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Bowling league secretary meetings
set for Aug. 12th in Batavia, 14th in Mount Morris
JULY 20, 2025 -- Genesee Region USBC league secretary meetings for the 2025-26 bowling season are scheduled for Aug. 12 at T.F. Brown’s in Batavia and Aug. 14 at Mount Morris Lanes.
Both meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. Pizza and refreshments will be provided at no charge, courtesy of the Genesee Region USBC.
Informational kits for secretaries of leagues at Rusty Rail Lanes in Oakfield, Medina Lanes, Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Legion Lanes in Le Roy and Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen will be distributed at the Aug. 12 meeting.
Kits for secretaries of leagues at Mount Morris Lanes, Perry Bowling Center and Letchworth Pines in Portageville will be distributed at the Aug. 14 meeting.
GRUSBC President Gary Kuchler, new Association Manager Tom Fluker and association directors will be at the meetings to talk about league and tournament programs and provide updates for the coming season.
Curtis Foss rolls 300-300-279-279
in Oak Orchard Bowl 'summer' league
JUNE 7, 2025 -- Curtis Foss of Medina came within one strike of bowling series perfection on Friday night (June 6) when he rolled 300-300-279--879 in the Friday Match Play League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion. The short season "summer" league is certified through the United States Bowling Congress.
The high-revving right-hander tacked on another 279 in the fourth game on lanes 5-6 for an 1,158 four-game series which, according to USBC records, may be the second-best ever in New York State -- behind Jay Diamond of Schenectady's 1,177 in April 2005. Bowlers in the nine-week league rolls four games each night.
Foss, 37, a seven-time Genesee Region USBC Masters Tournament champion, fired 29 strikes in a row before leaving a 2-pin in the sixth frame of the third game. He converted the spare and then struck out for the 279.
In game four, he converted two 10-pins -- switched bowling balls -- and then strung 10 consecutive strikes for another 279.
The huge effort raised his average to 247.
The 879 series is the second highest ever in the GRUSBC, behind Rich Wagner's 899 series at Mancuso Bowling Center on Feb. 11, 2021.
Foss previously rolled a 300 game in the league on May 23 and a 299 on May 30.
GRUSBC bestows honors at Annual Banquet
MAY 11, 2025 -- The Genesee Region USBC held its Annual Banquet on Saturday night (May 10) at Batavia Downs Gaming. Eight-nine people attended the event, which was highlighted by the induction of Scott Culp of Honeoye Falls and Darwin "Auggie" Dale of Piffard into the Outstanding Achievement and Outstanding Achievement, Veteran categories, respectively.
Hunter Clark of Perry was the recipient of the Barbara J. Kreiley Scholarship Award ($500).
The GRUSBC board also announced that it will support a new annual award -- the Joe Mortellaro Memorial Award -- in memory of Joe Mortellaro, former Batavia Bowling Association president, two-time GRUSBC Hall of Famer and pro shop owner, who passed away on Dec. 27, 2024. Details of the award will be announced in August.
Season leaders and tournament champions also were recognized at the event, which featured guest speaker Paul Peck, host of the popular local bowling show, Beat the Champ, on MSG Network.
Grand prize drawing winners were Antonio Farruggia, Anthony Drum and Zachary Farruggia, all $500 winners, and Steve Santini, Haley Semmel, Joshua Napoli and Jacklyne Farruggia, all $25 winners. Richard Covell won the Storm Eclipse bowling ball.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES: Darwin "Auggie" Dale, left, and Scott Culp display their Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame plaques at Saturday night's Annual Banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming.
GUEST SPEAKER AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: Paul Peck, noted Buffalo sports personality and host of the Beat the Champ TV bowling show, congratulates Hunter Clark, this year's recipient of the Barbara J. Kreiley Scholarship. Hunter plans to attend the SUNY Niagara Culinary Institute and has aspirations of someday becoming a fire chief.
SEASON, TOURNAMENT CHAMPS: Association tournament and league leaders this season were honored at the banquet. From left are Scott Culp, association tournament doubles; Tracy Gustke, association tournament women's singles and all-events, and season leader for women in average (219), series (833) and game (299); Karen Allis and Jane Chaddock, association women's doubles, and Rob Gustke, association doubles, singles and all-events.
WOMEN'S TEAM CHAMPION: The Pretty Sweet Bakery team from Albion took first place in the association tournament women's division. From left are Emily Cassidy, Sarah Cassidy and Pamela Jenks. Judy Ward also was on the winning squad.
YOUTH HIGH ROLLERS: Season leaders for youth bowlers honored at the banquet are, from left, Gianna LaPiana of Mount Morris, girls' high game (224) and high series (522); Omer Fugate of Albion, boys' high game (280), and Shyann Covell of Perry, girls' high average (152).
YOUTH TEAM TOURNAMENT CHAMPS: Recognized for winning the Youth Team Tournament this season are, from left, Jacob Salamone, Jackson Bennett and Jerami Kane of Mount Morris.
YOUTH DOUBLES TOURNAMENT WINNERS: The Le Roy duo of Liam Beagle, left, and Hudson Klein were recognized at the banquet for winning the A Division of the Youth Doubles Tournament this season.
Accepting applications for Association Manager position
MAY 2, 2025 -- The Genesee Region USBC board of directors is accepting applications for the position of Association Manager through June 1. The position comes with a salary and is part-time.
A job description can be found by clicking on the Downloads tab of this website.
For more information, contact GRUSBC President Gary Kuchler at gkuchler@yahoo.com.
Longtime Association Manager is retiring but plans to stay on as a consultant to assist the new manager.
HIGH ROLLERS: From left, Scott Culp, Traci Gustke and Rob Gustke put on an impressive display of bowling on Sunday's final day of the 18th Annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament at Rose Garden Bowl.
Rob, Traci Gustke Lead the Way
as Association Tournament Ends
UPDATE -- APRIL 8. 2025 -- Tournament results are official. Prize checks will be going out this weekend.
MARCH 31, 2025 – High scores were the order of the day on Sunday as the 18th Annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament came to a close at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen and Le Roy Legion Lanes.
Rob and Traci Gustke, members of the Pizzaland Doubles League at Legion Lanes, led the way in Doubles & Singles competition at Rose Garden Bowl.
First, Rob combined with Scott Culp, who bowls in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League at Mancuso Bowing Center, for a 1,534 score to win the Open Doubles event. He then followed that up with a tournament-best 793 series – all scratch – in the Open Singles event.
The 255-279-259--793 eclipsed the 780 rolled on March 23 by Rob Husted, a league bowler at Rose Garden Bowl.
His wife, Traci, who rolled an 833 series earlier this season in the Pizzaland Doubles League, placed first in the Women’s Singles event with a 702.
Both Rob and Traci also placed first in Open and Women All-Events, respectively, with Rob knocking down 2,269 pins – six more than runner-up Shayne Herold – and Traci amassing 1,986 to lead all women.
In Women’s Doubles, Karen Allis and Jane Chaddock successfully defended their title by recording a 1,258 score – 25 pins more than Cathi Fournier and Karen Henry.
In Open Team competition at Legion Lanes, the Thursday Special team of LeRoyans Shayne Herold, Rob Panepento, Rick Howe and Mickey Hyde led the way with a 2,749 score – 39 pins better than the Le Roy-based Nothnagle Realty team.
First place in the Open Team division pays a guaranteed $1,000.
In the Women’s Team event, Pretty Sweet Bakery, comprised of Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion bowlers, tops the standings with a 2,346 total. Team members are Emily Cassidy, Pamela Jenks, Judy Ward and Sarah Cassidy.
Individual high scratch games:
288 – Shayne Herold, Shawn Hurlburt.
287 – Scott Culp.
286 – Rob Husted.
279 – Gustke, three times; Chris Bailey.
Another highlight of the tournament was the conversion of the 7-10 split by Brian Green of Batavia while bowling in the Doubles event on Saturday at Rose Garden Bowl.
The Genesee Region USBC is adding $750 generated through fundraisers and a portion of expense fees to the prize fund.
Morgan Tackentien of Arcade won the Hammer Raw Hybrid bowling ball.
CLICK HERE for final standings.
CLICK HERE for prize list.
Youth Travel League leaders honored
PERRY TEAM TRIUMPHS: Dillon Goulet, left, and Hunter Clark display their trophies for placing first in the Genesee Region Youth Travel League this season. Gavin Slocum also was on the champion Perry Bowling Center I team.
LEADING THE WAY: Individual league leaders for the girls are, from left, Kiara Hughes (Perry II), Sarah Ingersoll (Oak Orchard Bowl) and Maddy Bourg (Mancuso Bowling Center).
HIGH ROLLERS: Leading the boys in individual categories are, from left, Evan Phillips (Rose Garden Bowl), Liam Beagle (Le Roy Legion Lanes) and Omer Fugate (Oak Orchard Bowl).
PERRY TEAM TRIUMPHS
MARCH 17, 2025 -- The league champion Perry Bowling Center I team, and individual leaders were recognized Sunday at the Genesee Region Youth Travel League banquet and no-tap tournament at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.
About 70 people -- including 28 youth bowlers who participated in the season-ending tournament -- attended.
Trophies were presented to the first-place team of Dillin Goulet, Hunter Clark and Gavin Slocum and to the following individual league leaders (limit one trophy other than high average per bowler):
High Average, Boys – Omer Fugate 189
High Average, Girls – Shyann Covell 149
High Handicap Game, Boys – Gavin Slocum 281 (Liam Beagle 292)
High Handicap Game, Girls – Sarah Ingersoll 271
High Handicap Series, Boys – Liam Beagle 757
High Handicap Series, Girls – Maddy Bourg 708
High Scratch Series, Boys – Evan Phillips 673
High Scratch Series, Girls – Shyann Covell 482
High Scratch Game, Boys – Omer Fugate 238 (Evan Phillips 276, Liam Beagle 249)
High Scratch Game, Girls – Kiara Hughes 164 (Shyann Covell 200).
Five bowlers earned scholarships in the no-tap tournament:
Jacob Salamone, 796; Bentley Forrester, 778; Colby Calmes, 769; Daniel Neus, 764; Evan Phillips, 761.
Buckley, Sheffield, Cobb win No-Tap Triples
MARCH 15, 2024 -- The team of Katie Buckley, Robb Sheffield and Rodney Cobb combined for 2,514 with handicap to place first in the Genesee Region USBC No-Tap Triples Tournament on March 8-9 at Perry Bowling Center.
Bowling on the last of six squads, Cobb led the way with an 815 series while Sheffield and Buckley added 695 and 641, respectively. The victory was worth $780.
Forty-four teams competed -- just four short of the maximum number. Perry bowlers dominated, taking nine of the 11 cashing spots.
Final standings:
Katie Buckley-Rob Sheffield-Rodney Cobb 2514 $780
R Smith-Jeff Wolinski-Brady Weber 2419 $450
R Smith-Jeff Wolinski-Brian Weber 2340 $360
Nate Tackentien-Ryan Naylor-Curtis Hoffman 2279 $255
Kipp Comstock-Heather Forrester-Mike Chenaille 2220 $195
Eric Sickles-Sean Sickles-Matt Hurlburt 2190 $180
Katie Buckley-Tina Burger-Rodney Cobb 2173 $165
Ayden Jones-Rich Covell-Orlando Jones 2147 $150
Nate Tackentien-Kyle Tackentien-Curtis Hoffman 2139 $135
Dennis Van Duser-Ryan Naylor-Scott Briggs 2139 $135
Tony Farruggia-Zach Farruggia-Mark Washburn 2135 $120
Mount Morris trio wins GR Youth Team tourney
FEBRUARY 6, 2025 -- The team of Jacob Salamone, Jackson Bennett and Jerami Kane combined for a 1,968 total with handicap to win the Genesee Region USBC Youth Team Tournament on Sunday at Mancuso Bowling Center.
Final standings:
1 – Jacob Salamone-Jackson Bennett-Jerami Kane, Mount Morris, 1,968, $100 scholarship and trophy each
2 – Sarah Wilson-Jeffery Wilson-Trea Nickerson, Mount Morris, 1,944, $25 scholarship each
3 – Jacey Wagner-Emily Maloy-Maddy Bourg, Mancuso’s, 1,870, trophy each
4 – Colby Calmes-Liam Beagle-Hudson Klein, Le Roy Legion Lanes, 1,865
5 – Sarah Ingersoll-Robbie Hickmon-Omer Fugate, Oak Orchard, 1,839
6 – Blaiklyn Elmore-Owen Elmore-Zaiden Gray, Rusty Rail, Oakfield, 1,833
7 – Lucas Rolfe-Blake Young-Evan Phillips, Rose Garden, 1,829
8 – Sarah Wilson-Jeffery Wilson-Riley Mantegna, Mount Morris, 1,819
9 – Wyatt Bourg-Kayson Johnson-Caleb Green, Mancuso’s, 1,810
10 – Brett George-Matthew LaPiana-Gianna LaPiana, Mount Morris, 1,808
11 – Daniel Neus-Matthew Neus-Dom LaPiana III, Mount Morris, 1,781
12 – Violet Shisler-Ashlynn Shisler-Elianna Shisler, Mancuso’s, 1,767
13 – Shyann Covell-Kiara Hughes-Dom Forrester, Perry, 1,757
14 – Hunter Clark-Gavin Slocum-Dillin Goulet, Perry, 1,710
15 – Jordyn Henning-Mason Schramm-Henry Sanchez, Mancuso’s, 1,668
Eleven youth bowlers earn scholarships
at the GR Adult-Junior tourney in Albion
JANUARY 31, 2024 -- Eleven Genesee Region USBC youth bowlers earned scholarships through the annual Adult-Junior Tournament on Jan. 25-26 at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
Forty-one teams participated in the event that featured competition in 12-and-Under and 13-and Over divisions. Scholarships will be submitted to each youth bowler's SMART account associated with the United States Bowling Congress.
Results are as follows, with youth bowler listed first:
12 & Under (15 entries)
Wyatt Bourg/Matt Bourg 1,149 -- $200 scholarship
Sutton Clark/Erica Granger, 1,430 -- $125 scholarship
Robbie Hickman/Bill Hickman, 1,393 -- $100 scholarship
Sarah Ingersoll/Dave Ingersoll, 1,345 -- $50 scholarship
Jerami Kane/Jamie Watson, 1,331
Owen Elmore/James Elmore, 1,325
Bentley Forrester/Mike Chenaille, 1,322
Jameson Liles/Jane Chaddock, 1,312
Sebastian Stritzinger/Curtis Foss, 1,291
Silas Stock/Rob Gustke, 1,272
Kayson Johnson/Nick Johnson, 1,266
Matt LaPiana/Chad LaPiana, 1,236
Connor Washburn/Mark Washburn, 1,226
Kayson Johnson/Nick Johnson, 1,201
Colby Calmes/Justin Calmes, 936
13 & Over (26 entries)
Dominic LaPiana/Tim LaGeorge, 1,407 -- $275 scholarship
Grayson Standish/Ben Lennox, 1,388 -- $175 scholarship
Gianna LaPiana/Dave DiSalvo, 1,382 -- $125 scholarship
Brett George/Chris George, 1,369 -- $100 scholarship
Riley Mantegna/Jason Neus, 1,368 -- $75 scholarship
Sarah Wilson/Holly Wilson, 1,358 -- $60 scholarship
Jeffrey Wilson/Jeff Wilson, 1,349 -- $30 scholarship
Bailey Hickman/Greg Gilman, 1,317
Shyann Covell/Richard Covell, 1,315
Matthew Neus/Joni Neus, 1,283
Trea Nickerson/Rick Pernicone, 1,281
Omer Fugate/Reid Cole, 1,280
Emily Maloy/Karen Allis, 1,274
Dom Forrester/Matt Hurlburt, 1,272
Jackson Bennett/Anthony Drum, 1,271
Trea Nickerson/Mike Kime, 1,270
Hunter Clark/James Clark, 1,241
Evan Phillips/Frank Jarkiewicz, 1,232
Elianna Shisler/Timothy Shisler, 1,232
Maddie Bourg/Megan Bourg, 1,228
PJ Stritzinger/Melissa Metcalf, 1,228
Ashlynn Shisler/Timothy Shisler, 1,214
Daniel Neus/John LaGeorge, 1,197
Blake Young/Brian Young, 1,185
Dillin Goulet/Brady Weber, 1,167
Hudson Klein/DJ Klein, 857
Traci Gustke sets record with 833 series
JANUARY 7, 2025 -- Traci (Spanitz) Gustke set the all-time Genesee Region USBC record for a women's three-game series on Sunday afternoon when she rolled an 833 series in the Pizzaland Doubles League at Le Roy Legion Lanes.
Gustke, 46, a New York State USBC Hall of Famer, posted games of 299, 268 and 266 on lanes 5-6.
The 833 eclipses the previous record of 815 set by Diane Hurlburt of Warsaw on Feb. 17, 2020, at Perry Bowling Center.
More information by clicking on Pin Points tab above.
Tim LaGeorge finishes strong to win
GR Scratch Memorial, joining dad and brothers
JANUARY 6, 2025 – With his dad cheering him on, 22-year-old Tim LaGeorge of Retsof became the fourth member of his family to capture the Genesee Region USBC Scratch Memorial crown on Sunday afternoon at StrikeForce Lanes in Oakfield.
LaGeorge (photo at top) defeated former champion Adam Philp of Batavia, 267-234, in the title match to claim the $650 first prize in the annual event that began years ago as the Perry Bowling Association’s premier scratch singles event.
CLICK HERE FOR TOURNAMENT STATISTICS
The two-hander finished with a flurry – posting a 267 in the final game of the semifinal round to make the five-bowler stepladder finals and adding games of 234 and 242 in the stepladder round to earn the right to meet the top-seeded Philp.
“I had to do it at some point,” said LaGeorge, who joins his father, John (2000-2001 season), and brothers Justin (2002-2003 season) and Matt (2015) in the Scratch Memorial winners’ circle.
In his senior year at St. John Fisher, majoring in Sports Management, LaGeorge said he used the Roto Grip RST X-1 ball in the semifinals and finals.
“I was able to open the lane up, basically moving left after I shot the 267 to make the top five,” he said. “I had a great shot. If I missed it in, it held and if I got it out a bit, it came back.”
The tournament, which drew 67 entries, was contested on the Kegel Gateway Arch challenge oil pattern.
It is the first tournament victory for LaGeorge, who said he started out as a two-hander at the age of 5 or 6. He said quit the sport for several years, taking it back up when he turned 18.
He said he is averaging around 215 in the Wednesday Night Classic League at Mount Morris Lanes, where he bowls with his father.
Philp, the reigning Super Bud Bowl champion, earned the No. 1 seed with a 911 total in the four-game semis. He earned $340 for his second-place finish.
Mickey Hyde of Le Roy (899) was the No. 2 seed, followed by LaGeorge (878), former champion Brian Weber of Perry (866) and Geoff Harloff of Batavia (854).
Weber opened the stepladder finals with a 221-192 win over Harloff before LaGeorge topped Weber, 234-146, and Hyde, 242-211, to advance to face Philp.
In the title match, LaGeorge started with a triple, spared in the fourth frame and then strung six in a row to hold off Philp, who finished with five consecutive strikes.
Hyde pocketed $225 for third while Weber won $195 and Harloff $170.
Mike Pettinella of Batavia, this season’s Senior Masters champion, rallied to finish sixth with an 832 score ($150).
Pettinella made it to the semis by winning a one-game rolloff, 193-192, over Brett Van Duser of Perry after they tied for the 60-and-over qualifying spot.
Other cashers, in order of finish, were Don Parrott of Warsaw, Roger Allis of Medina, Scott Shields of Batavia, Brian Cline of Middleport, Jim Foss of Medina, Rick Pernicone of Dansville, Paul Bacon of Lockport, Zach Farruggia of Mount Morris, Rich Wagner of Batavia, Keith Nugent of Portageville and Kevin Gray Sr. of Honeoye Falls.
Bacon claimed the $25 bonus for posting the high four-game qualifying score of 918.
The Genesee Region USBC added $300 to the prize fund. The next association-sponsored tournament is the Adult-Junior event on Jan. 25-26 at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion. Entry forms for all GRUSBC tournaments can be found on this website.
SCRATCH MEMORIAL FINALISTS: The top five finishers at Sunday's Genesee Region USBC Scratch Memorial, from left, Tim LaGeorge, Adam Philp, Mickey Hyde, Brian Weber and Geoff Harloff.
Bowling great Joe Mortellaro passes away at age of 88
DECEMBER 28, 2024 -- Joseph "Joe" Mortellaro, known as "Mr. Bowling" throughout the Genesee Region for his numerous accomplishments on the lanes and his contributions to the sport over seven decades, passed away on Friday morning (Dec. 27, 2024) at his home. He was 88.
Joe was a member of the inaugural Batavia Bowling Association Hall of Fame Class of 1973 in the Bowling Achievement category, and in 2000, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame's Meritorious Service category.
Joe was a perennial all-star in the Classic League at Mancuso Lanes and earned multiple tournament victories -- including the Batavia Masters in 1970 and 1993, th
e Autumn Classic at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion in 2000 and many Batavia and Perry association team, doubles, singles and all-events crowns.
His classic form at the line enabled him to roll countless 700 series and several 300 games, with his last perfect game coming at the age of 74 in January 2011. Joe bowled in leagues at various centers in the area, consistently posting 200-plus averages. He averaged 200 in league play at Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield in 2014 at the age of 78.
Perhaps his greatest accomplishment occurred in April 2019 in Las Vegas when he competed in his 50th United States Bowling Congress Championship Tournament. USBC officials presented him a plaque during a ceremony at the South Point Bowling Plaza. (See photo above).
Off the lanes, Joe served as president of the Batavia Bowling Association from 1970-1992 while also becoming well known as a bowling ball driller and, from 1982-2010, as owner of Joe's Pro Shop in Batavia.
A Celebration of Life is planned at a date in the near future.
Photo at right: Paul Spiotta, Joe Mortellaro and Joe Trigilio at 2019 USBC Open Championships in Las Vegas.
Morgan Allis, Andy Ritz team to win
GR No-Tap Doubles Tournament
DECEMBER 18, 2024 -- Morgan Allis of Medina and Andy Ritz of Lockport combined for a 1,675 three-game score to win the Dec. 14-15 tournament’s $600 first prize.
Ritz recorded an 812 series (remember, nine or 10 pins on the first ball equals a strike) and Allis posted a 773 series, including a 300 game, for 1,587 scratch. Toss in their 90 pins handicap to get 1,675.
Two teams tied at 1,664 and will split the second and third place money of $316 and $200).
They were the Oakfield father-son duo of Jeremy (801 scratch) and Peyton Yasses (803 scratch) and the team of Ricky Daniels of Albion (818 scratch) and Tim Talbot of Barker (807 scratch). Both Daniels and Talbot registered perfect games.
Thirteen of the 52 entries cashed. The Genesee Region USBC contributed $200 plus a portion of the tournament expense fee to the prize fund.
Remaining cashers are as follows:
4 – $146 -- Naomi Hyde/Mickey Hyde, Le Roy, 1,654.
5 – $138 -- Gavin Lawlis/Ian Lawlis, Batavia, 1,647.
6 – $132 -- Shannon Popovich, Barker/Austin Carpenter, Middleport, 1,639
7 – $122 -- Dan Daniels, Albion/Tim Talbot, Barker, 1,638
8 – $ 116 -- Samantha Hyde/Tom Rohl, Le Roy, 1,613
9 – $110 -- John Wolff/Bill Neubert, Batavia, 1,582
10 – $106 -- Juliana Allis/Mike Schepis, Medina, 1,557
11 – $98 -- Marc Wilder/Gary Kuchler, Oakfield, 1,546
12 – $92 -- Brandon Luce/Haley Luce, Oakfield, 1,525
13 – $86 -- Zach Moden, Medina/Frank Jarkiewicz, Byron, 1,523.
Le Roy, Perry teams capture Youth Doubles titles
DECEMBER 13, 2024 -- Twenty-two teams participated in the Genesee Region Youth Doubles Tournament on Dec. 8 at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.
In the A Division (team average 250 and over), Liam Beagle and Hudson Klein of Le Roy Legion Lanes placed first with 1,340 to win a $100 scholarship and trophy each.
In the B Division (team average 249 and under), Bentley Forrester and Dom Forrester of Perry Bowling Center finished on top with 1,251, also winning a $100 scholarship and trophy each.
FINAL STANDINGS
A DIVISION (250 AND OVER)
1 – Liam Beagle/Hudson Klein, Le Roy, 1,340, $100 scholarship and trophy each
2 – Hunter Clark/Gavin Slocum, Perry, 1,323, trophy each
3 – Daniel Neus/Matthew Neus, Mount Morris, 1,289, trophy each
4 – Jerami Kane/Trea Nickerson, Mount Morris, 1,203
5 – Gianna LaPiana/Matthew Neus, Mount Morris, 1,191
6 – Blake Young/Evan Phillips, Rose Garden, 1,190
7 – Jacob Salamone/Jackson Bennett, Mount Morris, 1,181
8 – Riley Mantegna/Dom LaPiana III, Mount Morris, 1,165
9 – Sarah Wilson/Jeff Wilson, Mount Morris, 1,161
10 – Matthew LaPiana/Daniel Neus, Mount Morris, 1,159
11 – Lucas Rolfe/Evan Phillips, Le Roy, 1,150
12 – Kiara Hughes/Shyann Covell, Perry, 1,145
13 – Eliel DeJesus/Ayden Jones, Mount Morris, 1,143
14 – Brett George/Dom LaPiana III, Mount Morris, 1,136
15 – Robbie Hickman/Omer Fugate, Oak Orchard, 1,121
16 – Ashlynn Shisler/Elianna Shisler, Mancuso’s, 1,067
B DIVISION (249 AND UNDER)
1 – Bentley Forrester/Dom Forrester, Perry, 1,251, $100 scholarship and trophy each
2 – Wyatt Bourg/Kayson Johnson, Mancuso’s, 1,200, trophy each
3 – Matthew LaPiana/Gianna LaPiana, Mount Morris, 1,173, trophy each
4 – Sarah Ingersoll/Omer Fugate, Oak Orchard, 1,129
5 – Sarah Ingersoll/Robbie Hickman, Oak Orchard, 1,116
6 – Madeline Bourg/Emily Maloy, Mancuso’s, 1,091
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.
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.
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
Mary Mantor -- 1/31/25 -- league bowler Warsaw and Perry
Dawn Bertrand -- longtime league bowler at Perry Bowling Center -- 3/31/25
Richard "Dick" Scott -- 3/2/25 -- Le Roy
Elenor Johnson -- 3/2/25 -- Batavia
Donald Pfalzer - 2/15/25 -- Darien Center -- father of Rock (Bruce) Kraus
Lorraine Coppini -- 2/15/25 -- Batavia -- Former league bowler and secretary
Franklin Lund -- 2/13/25 -- Batavia -- Former league bowler
Paul Conley -- 2/10/25 -- Batavia -- Former Commercial and Classic League bowler
Joel Dennis -- 12/4/24 -- Perry
Andrea Stromski -- 12/5/24 -- Batavia -- League bowler at Mancuso Bowling Center
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.
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.
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;
-- Albert Vlietstra, Geneseo
-- Carmen Copani, former Batavian who was living in Florida.
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.
