Tonawandas' USBC Bowling Association

The 2nd annual TONUSBC Bowling Association Strike-Out Breast Cancer bowling tournament will be held on March 6 at Classic Lanes in Kenmore. This open singles event has an entry fee of $40 for men and $25 for women. A 3- game qualifying round will start at 1 p.m. to determine 5 finalists in each division who will advance to elimination match play for the respective championships. A portion of each entry fee will support Roswell Park Team Cure and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Handicap applied will be 100% of 230 for all entrants in this USBC-certified competition. Applications are available at area bowling centers and the association office (692-8668). For further information, call Fran Bax at 799-3640 or Bruce Harrison at 807-1225. Tournament awards and prize checks will be presented at the TONUSBC 6th annual Bowl for the Cure fundraising event set for Classic Lanes on March 7 from noon to 3 p.m. Free bowling and lunch will be available to the public. A Chinese auction and bake sale will also be featured at this time. Donations and gifts are welcome and can be dropped off at the center at 1840 Military Rd. (873-3383). For more information, call event chairlady Patti Bax at 284-6576 or contact a member of the TONUSBC board of directors.

Also at Classic on March 7, prizes from the February 7 bowling dog exhibition/pledge contest will be awarded.

The championship of the 19th annual Tri-City Masters Tournament at Manor Lanes on February 21 was decided by two Tonawandas bowlers after 5 rounds of match play. Lefthander Pat Brick defeated righty Mike Hanes, 448-349 in the 2-game finals to win his second TCM crown (1996) and $1,000. Hanes, defending champion, earned $550. In semi-final matches, Brick eliminated Steve Kosut, 389-330 and Hanes dispatched Pete Maduri, 370-358 to advance to the title match.

The three co-sponsoring USBC associations provided special cash prizes, $300 and $100, respectively, to their highest finishers: Tonawandas: Brick and Hanes, Lockport: Gary Kinyon and Jeff Stanton; Niagara Falls; Kosut and Rich Maloney. Maloney led the 6-game qualifying round on February 14 with 1294. A score of 1154 was needed to advance to the 24-player match play portion. Twenty-six of the 72 entrants shared in a prize fund of $5,200 of this USBC-certified event. Niagara Falls USBC will host in 2011. Tournament director Jim Wolf presented the championship trophy and prize checks.

The Tonawandas USBC Association 18th annual Singles Shootout Tournament at Island Lanes on January 24 attracted 48 entrants, with Tom Kowalski winning the "A" division and Karen Baryza taking the "B" group title. Kowalski beat Donn Schubert, 223-210 in the 186 -210 average group and Baryza stopped Frank Heinze Jr, 205-191 in the 185 ave. and under category. Kowalski won $168 and Baryza, $125, with Schubert earning $95 and Heinze $90 as the respective runners-up. A total of 14 bowlers shared in the overall prize fund of $980.

In "A" match play, Herman Mathews beat Paul Schroeder, 213-186 and Coleen Overholt, 210-203 and lost to Kowalski, 243-210, who advanced to the title match against high qualifier Schubert. In "B" matches, Heinze defeated Samantha Zangskorn, 229-205, Steve Ehde, 232-216 and Steven Krafft, 247-228 to advance to the title match against qualifier leader Baryza.

High individual scratch scores from the qualifying round included: Overholt-241-699, Baryza-242-689, Kowalski-245-659, Schubert-223-658, Schroeder-223-645, Tom Digati-218-614, Pat Conn-224-603, Dennis McGinn-214-606, Patrick Miller-224-612, Kevin Sweeney-219-608. Herman Mathews-223, Steve Simonds-214, Chris Reading-238, Peter J. Rizzo-223, Jim Laux-220, Bill Durkee-222 and Ryan Harms-235. Tournament director Bruce Harrison presented prize checks to the winners.

Georja, the bowling dog and Fran Bax, bowling hall of famer, will display their talents on Sunday (Feb. 7) at Manor Lanes II in Amherst to support research in the fight against breast cancer. The public is invited to watch this exhibition of "animal vs man" on the lanes that starts at 3 p.m. Area youth are collecting pledges to win prizes that includes a 24" TV. Pledge forms are available at area bowling centers. Proceeds will benefit the Susan B. Anthony Breast Cancer Foundation and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Team Cure.

This fundraising event is sponsored by the Tonawandas USBC Bowling Association, and is part of the group's 6th annual "Bowl for the Cure" weekend scheduled for Classic Lanes in Kenmore on March 6-7, when drawings will be held for the exhibition match pledges. For more information, call activity chairpersons Patti or Fran Bax at 284-6576 or the association office at 692-8668.

The second of three youth bowling tournaments conducted by the Tonawandas USBC Bowling Association in the 2009-2010 season was held at Manor Lanes II on January10. The results of the 44th annual Youth Doubles Tournament and their scores that earned trophies follow:

Class A- scratch-1) Shelby Barker/Rob Ricketts-1235. With handicap- 1) Trista Davis/Henry Wesolowski-1546, 2) Richard Rost/Christopher Stonish-1540, 3) Angelia Aquilina/Hannah Mosher-1513; Class B- scr- 1) Cody Thomas/Kenny Scozzafava-1140; w/h- 1) Connor Schepperly/Joe Saraceno-1495, 2) Colton and Jared Simonds-1462, 3) Christopher and Alexander Weinrich-1461. Class C-scr.-Jacob Witkopf/Olivia Sadjak-742; w/h- 1) Courtney and Jessica Jackson-1420, 2) William Zenghardt/Emily Debernardinis-1391, 3) Bradley Williams/Dylan Greenauer-1382.

High individual scores: Hannah Mosher-267-704, Shelby Barker-206, 211, Rachel Kielaszek-206, Trista Davis-203, Wes Thompson-248-679, Joe Doherty-244-643, Rob Ricketts-243-650, Henry Wesolowski-258-707, Kaitlin Daugherty-170, James Leslie-211, Sean Mattry-217, Jordan Jelks-201, Richard Rost-215, John Stopka-214. Also, Alexander Weinrich-174, Matt Sutton-177, Austin Vetter-179,178, Morgan Walsh-175, Codie Thomas-231,235, Taylor Reese-195, Kevin Scozzafava-191,185, Austin Simonds-188, Alexis Greenauer-166, Jacob Witkopf-170.

The next youth tourney will be the singles event at Classic Lanes on March 21. Bowlers who compete in all three youth tournaments are eligible for special all-events.

Mark Kielaszek finished with five strikes to outscore Tony George, 236-222 to win the 24th annual Tonawandas USBC Senior Masters Tournament at Manor Lanes II on December 13. Top-seeded Kielaszek won $225 and the prestigious title and George won $165 as runner-up. George also earned $75 as high scratch qualifier with a 673 trisum. Eight of the 31 entrants shared in the $750 prize fund.

In match play, Donn Schubert eliminated Rich Winter, 257-211 and Karen Baryza, 241-224 and George stopped Schubert, 220-204 to qualify for the title match. Additional high scores: Bob Kafel-222-652, Donn Schubert-268-642, George Thomas-235-642, Linus Ratajczak-223-638, Paul Schroeder-237-637, Pat Galligan Sr.-226-630, Jerry Smith-245-628, Paul Wanecski-225-617, Rich Winter-244, Duane Harris-234, Ray Bellet-222.

The next scheduled TONUSBC tournaments are the Youth Doubles on January 10 at Manor II and the Adult Singles Shootout at Island Lanes on January 24.

Manor Lanes II in Amherst will host the annual Tonawandas USBC Senior Masters Tournament on Sunday, December 13. All association members age 50 and older are eligible to enter and compete for cash prizes in this singles competition. A 3-game qualifying round at 1:30 p.m. will produce 5 finalists for match play to determine this year's champion. Handicap applied will be 90% of a 230 base. The entry fee is $30. Paid reserved entries are due by December 12. Mike Klis is the defending champion. Applications are available at local bowling centers or can be dowloaded here. Please contact the Tonawandas USBC office at 692-8668 with any questions.

The first of three TONUSBC youth bowling tournaments for '09-'10 was held at Manor Lanes on November 8. Eight 4-player teams earned trophy awards in this 33rd annual event. The results and scores and team members are as follows:

Division A: Scratch-Manor Lanes-2119-Dawn Carter, Trista Davis, James Leslie, Rob Ricketts. With handicap- 1) Mixed #1-2830-Leslie Conlan, Rebecca Conlan, Abbey Kieffer, Whitney Werth, 2) Bull Jacks-2646-Taylor Anderson, Jennifer Hojnowski, Kimberly Hojnowski, Megan Michaels, 3)TBC Boys-2641-Alex Kieffer, Kyle Kieffer, Trent Riley, David Werth.

Division B: Scratch-Soda Pop-1425-Christina Sutton, Mikayla Reading, Chelsea Schmidt, Elizabeth McLean. With handicap- 1) Rolling Flames-2854-Olivia Sajdak, Elliot Pohlman, Austin Schroeder, Jacob Witkopf, 2) TBC Mixed-2748-Dayna Daugherty, Kaitlin Daugherty, Victoria Kurdziel, Dave Talebkhah, 3) Sweet Home Thunder-2714-Steve Oswald, Willy Oswald, Alex Weinreich, Chris Weinreich.

Bowlers participating in all 3 TONUSBC youth tournaments will be eligible for special all-events awards at the end of the season. The remaining youth events will be the Doubles at Manor Lanes II on January 10 and the Singles at Classic Lanes on March 21. Applications will be available at all local bowling centers and the association office (692-8668) prior to each tournament.

Competition in the 24th annual Youth/Adult tournament at Tonawanda Bowling Center on October 18 resulted in 8 winning teams. Class A scratch champions were Sean Mattrey/Len Pimm (1218). Handicap division honors went to 1) Bethany Griffin/David Griffin (1391), 2) Alexis Greenauer/Doug Clark (1342), 3) Peter Wozniak Jr./Peter Wozniak Sr. (1334). Class B scatch champions were Kim Hojnowski/Jim Hojnowski (1045). Class B handicap honors went to 1) Shawn Williams/Bradley Williams (1249), 2) Mike Weber Jr./Mike Weber Sr. (1202), 3) Elizabeth McLean/Bruce McLean (1180).

Outstanding individual scores included: Youth-Brandon Mussell (236-622), Adults-Ron Sutton (245-693), Mike Weber Sr. (240-663), John Bender (268-650), Len Pimm (232-643), Brian Fleischman (243-630), Doug Clark (213-625), David Griffin (220-625), Shawn Williams (228-619). Also, Pete Wozniak Sr. (235), Jim Hojnowski (224), Tom Thomsen (213), Jason Davis (212), Bill Witkopf (211), Rich Nicosia (211), Holly Filarecki (209), and Josh Pisarek (203).

The next TONUSBC youth event will be the team tournament at Manor Lanes on November 8. The next adult tourney will be the Senior Masters at Manor Lanes II on December 13. Applications are available at all local bowling centers, tonusbc.com website and the association office (692-8668).

Terry Zarcone won her second consecutive Tonawandas Kick-Off championship and her husband Mike won his first in the USBC Bowling Association's 28th annual season-opening event at Island Lanes on August 21. Terry edged Holly Hart, 183-182 and Mike outscored high qualifier Justin Hart, 267-246 in the final matches. Terry led the women's 4-game qualifier with a 269-949 set and Justin hit a K-O record 1061 series that included his 11th 300 and fourth career 800 series (824 first 3 games).

In preliminary matches, Lisa Carter tripped Jessica Coughlin, 233-224 and Holly eliminated Lisa, 239-195. Mike Preston defeated Mike Johnson, 236-210 and lost to Zarcone, 248-195. TONUSBC President Karen Baryza presented championship awards. Holly and Justin are in-laws. On this occasion, Justin's parents, Tim and Michelle Hart witnessed the 21 year-old righty bowling honor scores for the first time in his career.

The Empire State USBC Bowling Association has selected Niagara Falls/Tonawandas to host the 2010 ESUSBCBA State Open Championships Tournament to be held at Rapids Bowling Center and Tonawanda Bowling Center during weekends on April 10 � May 16, 2010. Fran Bax, TONUSBC and ESUSBCBA board member and tournament site committee chairperson noted that the decision to select Niagara Falls/Tonawandas was appropriate given what the area has to offer for tourism and attractions, and to offer a backdrop for a gala celebration of a new age of bowling in New York State. Entry forms for the 2010 ESUSBCBA State Open Championships Tournament will be available at the beginning of the bowling season at all TONUSBC bowling centers.

The ESUSBC state convention will be held during the first weekend of the tournament, including an induction ceremony for the new ESUSBCBA Hall of Fame that would include grandfathering of current New York State BA Hall of Fame members. TONUSBC board members Ken Kreger and Bax are also members of the New York State BA Hall of Fame.

Bowlers in New York State now have a new state association and leadership. United States Bowling Congress delegates from across the state, including TONUSBC board members Bruce Harrison, Ken Kreger and Fran Bax met during June in Utica, N.Y., and formed the new Empire State USBC Bowling Association. The formation of the Empire State Bowling Association comes as result of the decision by USBC to revoke the charter of the New York State Bowling Association after $274,000 was embezzled from the former NYSBA. The new Empire State USBC Bowling Association represents approximately 80,000 members and is separate from the New York State USBC Women's Bowling Association and the New York State USBC Youth Association.

Twenty jurisdictional directors were elected, including Bax who will serve on the ESUSBCBA. Bax is serving a two year term, and is chairing the Tournament Site Committee and the Awards/Hall of Fame Committee. "It is imperative that we are accountable in every aspect of governance and leadership," newly elected president Mike Pettinella from Batavia said. "The checks and balances that are in place must be followed each and every step of the way.� Pettinella noted that the new association is �establishing a system of regular communication with all of our members."

A new website is being formed along with restructured rules, entry fees and prize funds for upcoming tournaments. The first ESUSBCBA tournament event is the State Senior Tournament to be held on October 17-18 and 24-25 at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego. Entry forms will be distributed shortly to all TONUSBC bowling centers.

The Tonawandas USBC Bowling Association will open the 2009-2010 bowling season with its annual Kick-Off Tournament on Friday, August 21 at Mallwitz's Island Lanes. Twelve women and 12 men, city champions and high average players from last season, will take to the lanes at 6:30 p.m. in this prestigious invitational event. Included in the field are defending champions Terry Zarcone and Ed Lavery. The public is invited to watch these premier bowlers in action that will include a 4-game qualifying round and individual match play to determine this year's champions.