high averages of 227 at Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield, 216 at Legion Lanes and 214 at Mancuso’s, and rolled a 700 series at the USBC national championships.
-- Four-time Velletta Memorial three-person Tournament champion at the former Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield.
-- Other tournament titles and top finishes include first place at the 2024 Super Bowl handicap singles at Mancuso’s, Attica Open, second place at Lilac City Tournament team event ($25,000 prize), second place in the 2022 GRUSBC Scratch Memorial, second place at the Bowlers Journal in Reno in 2010 and a top 12 finish at the Brunswick Shootout in 1998 against PBA members, including Bill O’Neill, Mike Fagan and Tom Smallwood
SEASON LEADERS: Individual leaders in various league categories this season are, front from left, Shyann Covell, Benjamin Sputore, Ava Tortorice; back, Dominic LaPiana, Amanda Coniglio, Tracy (Spanitz) Gustke.
ASSOCIATION TOURNEY CHAMPIONS: Placing first in the 2024 Association Tournament at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion are, front from left, the Christ Recycle team of Larry Boyce, Albert Burch, Marvin Christ and Robbie Hanks; back, Open Doubles winners Daryl Dillon and Greg Gilman; Open All-Events winner Scott Culp, and Women's Doubles winners Jane Chaddock and Karen Allis.
Batavian Spiotta Competes in 30th USBC Tournament
MAY 13, 2024 -- Last month, veteran Batavia bowler Paul Spiotta competed in his 30th USBC Championship Tournament at South Point Bowling Plaza & Casino in Las Vegas, and he received a plaque from the national governing body for his accomplishment.
Spiotta, a Genesee Region USBC Hall of Famer, was the fourth bowler in the R&D Outlet Center team lineup featuring Frank Jarkiewicz, Gregg Wolff, Shawn Illerbrun and Brian Green. He also competed in the Doubles event partner Wolff and then in the Single event on April 25-26.
Over the 30 tournaments, the 66-year-old right-hander has a 185 average on very challenging lane conditions.
Association Tournament Standings are Official;
Prize Checks to be Distributed This Week
UPDATE -- MAY 1, 2024 -- The final standings of the 17th Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament are official and prize checks will be distributed starting on May 2. The tournament took place from April 5-7, 12-14 at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
CLICK HERE for final standings.
CLICK HERE for prize list.
Winners of the various divisions are as follows:
Open Team -- Christ Recycling, Albion, 2,860. Robbie Hanks' 300 game and 805 series on the tournament's opening squad sparked the team to the big score and it held on for first place. Other team members were Albert Burch (631), Larry Boyce (523) and Marvin Christ (483). The team received 418 pins handicap.
Women's Team -- Splitz & Giggles, Albion, 2,501. Barbara Casavant posted 604 scratch to lead the way. Other members were Sharon Stefanini (306), Tiffany Crawford (522) and Breanna Seever (502). The team received 590 pins handicap.
Open Doubles -- Daryl Dillon & Greg Gilman, Albion, 1,524. Bowling on the final squad on Sunday, Dillon registered 682 and Gilman rolled 651 for 1,333 scratch plus 191 pins handicap.
Women's Doubles -- Karen Allis & Jane Chaddock, Batavia, 1,284. Chaddock posted 566 and Allis had 532 on the second to last squad of the tournament. They received 186 pins handicap.
Open Singles -- Jeremy Yasses, Oakfield, 775. Yasses recorded games of 246-211-235 for 692 scratch. With his 83 pins handicap (based on 194 average), he took the lead on the Sunday morning squad.
Women's Singles -- Breanna Seever, Albion, 654. Seever started with a 211 game and went on to roll 522 scratch. Her 132 pins handicap enabled her to top the leaderboard, and she went on to place first in Women's All-Events as well.
Open All-Events -- Scott Culp, Honeoye Falls-Lima, 2,262. Culp put up the winning score without the benefit of handicap. His three series were 747 (Team), 773 (Doubles) and 742 (Singles).
Women's All-Events -- Breanna Seever, Albion, 1,937.
Thirteen bowlers had games of 279 or better, led by Hanks with 300, Troy Fanton with 299 (808 series), Geoff Harloff with 297 (727) and Nick Johnson with 290 (720). There were 21 series of 700 or better -- led by Fanton, Hanks, Culp, Scott Gibson (743), Mike Pettinella (739) and Curtis Foss (731).
Other 700 series: Keith Nugent (723), Hayden Allis (722), Reid Cole (720), Johnson (711), Rick Stark (709), John Beadle (708), Harloff (707, 705), Gregg Wolff (700).
The Genesee Region USBC added $1,000 to the prize fund from fundraisers conducted during the tournament and a portion of expense fees, increasing the total prize fund to more than $9,000.
Bill Lyons Jr. of Elba won the MOTIV Top Thrill bowling ball.
Thanks to Oak Orchard Bowl proprietor Randy Hanks, his family and staff for the great job hosting the tournament.
TRIBUTE TO AL: Suzanne Johnsen, daughter of the late Al Vlietstra, addresses bowlers prior to the start of the Genesee Region USBC No-Tap Triples Tournament on March 23 at Letchworth Pines. The tournament was dedicated to Al, a GRUSBC Hall of Famer, who passed away on July 29, 2023. Suzanne and her sister, Jo Jo Gozelski, rolled out the first balls to kick off the event.
No-Tap Triples Tourney Cashers -- Official
APRIL 8, 2024 -- Official results of the Genesee Region USBC No-Tap Triples Tournament over the weekend at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.
Nine of the 36 teams cashed.
The GRUSBC has mailed checks to these bowlers:
1 – Nugent-Bookmiller-Nugent 2366 -- $600
2 – Wilson-Willett-Gelser Sr. 2322 -- $390
3 – Howe-Panepento-Strollo 2300 -- $270
4 – Potter-Herter-Helms 2212 -- $225
5 – Steele-Klump-Helms 2203 -- $195
6 – Klump-Plowe-Washburn 2195 -- $165
7 – Potter-Smith-Clark 2184 -- $150
8 – Fournier-Bovee-Henry 2176 - $120
9 – Plowe-Klump-Helms 2168 -- $120
The GRUSBC added $200 to the prize fund.
ROSE GARDEN BOWL ON TOP: Rose Garden Bowl, Bergen proprietor Tom Sardou with the league champion bowlers, from left, Lucas Rolfe, Blake Young and Evan Phillips.
Youth Travel League leaders honored at banquet
MARCH 25, 2024 -- The Genesee Region Youth Travel League capped its season on Sunday with a no-tap tournament and awards banquet at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
The Rose Garden Bowl team of Lucas Rolfe, Blake Young and Evan Phillips received their trophies for placing first in the eight-team league, while individual league leaders also were recognized for their accomplishments.
Receiving trophies for individual honors were:
High average, Ben Sputore, 189; Shyann Covell, 151.
High series scratch, Sputore, 664; Covell, 526.
High game scratch, Omer Fugate, 226; Olivia Herman, 115 (Covell led with 193).
High series handicap, Gavin Slocum, 795; Covell, 718.
High game handicap, Liam Beagle, 294; Herman, 236 (Covell led with 257).
In the no-tap tournament, Jeff Wilson took top honors with a 736 series, including a 278 game. He was followed by Ethan Clarke with 734, Hunter Clark with 732, Gavin Slocum with 694 and Zach Abel with 686. All will have scholarship money added to their SMART accounts.
The Genesee Region USBC wishes to thank Oak Orchard Bowl proprietor Randy Hanks and his staff for the fine job hosting the event.
Panepento, Howe win No-Tap Doubles event
FEBRUARY 20, 2024 -- The LeRoy duo of Rob Panepento and Rick Howe placed first over the weekend at the Genesee Region USBC No-Tap Doubles Tournament at Le Roy Legion Lanes.
Panepento rolled 854, including a 300 game, and Howe added 756 for a 1,649 total, with handicap to take the $480 first prize.
Forty-four teams competed in the two-day event. The next GRUSBC tournament is the No-Tap Triples on March 23-24 at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.
Official results after review of scores and handicaps:
1 - $480 – Rob Panepento-Rick Howe 1649
2 - $300 – Naomi Hyde-Mickey Hyde 1621
3 - $190 – Haley Luce-Bob Cassidy 1600
4 - $170 – John Lowe-Shayne Herold 1573
5 - $160 – Samantha Hyde-Mickey Hyde 1541
6 - $140 – Bill Lyons Jr.-Ron Shultz Jr. 1537
7 - $120 – Haley Luce-Ron Shultz Jr. 1534
8 - $110 – Naomi Hyde-Shayne Herold 1533
9 - $100 – Dennis Maid-Justin Burdick 1531
10 - $90 – Haley Luce-Chase Cone 1525
11 - $80 – Mark Mack-Bill Neubert 1511
300 Games: Chase Cone, Rob Panepento, Shayne Herold, Bill Neubert, Reid Cole, Mickey Hyde, John Lowe. 280 or better (women): Haley Luce 297.
Prize checks will be issued by the end of this week.
Mount Morris boys place first in team tournament
FEBRUARY 7, 2024 -- The team of Daniel Neus, Trea Nickerson and Matthew Neus captured first place over the weekend at the Genesee Region USBC Youth Team Tournament at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.
The Mount Morris Lanes trio knocked down 1,735 pins with Daniel posting 630, Matthew 603 and Trea 502. Adding their 183 pins handicap, they finished with 1,918 to earn $100 scholarships each.
The Perry team of Mason Herman, Dillin Goulet, Gavin Slocum placed second with 1,904, earning $20 scholarships each, while the Perry team of Slocum, Shyann Covell and Goulet tallied 1,842 to place third and win $15 scholarships each.
RESULTS
1 – Mount Morris 5 – Daniel Neus, Trea Nickerson, Matthew Neus, 1,918 -- $100 scholarship and trophy each
2 – Perry 2 – Mason Herman, Dillin Goulet, Gavin Slocum, 1,904 – $20 scholarship each
3 – Perry 3 – Gavin Slocum, Shyann Covell, Dillin Goulet, 1,842 – $15 scholarship each
4 – Mount Morris 2 – Jackson Bennett, Jacob Salamone, Jerami Kane, 1,801
5 – Mount Morris 3 – Gianna LaPiana, Riley Mantegna, Dominic LaPiana III, 1,792
6 – Mancuso Bowling Center – Conner Herdlein, Carter Armijo, Ben Sputore, 1,791
7 – Mount Morris 1 – Sarah Wilson, Chase Fleck, Jeffrey Wilson, 1,771
8 – Oak Orchard Bowl – Omer Fugate, Zach Abel, Peyton Scott, 1,752
9 – Perry 1 – Shyann Covell, Jayden Cratsley, Hunter Clark, 1,730
10 – Rose Garden Bowl – Evan Phillips, Blake Young, Lucas Rolfe, 1,706
11 – Mancuso Bowling Center 2 – Madeline Bourg, Jacey Wagner, Emily Maloy, 1,661
In Memory Of
JANUARY 2024 -- The Genesee Region USBC extends its condolences to the families of the following members of the bowling community who have passed away recently:
-- David Nesbitt, Pavilion, Genesee Region USBC Hall of Famer;
-- David Futter, Batavia;
-- Kathleen "Pudgie" Steen, Le Roy:
-- Clara Hill, Tonawanda Indian Reservation;
-- John "Jack" Chmielowiec, Batavia;
-- Stanley Truax, Bergen;
-- Scott Hall, Batavia.
Perry teams on top at GRUSBC Adult-Junior Doubles
JANUARY 16, 2024 -- Teams from Perry Bowling Center placed first in the Genesee Region USBC Adult-Junior Doubles Tournament on Saturday at Perry Bowling Center.
In the 12 & Under Division, youth bowler Dillin Goulet and adult bowler Brady Weber posted a 1,344 score with handicap to earn Dillin a $200 scholarship and trophy.
Gavin Slocum and his father, Matt, finished in second place with 1,342, earning a $125 scholarship for Gavin.
In the 13 & Over Division, youth bowler Dom Forrester and adult bowler Heather Forrester took the top spot with 1,332. Dom will receive a $225 scholarship and trophy.
Matthew Neus and his father, Jason Neus, of Mount Morris placed second with a 1,311 score, earning a $150 for Matthew, who rolled a scratch series of 654.
Also winning scholarships in the 13 & Over Division were Shyann and Richard Covell of Perry ($100) and Jeff and Jeffrey Wilson of Mount Morris ($50).
Twenty-five teams participated.
RESULTS
12 & Under (8 entries)
DILLIN GOULET/BRADY WEBER, PERRY 1344 -- $200 scholarship plus trophy for Dillin
GAVIN SLOCUM/MATT SLOCUM, PERRY 1342 -- $125 scholarship for Gavin
BENTLEY FORRESTER/MIKE CHENAILE, PERRY 1310
JAMESON LILES/JANE CHADDOCK, STRIKEFORCE 1308
OWEN ELMORE/JAMES ELMORE, STRIKEFORCE 1266
BENTLEY FORRESTER/RYAN FORRESTER, PERRY 1241
MADELINE BOURG/MATT BOURG, MANCUSO’S 1152
HUNTER STRATTON/DOUG STRATTON, PERRY 1150
13 & Over (17 entries)
DOM FORRESTER/HEATHER FORRESTER, PERRY 1332 -- $225 scholarship plus trophy for Dom
MATTHEW NEUS/JASON NEUS, MOUNT MORRIS 1311 -- $150 scholarship for Matthew
SHYANN COVELL/RICHARD COVELL, PERRY 1307 -- $100 scholarship for Shyann
JEFF WILSON/JEFFREY WILSON, MOUNT MORRIS 1304 -- $50 scholarship for Jeff
DANIEL NEUS/JONI NEUS, MOUNT MORRIS 1290
DOM FORRESTER/RYAN FORRESTER, PERRY 1288
DOMINIC LAPIANA/JENNIFER LAPIANA, MOUNT MORRIS 1279
MASON HERMAN/DENNIS VAN DUSER, PERRY 1260
GIANNA LAPIANA/JENNIFER LAPIANA, MOUNT MORRIS 1239
CHASE FLECK/AUSTIN HAWKER, MOUNT MORRIS 1224
SARAH WILSON/HOLLY WILSON, MOUNT MORRIS 1218
GIANNA LAPIANA/CHAD LAPIANA, MOUNT MORRIS 1155
TREA NICKERSON/RICK PERNICONE, MOUNT MORRIS 1147
EMILY MALOY/KAREN ALLIS, MANCUSO’S 1136
DOMINIC LAPIANA/CHAD LAPIANA, MOUNT MORRIS 1127
BRETT GEORGE/CHRIS GEORGE, MOUNT MORRIS 1121
HUNTER CLARK/JIM CLARK, PERRY 1112
CULP DOES IT AGAIN: Scott Culp, left, is congratulated by runner-up Pat Stefanik after winning the Genesee Region USBC Scratch Memorial Tournament for an unprecedented fifth time on Sunday at Mount Morris Lanes.
Scott Culp wins fifth Scratch Memorial title
JANUARY 7, 2024 -- If the Genesee Region USBC awarded rings instead of plaques, Scott Culp’s victory at the 70th Scratch Memorial Tournament at Mount Morris Lanes would have been “one for the thumb.”
The 45-year-old high-revving right-hander showed that he continues to be at the top of his game by winning his fifth Scratch Memorial crown, defeating Pat Stefanik of Williamsville, 244-165, in the title match.
Culp, a Honeoye Falls resident, started the championship match with six strikes and coasted from there. He earned $650 while successfully defending his title. He also won this event in 2017, 2018 and 2020.
“It’s so exhilarating,” said Culp, when asked how it feels to win five times. “There are a lot of good bowlers who compete in the Genesee Region association.”
Culp posted an 817 score in the Sunday morning qualifying squad – the third of three four-game squads to determine who would advance to the four-game semifinals. He said he was fortunate to move on.
“The way the day started out, I wasn’t sure if I would make it past the qualifying round,” he said. “But once the semifinals started, I decided to push everything to the right and fortunately it worked out for me.”
Usually, Culp, known for his high backswing, stands on the left side of the approach, using an inside line. His adjustment led to semifinal games of 244, 221, 198 and 266 for a 929 total on the challenging 39-foot Middle Road V2 oil pattern that gave him the No. 1 seed for the five-bowler stepladder finals.
Perry father-son duo of Brian and Brady Weber earned the No. 5 and No. 4 seeds, respectively, with Brian topping Brady, 210-143. From there, the third-seeded Stefanik, the lone lefty in the finals, edged Weber, 169-159.
Stefanik then defeated Adam Philp of Batavia, 201-173, to advance to the title match against Culp. Stefanik won $350 while Philp took home $240, Brian Weber $200 and Brady Weber $180.
The tournament drew 65 entrants and paid out $3,000 in prize money, including $300 added to the prize fund by the GRUSBC.
Philp and Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw led the Saturday 10 a.m. qualifying squad with lofty 956 totals and split the $25 bonus as the tournament’s high qualifiers. Gray finished with a 279 game (the event’s high game) but unfortunately suffered an arm injury in the second game of the semifinals and had to withdraw.
Also qualifying off the Saturday 10 a.m. squad were Pat Donaghue of Pittsford (914), Brian Weber (886), Matt Slocum of Perry (841) and Mickey Hyde of Alexander (836).
Qualifying off the Saturday 2 p.m. squad were Shawn Better of Geneseo (924), Stefanik (889), Dana Nowak of Livonia (860) and Brady Weber (844).
Qualifying off the Sunday 10 a.m. squad were Mike Pettinella of Batavia (820), Culp (817), Dennis Van Duser of Perry (803), Mark Brown of Attica (793) and Gregg Wolff of Batavia (791).
In the semifinals, Philp recorded 891, Stefanik 872, Brady Weber 807 and Brian Weber 794.
Donaghue had 787 to place sixth overall, followed by Better, Hyde, Pettinella, Nowack, Wolff, Brown, Van Duser, Slocum and Gray Jr.
CLICK HERE for tournament statistics.
The Genesee Region USBC wishes to thank Mount Morris Lanes proprietor Bob Santini and his staff for hosting the tournament and assisting GRUSBC Association Manager Mike Pettinella.
Adult-Junior tournament is this Saturday
JANUARY 9, 2024 -- Perry Bowling Ceneter is hosting the 10th Adult-Junior Doubles Tournament this Saturday, Jan. 13, with squads at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. It's not too late to sign up. Send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com.
The Adult-Junior Doubles handicap event is open to GRUSBC youth bowlers and USBC-certified adult bowlers.
Competition will take place in two divisions -- 12 & under and 13 & over. Entry fee is $48 per team. All prize winnings will go into the youth bowler's SMART (scholarship) account. To enter, send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com.
Perry, StrikeForce duos capture Youth Doubles titles
DECEMBER 15, 2023 -- Teams from Perry Bowling Center and StrikeForce Lanes in Oakfield placed first in the Genesee Region USBC Youth Doubles Tournament on Dec. 9-10 at StrikeForce Lanes.
In Division A (250 combined average and above), Mason Herman and Hunter Clark led the list of 11 teams with a 1,414 total with handicap. The boys each will earn $100 scholarships and a trophy.
In Division B (249 and under), Jameson Liles and Lukas Leddick led the way with 1,264 with handicap. They, too, will earn $100 scholarships and trophies. Eight teams competed in that division.
FINAL STANDINGS
DIVISION A (250 AND OVER)
1 – Mason Herman/Hunter Clark, Perry, 1,414, $100 scholarship and trophy each
2 – Jeffrey Wilson/Sarah Wilson, Mount Morris, 1,253, trophy each
3 – Ethan Clarke/Matthew Rivers, Mount Morris, 1,244, trophy each
4 – Conner Herdlein/Ben Sputore, Mancuso’s, 1,238
5 – Daniel Neus/Matthew Neus, Mount Morris, 1,197
6 – Gavin Slocum, Perry/Ben Sputore, Mancuso’s, 1,176
7 – Blake Young/Evan Phillips, Rose Garden, 1,176
8 – Trea Nickerson/Anthony Cuozzo, Mount Morris, 1,173
9 – Gianna LaPiana/Dominic LaPiana, Mount Morris, 1,143
10 – Zach Abel/Omer Fugate, Oak Orchard, 1,091
11 – Shyann Covell/Gavin Slocum, Perry, 1,088
DIVISION B (249 AND UNDER)
1 – Jameson Liles/Lukas Leddick, StrikeForce, 1,264, $100 scholarship and trophy each
2 – Jerami Kane/Dominic Leone, Mount Morris, 1,260, trophy each
3 – Hunter Clark/Dillin Goulet, Perry, 1,210, trophy each
4 -- Connor Wissinger/Gunner Chamberlain, StrikeForce, 1,206
5 – Shyann Covell/Olivia Herman, Perry, 1,178
6 – Jackson Bennett/Jacob Salamone, Mount Morris, 1,168
7 – Gavin Slocum/Jayden Cratsley, Perry, 1,139
8 – Emily Maloy/Madeline Bourg, Mancuso’s, 1,138
GUSTKE TRIUMPHS: Rob Gustke of Rochester, a member of the Pizzaland Doubles League at Le Roy Legion Lanes, captured the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters crown on Saturday at Mancuso Bowling Center.
Gustke makes successful debut in GRUSBC Senior Masters
Rob Gustke of Rochester gave himself an early birthday present on Saturday by winning the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.
The high-revving right-hander, who turned 53 on Monday, was making his first appearance in the event for GRUSBC bowlers 50 years of age and older. He is a member of the Pizzaland Doubles League at Le Roy Legion Lanes.
Gustke defeated Rob Manners, also of Rochester, 194-181, in the title match, to claim the $300 first prize. He also earned a free entry into the GRUSBC Scratch Memorial Tournament in January and a championship plaque.
CLICK HERE for tournament statistics.
Manners won $200 for placing second while Brian Weber of Perry pocketed $150 for finishing in third place. Manners turned back Weber, 267-224, in the opening match of the three-bowler stepladder finals to move on to face the top-seeded Gustke.
Gustke was the second-high qualifier with a three-game total of 712 and then rolled 494 for two games to reach the top six. His 213 in the third round enabled him to secure the No. 1 seed for the finals.
The victory adds to his impressive list of titles, mostly compiled in the Rochester NY USBC.
“I think I'm up to seven or eight city titles now … and I won the Mount Morris Open in 2019,” said Gustke, a machinist by trade. “They were all scratch tournaments, and I bowl more for the titles than the money.”
Gustke said he used three bowling balls over his seven games – the Storm DNA, Storm IQ Nano Pearl and the 900 Global Ordnance C4.
The tournament drew 43 entries over two qualifying squads.
In qualifying, Jim Foss of Medina led the way with a 749 series, followed by Gustke (712), Scott Shields of Batavia 705, Weber 704, Mickey Hyde of Le Roy 698, Dean Cadieux Jr. of Oakfield 694, Manners 684, defending champion Roger Allis of Medina 670, Bill Neubert of Batavia 667, Scott Gibson of Oakfield 666, Mark Brown of Attica 661 and John Lowe of Le Roy 650.
Gustke (494 for two games), Manners (463), Brown (462), Allis (449), Weber (446) and Neubert (437) advanced through the second round, with Weber (225 for one game), Manners (224) and Gustke (213) reaching the stepladder finals.
Allis, Neubert and Brown each won $100 while the six other cashers earned $75 apiece. The GRUSBC added $200 to the prize fund and tournament director Paul Spiotta added $200 from a special "Masters" fund.
TOURNAMENT FINALISTS: Reaching the stepladder finals were, from left, Brian Weber of Perry, Gustke and Rob Manners of Rochester.
Bzduch tops age group with 680 at Gladys Ford tourney
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 -- Judy Bzduch of Perry posted the top score in this year’s Gladys Ford Senior Women’s Tournament, which was held at Medina Lanes on Nov. 11-12.
Bzduch’s 680 with handicap topped the list in the Class B (age 55-59) group and enabled her to pocket the first prize of $100.
Jackie Jurinich of Lyndonville placed second with 632, good for $70, and Roe Smith of Mount Morris was third with 600, winning $45.
Other divisional winners are as follows:
Class AA (75-and-over) – Carole Missel, Mount Morris, 677, $100; Beth Krueger, Piffard, 675, $70; Jeanne Rosa, Perry, 600, $45.
Class A (70-74) – Patricia Gilbertson, 605, $100.
Class C (60-64) – Chris Bovee, Dansville, 638, $80.
Class D (55-59) – Chris Hume, Nunda, 563, $25.
Class E (50-54) – Tammy Fisher, Corfu, 616, $50.
Twenty-six bowlers competed.
Benjamin Sputore rolls 300 game, 720 series
OCTOBER 16, 2023 -- Batavia High School senior Benjamin Sputore on Saturday morning became just the seventh United States Bowling Congress-certified youth bowler in Mancuso Bowling Center history to roll a 300 game in league competition.
Competing in the Batavia Youth League, Sputore (photo at right), a 17-year-old right-hander, finished his three-game series with 12 consecutive strikes on lanes 11-12.
The perfect game capped his first 700 series ever, following games of 221 and 199 for a 720 total.
Despite putting the first nine deliveries squarely in the 1-3 pocket, Sputore, son of Mancuso Bowling Center Manager Mike Sputore of Batavia and Julie Hawley Paradowski of Oakfield, said he wasn’t overly confident heading into the 10th frame.
“I expected to leave a 10-pin somewhere in the 10th frame,” the soft-spoken teen said, acknowledging that he was “pretty nervous.”
Using a Storm Dark Code ball that he switched to after the second game, Sputore was equal to the task, however, as he put the ball in the pocket on each of the final three shots on lane 11. The last ball was a bit light in the pocket, but it threw the 5-pin into the 7-pin for the 300.
Sputore’s 300 game comes five years after his father rolled a perfect game at Mancuso’s (on Oct. 21, 2018) and eclipses his previous high game of 278.
He has been bowling in the youth program at Mancuso’s since the age of 6, and also bowls in the T.F. Brown’s Adult-Child League and in the Genesee Region USBC Youth Travel League, where he averaged 193 last season. He also works part-time at the lanes.
Sputore joins Mike Pettinella, Jerry Geissler, Rich Wagner, James Walker, Jordan Fluker and Tony Sprague on the list of youth bowlers with certified 300 games at Mancuso’s.
In Memory Of
DECEMBER 1, 2023 -- The Genesee Region USBC extends its condolences to the families of the following members of the bowling community who have passed away recently:
-- Diana Bucknam, Perry
-- Joseph "Jobi" Miceli, Le Roy;
-- Philip Tooze, Le Roy;
-- Katherine Tice, Medina;
-- Luis Cotto, Batavia;
-- Myron Duple, Batavia;
-- Rosemary Fiannaca, Batavia;
-- Betty Heaman, Le Roy;
-- Virginia "Ginnie" Skelton, Batavia.
OCTOBER 6, 2023 --
-- Charles (Chuck) Yuecstock, Attica;
-- Ron Baker, Perry;
-- Paul Townsend, Batavia;
-- Irene Cappiello, Batavia;
-- David Delson, Batavia;
-- Adam Thomas, Batavia;
-- Tim Futter, Pavilion;
-- Robert Colombo, Batavia;
-- Virginia (Ginny) Skelton, Batavia;
-- James Cardinali, Oakfield;
-- Anthony (Tony) Pullinzi Sr., Batavia;
-- Carmen Copani, former Batavian who was living in Florida.
Al Vlietstra, GRUSBC Hall of Famer,
passes away at age 74
AUG. 1, 2023 -- Genesee Region USBC Hall of Famer Albert “Al” Vlietstra, a four-time champion in New York State USBC competition and a GRUSBC Senior Masters champion, passed away on Saturday (July 29, 2023) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.
The 74-year-old Geneseo resident, an accomplished self-employed mason whose work has been recognized throughout Livingston and neighboring counties, was inducted into the GRUSBC Hall of Fame in 2019 by virtue of his league and tournament bowling honors over 30-plus years.
Al is a two-time Singles champion in the GRUSBC Association Tournament (1997, 2017), and placed first in the 2009 Senior Masters, while also placing second in the GRUSBC Scratch Memorial (2008) and seventh in the GRUSBC Masters (2014).
At the NYS level, Al’s titles are as follows:
-- 2010 NYS Open Team Championship in Niagara Falls with Mike Pettinella, Kevin Gray Sr., Kevin Gray Jr. and the late Joe Trigilio;
-- 2104 NYS Open Team Championships Handicap Singles in Rochester;
-- 2014 NYS Open Senior Championships Six-Game Combine in Cortland;
-- 2015 NYS Open Championships Handicap Doubles with Kevin Gray Jr. in Buffalo.
He had a high game of 299 and high series of 788.
Al also was an avid softball player, having competed in 29 Perry Sea Serpent Tournaments.
He is survived by three daughters, Amy Kocher of Augusta, N.J., Suzanne (Graham) Johnsen of Geneseo, Johanna Gozelski of Gainesville; two sons, Brian Vlietstra of Warsaw, Robert (Nicole) Stedman of Rochester; and 11 siblings, along with seven grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Family and friends may call from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3, at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC., 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Al will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Livingston County Hospice in honor of Al’s hospice nurse Leath DeRitter, who took great care of Al and his family.
Genesee Region USBC Averages - 2022-23 Winter Season
CLICK HERE for GRUSBC adult league averages
CLICK HERE for GRUSBC adult league averages -- 200 or better
CLICK HERE for GRUSBC youth league averages
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.
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.
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.
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 Downloads tab at the top of this page and filling out the GRUSBC Online Submission Form. Different awards are given depending upon the achievement. CLICK HERE for the criteria.
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.