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Milestone for Mortellaro: Corfu resident to bowl in 50th USBC Open tournament

By Mike Pettinella

The display at the USBC Open Championships in Las Vegas recognizing Joe Mortellaro as a 50-year tournament participant. Mortellaro will be honored when he competes next week.

The year was 1956 and Joe Mortellaro, a 19-year-old Batavian with loads of bowling potential, competed in his first American Bowling Congress Tournament, a national showcase of keglers from throughout the United States.

That tournament was held in Rochester and, since then, “Joe Mort” has traveled all over the country to be a part of the tournament, which usually runs from early March through early July.

The tournament is now called the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships due to the merger of the ABC, Women’s International Bowling Congress, Young American Bowling Alliance and USA Bowling in 2005.

Fast forward to 2019 and Mortellaro, a Corfu resident for several decades, is about to reach a milestone he never really thought too much about until recent years – participating in his 50th USBC Open Championships.

 “I never had that in mind (making it to 50 years),” said Mortellaro, now 82 and battling through some serious health issues. “I have to give credit to the guys (his teammates) who keep pushing me.”

Mortellaro, nine other Batavia-area bowlers and several of his family members will converge upon South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas next week to celebrate the achievement.

Joe, owner of Joe's Pro Shop for many years prior to his retirement, is the leadoff man on a squad with nephew Mark McVay, nephew Todd Mortellaro, Gregg Wolff and Paul Spiotta, team captain. The companion team consists of Jim Pursel, Geoff Harloff, Brian Green, nephew Rich Mortellaro and Nathan Cordes.

The group bowls its Team event at 7 p.m. Friday, April 26, and its Doubles & Singles events at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27. In between the two events, Mortellaro will spend three hours at a Henderson, Nev., dialysis center as part of his three-times-per-week therapy.

“I haven’t bowled much in league lately (due to fatigue), but I bowled a couple games on Sunday and Tuesday of this week at Mancuso’s, and it felt pretty good,” he said.

Family members that will be there cheering him on include his sister, Millie McVay, and her daughter, Jeannie; nephew, Fred McVay, and his wife, Donna; and sister-in-law, Charlene Tiede.

Additionally, Joe Trigilio, Mortellaro’s teammate for many years, is planning to travel to Vegas with his wife, Kathy, to witness the accomplishment. Trigilio is unable to bowl this year due to his fight against brain cancer.

Everyone is rooting for Joe to complete the nine games, and add to his 49-year pinfall of 79,911 for 429 games, which is good for a 186.2 average on extremely difficult lane conditions. He said his best performance was 1,800-plus for All-Events (nine games) but he wasn’t sure of the year.

According to Spiotta, who has 26 USBC Open Championships under his belt, Mortellaro only has to bowl the Team event to qualify for the 50th year award.

Spiotta said being able to hang with Mortellaro for the past 25 years is one of his greatest thrills as a bowler.

“I have the utmost respect for Joe Mortellaro, not only as one of the greatest bowlers I’ve ever seen but also one of the finest people I have ever known,” Spiotta said.

Spiotta recalled that he “accepted without hesitation” an invitation from Mortellaro to join his USBC Open Championships’ traveling team in 1995, and is excited to be a part of the 50th year festivities.

“If Joe hadn’t been ill or injured on two occasions over the past 25 years, he would have already reached this milestone,” Spiotta said. “However, I am extremely proud that I will be there to witness this honored moment for him on April 26th in Las Vegas.”

FOUR TO ENTER GENESEE REGION USBC HALL OF FAME

Genesee Region USBC directors are meeting this Saturday to review the annual Association Tournament and finalize plans for the Annual Banquet on May 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Prize checks from the Association Tournament that took place the last two weeks in March at Oak Orchard Bowl and Medina Lanes are expected to go out the beginning of next week.

To see the complete unofficial results, go to the Genesee Region USBC website – www.bowlgr.com.

The Annual Banquet will include the induction of four people into the GRUSBC Hall of Fame -- James Foss of Medina in the Achievement Regular category, Robert Hodgson of Medina and Al Vlietstra of Geneseo in the Achievement Veteran category, and Eunice Englert of Nunda in the Meritorious Service category.

Foss, 56, has been a standout bowler for the past 20 years, compiling more than 15 300 games and six 800 series and averaging over 200 for most of those year – with a high of 235.

In 2007-08, he earned national recognition for have the high trio series of 2,295 (two men and one woman).

The head mechanic at Medina Lanes and league officer for several leagues, he has cashed in numerous local tournaments in the Medina, Lockport and Genesee Region associations.

He finished second to Rich Wagner in the GRUSBC Masters in 2017, averaging 206 while winning six of eight matches in the final en route to a $325 prize. He also has been a finalist on multiple occasions in the GRUSBC Senior Masters.

Hodgson, 71, a retired school teacher, has 13 perfect game and seven 800 series while averaging in the 215-plus range for the past several years.

His tournament success includes victories in the GRUSBC Doubles event with his son and the Tommy Kress 60-and-Over scratch singles tour.

A certified bowling coach, he assists with the Saturday morning youth program at Medina and consistently competes in GRUSBC tournaments.

Vlietstra, 70, has done well in tournaments at the local and state level.

He is a two-time Singles champion, with 762 in the Perry Association in 1997 and 860 (752 scratch) in the GRUSBC in 2017. He placed first in the 2009 GRUSBC Senior Masters at Letchworth Pines and rolled his high game of 299 in an Amateur Bowlers Tour event.

Vlietstra, who owns a masonry business, is a four-time NYS USBC tournament champion:

-- As a member of the Turnbull Heating team in the 2010 NYS Open Championships in Niagara Falls (he rolled 661);
-- Handicap Singles (843) in the 2014 NYS Open Championships in Rochester;
-- Six-Game Combine (1,483) in the 2014 NYS Open Senior Championships in Cortland;
-- Handicap Doubles (801 with handicap) in the 2015 NYS Open Championships in Buffalo.

His personal best series of 788 came in the New York State Firemen’s Tournament in Newburgh in the mid-2000’s.  A league bowler since 1987, he posted his high league average of 203 in 2004-05 at Perry Bowling Center.

Englert has been bowling for more than 50 years and has served the sport as a league secretary, Genesee Valley Women’s Bowling Association director and tournament coordinator for almost as long.

Her induction comes on the heels of her husband’s (Dennis) enshrinement last year. The couple was a fixture at Letchworth Pines, running the bowling center and taking care of the leagues for 30 years.

SPARE SHOTS FROM AROUND THE GENESEE REGION

-- Albion’s Paige Snook (photo at right) continued her fine season last weekend when she captured the Youth Bowlers Tour handicap division crown at AMF Empire Lanes.

Paige, who will be competing in the Junior Gold Championships in July in Detroit, qualified in 11th place before winning all four of her matches for her first title.

Previously, Paige rolled her first USBC-certified 700 series in the youth bowling program at Oak Orchard Bowl. Her games were 255-212-233 for 700 right on the mark.

-- The GRUSBC West team defeated the GRUSBC East squad, 69.5-18.5 at Scopano’s Lanes last Saturday to even their annual series at two wins apiece.

The West won all but two Doubles and Singles matches – posting a 13-2 record – and then went on two win both Baker-style team matches.

Scott Gibson led the way with a 3-0 record and 224 average while Bruce Kraus, Paul Spiotta, Bob Hodgson, Jackie Jurinich, Mike Johnson and Gregg Wolff also won all three of their matches.

Rounding out the West team were Roger Stone, Jerry Currier and Scott Shields.

For the East team, Jerry Davis and Al Vlietstra combined for a Doubles victory and Dana Freeman posted a Singles win.

Other members of the East team were Kevin Gray Sr., Augie Dale, Tim Fonte, Eric Galton, John LaGeorge, Dan Santini and John Wood.

-- Batavia’s Rich Wagner, who set a GRUSBC record with a 246 league average this season, put his stamp on the USBC Open Championships in Las Vegas earlier this week with a sparkling 1,859 All-Events score.

The national tournament is bowled on a Sport condition, which makes Wagner’s total even more impressive. The left-hander had 587 in the Team event, 608 in Doubles and 664 in Singles. He should get back a decent prize check for the 664.

He bowled for the Toyota of Batavia team along with Josh Elliott, Jeremy Vallance, Leon Hurd and Jason Gallo.

Batavia women's senior hockey team wins area's Scottsville tournament

By Billie Owens
Submitted photo and write-up by Head Coach Craig Jackson:

 

The Batavia “Babes on Blades” women’s senior hockey team finished off another strong season this year by competing in and winning the area's annual Scottsville Women’s Senior Hockey Tournament during the last weekend of March for the second year in a row.

In the first game, the Batavia team defeated the always tough Buffalo “Stampede” by a 6 to 1 score.

The second game of the tournament was against the Brockport “Ladies on Ice.” Batavia started fast and were up 3 to 0 at the end of the first period. Brockport tightened up with the teams trading goals. Batavia won the game be a 6 to 2 score.

In the third game of the tournament, Batavia played against the host team Scottsville “Chicks with Sticks.” This game was more of a defensive game between the two teams with Batavia ending up with a 3 to 0 win.

The championship game finished with a rematch against the host Scottsville team again. Batavia scored the first goal about halfway through the first period and never looked back as they ended up with the win by a 8 to 0 score. Strong defensive play and goal tending during all the games was key to the tournament win.

BHS grad places second in her age group in Florida's 7 Mile Bridge Run

By Billie Owens

Some of this information is from Ken Dispenza, who also provided the photo.

Batavia resident and Batavia High School graduate Marissa Dispenza, who is 21 (above, right), ran the 38th annual 7 Mile Bridge Run in Marathon, Fla., on April 6 and placed second in her age group (19-24).

A total of 1,500 runners compete in male and female divisions by age groups. Dispenza, wearing bib #430, placed 172 overall with a gun time of 59.16; net time of 58:51.84 and a pace of 8:40.

The 7 Mile Bridge Run is the only known run that is completely surrounded by water from start to finish. The scenery surrrounding the runners is breathtaking. It began as a dedication run in 1982, celebrating the opening of the then new 7 Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. It is officially marked at 6.8 miles.

About the City of Marathon, Fla.

It's is set on 13 islands, known for their beaches and barrier reef. Its elevation is three feet above sea level and it's home to nearly 9,000 people. Loggerhead turtles nest at Coco Plum Beach and Sombrero Beach. Curry Hammock State Park has a sandy shoreline and mangrove creek. The Dolphin Research Center offers interactive demos in a shallow lagoon. Near the City Marina, Crane Point features a tropical forest, bird-rescue center and natural history museum.

Batavia/Genesee Police and Fire Ice Hockey Team skates this weekend in annual Buffalo tournament

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia/Genesee Police and Fire Ice Hockey Team will be skating this weekend in the annual Police and Fire Hockey Tournament at Harbor Center in Buffalo.

The team, comprised of first responders from the City of Batavia Police Department, City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and Town of Batavia Fire Department, has participated each year since the inception of the tournament.

Teams from the United States and Canada participate, with a strong showing from the Western New York area.

This year’s team is sponsored again by Kenny Mistler, owner of Ken’s Charcoal Pits (and wood-fired brick oven pizza). Mistler has sponsored the team for the past several years, and his continuing support for our local first responders is greatly appreciated.

For those who wish to go and support the team, the schedule is as follows: Friday, April 19th at 2 p.m. and again at 7:45 p.m.; Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m., with playoffs starting at 2:45 p.m.

Bardol rolls 809 series at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen; Quilliam hits 746

By Mike Pettinella

League bowling is winding down in the Genesee Region, but Brockport’s Chris Bardol shows no signs of tapering off.

The high-scoring right-hander continued his super season with an 809 series in the G&W Vending League earlier this week at Rose Garden Bowl.

His high game for the night was 279.

In other action, Jason Quilliam of Batavia was "on his game" in the Mancuso Real Estate/No Finer Diner league at Mancuso Bowling Center to the tune of a 268 game and 746 series.

Also at Mancuso's, Gary Kuchler, Genesee Region USBC president, posted a 702 series in the Antique World Tuesday Coed league, and at Legion Lanes in Le Roy, Matt Balduf closed the season with a 707 series in the Le Roy Moose league.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Mike Pettinella's Pin Points column is scheduled to appear this Thursday.

As many as five title fights expected at second Throwdown at the Downs

By Howard B. Owens

Quentin Marozzi, a resident of Caledonia, can't wait to defend his MMA title in the 135-pound weight class in the Throwdown at The Downs on June 15.

"I am pumped," Marozzi said. "I'm ecstatic. I'm ready to go. I'm so honored to be here to do what I do. It's what I live for."

Batavia Downs is once again teaming up with local mix martial arts promoter Richard Mitchell and Ground Force Fights.

"Oh man," Mitchell said, "obviously last year's show was big, big. This year is going to be bigger. We're going to have 15 to 20 flights again and a lot of exciting fighters. There will be at least five title fights, maybe more."

Local fighters on the card so far include Peter Flanagan, Kenny Hale and Steven Kleckler.

Heavyweight Jon Marconi returns from Canada to defend his title.

Shotzie Doran, from Rochester, is also fighting.

"Honestly, I just love fighting and I'm just humbled by the entire experience, so I'm happy to be here, happy to be a part of it," Doran said.

Marozzi said he's looking forward to taking on the challenge of a fighter who comes to MMA from wrestling.

"He's really tough," Marozzi said. "He's undefeated. I'm looking forward to really going out there with a wrestler. Most wrestlers I've fought have a really good jaw. So we're going to test his jaw and see how good it really is. He's a good guy. He's humble and he's respectable so he's going to be a good opponent. It's going to be a good time."

Marozzi said he's also pleased to be fighting again in one of Mitchell's events.

"He takes care of his fighters," Marozzi said. "He cares about the fighters in the ring and out of the ring, in their lives and at camps. He's not like a lot of promoters who really just care about the fighter to showing up. He actually cares about his fighters. He's the best promoter I've fought for and I've had like 15 fights."

“We are excited to have Ground Force Fights back at Batavia Downs,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president at Batavia Downs Gaming. “After the success of last year’s event, we began talks almost immediately on putting together another event here in June of 2019. We’re looking forward to another great night of fights that will entertain the passionate MMA fans of Western New York.”

Tickets are on sale now at bataviaconcerts.com. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; event starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 for General Admission and $55 for VIP seats closer to the cage. Lawn chairs (which are normally permitted for other Batavia Downs events) are NOT permitted for this event. There will be limited chairs and bleacher seating available.

Each concert ticket is also redeemable once at Player’s Club in the three days following the event for $15 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines.

Photo: Quentin Marozzi, Richard Mitchell and Shotzie Doran.

Batavia secures opener over Pittsford Sutherland 14-8

By Steve Ognibene

The Batavia Lady Blue Devils got some revenge over Monroe County nemesis Pittsford Sutherland, defeating the Knights 14-8 in the opener for both teams in Pittsford.

Batavia jumped out early in the top of the first inning as Bryn Wormley led off the game with a sharp single to left, while Ryann Stefaniak had an infield single. Maiya Reinhart's RBI single put Batavia on top with the lead they would never relinquish.

The lead grew to 5-0 as Wormley, Stefaniak and Mackenzie Reigle had key hits in a three run third inning. Irelyn Curry scattered 11 hits in going the distance for Batavia with five strikeouts to pick up the win in the circle. 

Sutherland got within 5-3 in the fourth inning, but Batavia scored a single run in the fifth and tacked on four runs in the sixth inning to lead 10-3. 

Sutherland would not go away quietly as they drew within four at 10-6, but the Devils added four big insurance runs in the seventh to take a commanding lead. Sutherland would score two in the seventh to account for the final margin. 

For Batavia, Wormley, Stefaniak (2 RBI) and Reinhart (3 RBI) each had multiple hits, while Alyssa Ognibene had a clutch base hit. Eighth-grader Allessandra Warner had a fine defensive game behind the plate for the Lady Devils, who start the season 1-0.

Batavia’s next game is away at Honeoye-Falls Lima tomorrow at 4:30 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Record purses highlight Batavia Downs 2019 championship meet

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Even though live racing at Batavia Downs doesn’t begin for another three months, track officials have announced that when the summer/fall meet begins on Wednesday (July 24) it will be the most lucrative session of Standardbred competition ever offered in Western New York.  

With the equine competition once again highlighted by eight legs of the lucrative New York Sire Stakes (NYSS), this year Batavia Downs will also be host to the $1.8 million NYSS Night of Champions finals and $50,000 Kane Memorial Pace that will both be held on Saturday (Sept. 14). 

And where the stake action garners most of the attention, the overnight races make up the bulk of the meet. And that is where good news for horsemen choosing to race at Batavia Downs this year comes in. 

Track officials have announced that purses will be raised 10 percent across the board on opening night and remain that way for the duration of the meet. 

With the increases in place, the Open I events on both gaits (with a minimum of six starters) will compete for $12,500, Open II for $11,000 and Open III for $10,000. Claiming races will be positively affected as well and at all levels. For example, a $25,000 claimer will go for a $10,500 purse, a $10,000 claimer will go for $8,500 and a $5,000 claimer will go for $5,700. 

As a result, Batavia Downs will pay out over $8 million in prize money during the 65-night meeting. 

“This is big news, make no mistake about it. Racing in Western New York has never been better and this will be the year to compete at Batavia” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Racing at Batavia Downs. “We are already making preparations to get the meet underway and are looking forward to having the best horses in the state competing here all year.”

Haight explained the bigger purses are a result of fewer races last year and a robust gaming floor feeding the purse account. 

“We simply weren’t able to card as many races as we had hoped in 2018 and as a result, all the money sitting in the purse account was not paid out," Haight said. "Plus the Batavia Downs Gaming floor has been registering record numbers all winter and is coming off the best month we have ever had. That translates to a very healthy purse account that we will be distributing to everyone participating at the meet this year."

This is the second purse increase at Batavia Downs since October of 2018 when they were also raised by 10 percent. 

There are several things to note for horsemen who plan to race at Batavia this year.

Management has hired track consultant Kim Crawford to oversee a complete resurfacing of the Batavia oval, including freshly banking the turns. This will ensure a fast and safe racing surface that will provide more competitive races and much sounder horses.

As a result of polling local horsemen, the track will once again offer a traditional condition sheet and will not utilize the ABC System. Trainers will enter their horses by earnings or for a claiming price, and will be classified as such. 

The track has also announced there will be another claiming series this year with several legs for both gaits and a final for the top finishers. More details about this will be available closer to the meet. 

Batavia Downs will also switch to the USTA Electronic Draw System to determine post position this year. 

“The 2019 championship meet at Batavia Downs is a great opportunity for overnight horsemen to join the racing colony here and take advantage of everything we have to offer," Haight concluded. "Stall applications will be available on the Batavia Downs website on Saturday (June 1) and we would love to see new stables ship in for the meet.” 

For more information about racing at Batavia Downs in 2019, log onto www.bataviadownsgaming.com and access the live racing link.

Wagner, Foss lead the way at GRUSBC Association Tournament; rock star to speak at May 11 banquet

By Mike Pettinella

Two familiar names on the local bowling scene put their stamp on the 13th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament that concluded last Sunday at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion (Team event) and Medina Lanes (Doubles & Singles events).

Rich Wagner of Batavia placed first in Open Singles with a 741 total while Curtis Foss of Medina placed first in Open All-Events with a 2,209 nine-game total and teamed with Robbie Hanks of Albion to win the Open Doubles event with a 1,484 score.

Both Wagner and Foss sported league averages north of 240 this season, with Wagner setting a GRUSBC-record of 246 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

In the Open Team event, Team Johnson of Batavia took top honors with 2,668 (2,620 scratch) as captain Mike Johnson rolled 694, Matt Balduf 678, Gregg Wolff 642 and Mike Lambert 606.

Game On, also a Batavia-based team, placed second with 2,652 while Oak Orchard Bowl finished in third place with 2,647.

In the Women’s Division, only three teams competed with PinNaction, out of Albion, placing first with 2,379. Team members are Rebecca Hughson, Kay Ecker, Estelle Webb and Laurie Cole, 

Roxanne Clar and Dawn Johnson of Geneseo won the Women’s Doubles with 1,268; Terri Loessl of Albion won the Women’s Singles with 752 and Rachel Van Duser of Perry won the Women’s All-Events with 1,845.

Nathan Cordes of Batavia had the tournament's high game of 299, while Foss shot 288 and six bowlers -- Foss, Steve Krna, Wagner, Reid Cole, Randy Hanks and Scott Allis -- each posted a 279 game.

Thirty-five teams competed in the two divisions (Open and Women), the same number as last year, but Doubles went up from 39 to 58 and Singles increased from 85 to 115.

Complete unofficial results can be found on the Genesee Region USBC website – www.bowlgr.com.

CANADIAN ROCKER TO SPEAK AT GRUSBC BANQUET

Legendary Canadian rock musician Carl Dixon will share the inspirational story of his miraculous recovery from a horrific car accident as the keynote speaker at the Genesee Region USBC's Annual Banquet on May 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road. The event will begin at 6 p.m. sharp.

Tickets for the banquet are $30 and can be obtained by calling 585-343-3736 or sending an email to mikep@bowlgr.com.

For more information about tickets for the event go to the Genesee Region USBC website.

Four new members to the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame will be enshrined at the May 11 banquet.

They are James Foss of Medina in the Achievement Regular category, Robert Hodgson of Medina and Al Vlietstra of Geneseo in the Achievement Veteran category, and Eunice Englert of Nunda in the Meritorious Service category.

Watch for more about the inductees in a future Pin Points column.

Dixon, a Sault Sainte Marie, Northern Ontario native, was signed to his first international record deal at just 22-years old with his break through band, Coney Hatch

He toured North America -- opening for Iron Maiden for 40 shows and Judas Priest for 27 shows, and went on to tour with some of the biggest names in North American music. He became lead singer of The Guess Who after Burton Cummings left the iconic Canadian band. Carl held that position for eight years until his head-on car accident in Australia.

According to his press release:

It was 2008 when Carl took leave from The Guess Who to sort out family issues in Australia but the stress took its toll. Distracted and worried while driving at night Carl was involved in a horrific head on car collision in rural Victoria. He sustained 52 injuries including traumatic brain injury, crushed legs and crushed internal organs. Trapped in the mangled car for one hour and forty-five minutes there seemed little hope.

Remarkably, ten years on, Carl Dixon is walking tall. His rescue by dedicated volunteers and emergency surgeons and staff in Australia is the stuff of legends. His unlikely survival was followed by family and business difficulty. When the dust settled his business was in tatters and he was left with a mountain of debt.

Doggedly Carl returned to doing what he loves: music. His injuries caused him to rethink his approach and Carl became an author and inspirational speaker sharing his survival story.

Ten years on from his accident Carl sings better than ever, he's re-branded his business to six figure success; he’s a published author, had a triumphant return to The Guess Who as a special guest and returned to touring with Coney Hatch.

JAKOB BUTTURFF WINS 2019 USBC MASTERS

Jakob Butturff of Tempe, Ariz., has finally made it to the winner’s circle of a PBA major championship.

The double-jointed lefty captured his first career major championship by winning the 2019 United States Bowling Congress Masters on Monday in Las Vegas.

He beat fellow southpaw Mykel Holliman of Collierville, Tennessee, 228-196, for his sixth PBA title and the $30,000 first prize. Holliman earned $25,000.

Butturff had finished second in his three previous appearances on television in major championships – losing as the top seed at both the 2017 and 2018 U.S. Open and to Australia’s Jason Belmonte, 236-227, in the title match of the 2019 PBA World Championship in March.

Belmonte’s victory was his record 11th PBA major title, breaking a tie with PBA Hall of Famers Earl Anthony and Pete Weber for most major titles. He now has 21 PBA tour titles.

Fox Sports (FS1) will be airing the PBA Playoffs from Portland, Maine, beginning this Monday (April 8) with a live telecast, and then on a tape-delayed basis on Monday nights through the end of May.

The semifinal and final rounds will be televised live on FOX on June 1-2.  The winner will earn $100,000.

Casino Slots Go Online!

By Howard Owens

Casino slots are liked by plenty of gamblers together with the ease of approaches, rules and smaller bets for playing. As a result with all the creation of the game online plenty of gamers that didn't have the likelihood to stop by the actual gambling area and play the game have received the access towards the globe of virtual Slots. Casino slots are each and every individually set to a payout price, or payback percentage, when they are place with each other at the factory. What a casino does is acquire a set of slot machines at payback percentage that differ slightly, but as a complete average out to a recognized quantity.

888 free slots also imposed greater payback. You'd get a payback amounting to almost 98% of each dollar you spend on a slot machine. Online slots are so basic that you want not devote any time understanding the rules and regulations. Just go on the market and spin the reels. Slots games online commonly present many paylines. And after you play on all of them, you get more chances of winning.

Online slot owners provide you to discover the required terminology. Because it might be seen, almost everything is in your hands, just be braver and go ahead to winning in the free casino slot games! Online slots appear to becoming the major craze currently. Every person is scrambling to discover the new web-site using the most effective casino games on it. Online slots essentially locate their roots in American history. A man by the name of Charles Fey created the prototype kind of this game all the way back in 1887 in San Francisco, California.

Slots online are no less enticing. Online slots are based on a random quantity generator which makes each spin independent of your earlier one. Every spin is actually a new spin and is generated randomly. Online casino slots are loose. Due to the fact with all the reduced overhead, no slot employees to pay, and reduce taxes, they can afford to pay far more back to their prospects.

Online casino slots are an exciting form of gambling that offers you the chance to win numerous times your original bet. These slots are of a variety of types where the player really should make sure to look at the payout schedules around the machines and to look first at the payout tables and spend attention to them. Online Casinos will run slot tournaments to get all their players with each other and take pleasure in an incredible time and off course larger prices. Free roll tournaments are also well-known mainly because although they're free to join, true money can be won! Online casino slots makes doable to play and gamble in the comfort of home. If you need to play casino slots, you won't must discover any rule or approach, you just need to click and wait for the luck.

BHS A1 Winter Guard earns first place in Northeast championship circuit competition

By Billie Owens
 
Submitted photo and press release:
 
Batavia High School's A1 Winter Guard placed first at North East Color Guard Circuit Championships on Saturday, March 30th in Gate-Chili High School gymnasium. It is the local New York State Winter Guard Competitive Circuit.
 
The Batavia ensemble performed beautifully and gave the audience and judges a lasting memory.
 
Senior Mary Murphy performed her final show on Saturday. It was a bittersweet performance for her knowing she had the best performance of the season and with a win at championships.
 
Special recognition must go to our coaches, Bridget Hogan and Gena Rainforth, for the hours of time given to our Batavia Winter Guard members.
 
Our program succeeds due to a strong parent group and students who are extremely passionate to the sport of the arts.

Fowler posts 795 series in Mancuso Real Estate /No Finer Diner league; GRUSBC tourney standings posted

By Mike Pettinella

Update: March 31, 10 p.m. -- Unofficial standings and projected prize list of the 13th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament can be found on the Genesee Region USBC website -- www.bowlgr.com.

The tournament concluded today at Oak Orchard Bowl (Team event) and Medina Lanes (Doubles & Singles).

-----------------

Andrew Fowler of Batavia flirted with an 800 series in the Mancuso Realty/No Finer Diner doubles league at Mancuso Bowling Center on Monday night to lead the list of high rollers for the week ending March 31.

The 28-year-old left-hander rolled 252-277-266 for a sparkling 795 series.

On Thursday night, Rich Wagner completed a remarkable season in the Toyota of Batavia league, registering yet another 700 series to finish with a Genesee Region USBC-record 246.7 average.

For more high scores in league play around the Genesee Region, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points column is scheduled to appear this Thursday.

Annual Byron-Bergen hoops match raises money for Sheriff's K-9 and Crossroads House

By Billie Owens

Above, 2019 fundraising participants.

Submitted photos and press release:

On Friday, March 22, the staff of Byron-Bergen Central Schools met Genesee County Sheriff’s Office personnel on the basketball court for their annual fundraiser.

While the Sheriff’s Department ultimately scored the most points, the evening’s true goal was to raise money and awareness of programs that support the local community. The Byron-Bergen Sports Boosters organized the game, which raised $2,165.

The proceeds were divided between two causes. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department received $500 to put toward the care and training of their new K-9 -- Frankie. Frankie joined the force after the passing of K-9 Destro.

“Destro was beloved among the Byron-Bergen students and the school community has proactively embraced Deputy Frankie,” said Genesee County Sheriff Deputy Matt Butler.

Butler participated in the game as part of the Sheriff’s Office team; he is also the Student Resource officer for Byron-Bergen Central Schools.

The remaining $1,665 was donated to the Batavia hospice Crossroads House. Crossroads House is a volunteer-run end-of-life care center providing a homelike setting for terminally ill residents of Genesee and Wyoming counties.

“The Byron-Bergen Sports Boosters put together such a great event to benefit both our home and the Genesee County Sheriff’s K-9 unit,” said Crossroads House Executive Director Jeff Allen.

“We can carry out our mission because we operate in a generous community that appreciates the value of comfort care. Thank you to everyone who organized, participated and attended the Faculty/Sheriff’s Basketball Game.”

During breaks between quarters, fans enjoyed exhibition games between Gillam Grant Youth Basketball League teams, as well as a halftime three-point shootout, and a Sheriff’s Office K-9 demonstration.

Photo credits: Bob Brumsted.

Below: Gillam Grant Youth Basketball exhibition game.

Below: Byron-Bergen Superintendent Mickey Edwards takes a three-point shot during Friday's game.

Below: Halftime three-point shootout.

Below: GC Sheriff's Office demonstration with new K-9 Frankie.

Below: Courtside, fans enjoy the charity basketball game.

Cousins notches 300 game at Legion Lanes in Le Roy

By Mike Pettinella

Dick Cousins finally got the one he wanted -- a 300 game at his hometown Legion Lanes in Le Roy.

The 68-year-old right-hander laced them up as a substitute last Tuesday in the Le Roy Moose League and proceeded to roll 185-300-256--741 on lanes 1-2.

A retiree from Le Roy Machine, he has two other perfect games -- both coming about 20 years ago at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia and the former Cal Bowl in Caledonia.

Other high series for the week include:

-- Batavian Rich Wagner's 761 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday league at Mancuso's, where he is averaging a Genesee Region USBC-record 246 with one week remaining;

-- Brockport's Chris Bardol's 756 in the G&W Vending League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen;

-- Medina resident Curtis Foss' 290--743 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

For a complete list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Bardol, Landers team for K&Q crown; Cory Paris looking to purchase Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield

By Mike Pettinella

Update March 21, 12:45 p.m. -- In the section about the potential sale of Scopano's Lanes, the content has been corrected to reflect that Cory Paris' auto business will remain open.

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Chris Bardol had one heck of a bowling season over the past two weeks.

On March 9th, the 31-year-old right-hander teamed with his girlfriend, Caycee Landers, to win the annual King & Queen Mixed Doubles Handicap Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center and, a day later, he placed second in the prestigious Super Bud Bowl at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego

At Mancuso’s, Bardol and Landers each came through with strikes in the 10th frame of the championship match against the father-daughter team of Mario and Kara Mangiola of Rochester to win, 466-451, and claim the $500 first prize.

Landers rolled 237 and Bardol 229 to offset a 224 by Mario and 227 by Kara, who was stopped by a solid 8-pin in the 10th frame.

The victory was especially sweet for Landers, a former touring pro.

“He’s (Chris) is used to winning all the time, so for me it’s a little bit better,” she said.

The Mangiolas earned $300 for placing second.

Two other Rochester teams -- Traci Spanitz/Rob Gustke and Sara Germano/Steve Meyer -- made it to the semifinals and won $200 apiece.

Quarterfinalists ($150 each) were Naomi Hyde/Shayne Herold, Le Roy; Selina and Tom McJury, Batavia; Sarah Cassidy, Albion/Rob Stefani, Batavia; and Kelsey Ayers, Leicester/Brady Weber, Perry.

Other local cashers ($100 each) were Karisa Schuster/Brian Weber, Perry; Dawn Johnston, Livonia/John LaGeorge, Retsof; and Christine Thompson, Mumford/Dean Cadieux Sr., Byron.

Jeremy Vallance of Warsaw had the tournament’s high game – 298.

The next day, March 10th, Bardol traveled to Oswego for the Super Bud Bowl and – 11 games later – he drove back home with the runner-up check of $2,750.

Finishing second in the Bud Bowl is quite an accomplishment – considering that the weeklong tournament attracts more than 1,000 entries.

The 31-year-old right-hander rolled 846 for four games of qualifying on a challenging oil pattern and then went on to win five matches to reach the three-person step-ladder finals. In four of the matches he needed at least the first strike in the 10th frame to advance. Now that’s coming through in the clutch.

In the stepladder finals, he bowled 247 to win his first match before dropping a 247-192 decision to Zach Wilkins of Canada in the championship match.

Honorable mention goes out to Matt Slocum of Perry for placing in the top six and to Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw who also made it to the 96-bowler finals.

POTENTIAL BUYER OF SCOPANO’S LANES IN OAKFIELD SURFACES  

After a year and a half of speculation over the future of Scopano’s Paradise Lanes and the Oakfield Hotel, it looks as though Cory Paris, a lifelong Genesee County resident, is on track to become the next owner of the South Pearl Street establishment.

“We’re moving in a positive direction … we have a closing date next month,” Paris said on Tuesday.

Paris, 53, said his Batavia-area car repair shop/dealership will continue to operate as he also focuses his attention to the restaurant, bar and bowling business.

Acknowledging that the lanes currently are underutilized, Paris said that he – along with son, Robert, and daughter, Taylor – are determined to do what needs to be done to attract bowlers back to the 12-lane center.

“I grew up at Scopano’s Lanes, having lived in Oakfield until about age 12 or 13,” he said. “We know that it has great potential.”

He said he already has contacted the Village of Oakfield zoning department to see what upgrades are required (making it handicapped accessible, for example) and is close to getting his liquor license.

“We’re going to update the bathrooms and kitchen as we go,” he said, “and I don’t think I’ll have any problems (maintaining the pinsetters).”

Paris did not say how much he paid for the business, citing a confidentiality agreement with the Scopano family.

John “Jonesy” Scopano said the deal is “99.9 percent” certain and that his family – wife, Lois, and sister, Judy -- are looking forward to retirement after a more than 50-year career.

Jonesy’s father, John, bought the Oakfield Hotel from the Monachino family in the early 1960s, and they built the lanes in 1972.

Jonesy, Lois and Judy primarily handled the bar/restaurant side of the operation while brother, Sam, who passed away in January 2016, ran the bowling business.

Scopano’s Lanes has been a fixture in the Batavia Bowling Association and, now, Genesee Region USBC, and the site of countless memorable achievements.

A well-deserved “thank you” to the Scopano family and best wishes upon retirement.

‘SUPER’ MARIO CAPTURES T.F. BROWN’S TOURNEY TITLE

Rochester’s Mario Mangiola has found a home away from home at Mancuso Bowling Center.

After placing second with his daughter, Kara, in the King & Queen tournament, the 47-year-old righty returned to Batavia the following week (March 16) and captured the $1,500 top prize at the T.F. Brown’s Eliminator scratch singles event.

Mangiola (pictured at right with Mark Brown, tournament director, recorded a pair of 279 in the finals, including a front nine-strike gem in the title match to defeat Brian Hall of Canandaigua, who shot 240; George Szczublewski of West Seneca (191) and Carl Kinyon of Lockport (158).

“I had to dig deep for that,” said Mangiola, who usually travels to watch Kara compete in scratch events. “I was trying to get a lot of loft on the ball and play the track area … kept it high and tight.”

He displayed much emotion -- running out several shots -- as he progressed through the eliminator finals (where half the field on each pair advances) with games of 192, 215, 279, 214 and 279.

Hall earned $750 for placing second while Szczublewski won $500 and Kinyon $400.

Three Genesee Region bowlers cashed – Chris Huntz of Perry ($130), Nathan Cordes of Batavia ($160) and Scott Allis of Medina ($190). The tournament drew 90 entrants.

GRUSBC ASSOCIATION TOURNEY STARTS ON SATURDAY

Plenty of spots remain for the 13th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament that gets under way this weekend at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion (Team event) and Medina Lanes (Doubles & Singles events).

Team squads are at noon and 3 p.m. on March 23 and March 31 and at 3 p.m. on March 24 and March 30. Doubles & Singles squads are set for 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on all four days.

Competition will take place in Open and Women’s divisions, with handicap based on 90 percent of the difference in the bowler’s highest average from the past three seasons and 215.

The entry fee is $30 per person per event, with optional All-Events priced at $10.

The tournament is open to current GRUSBC members who have bowled at least 21 games in at least one league during the 2017-18 or 2018-19 season.

For more information or to sign up for a squad, send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the GRUSBC website – www.bowlgr.com.

ROSE GARDEN II TEAM WINS GR YOUTH TRAVEL LEAGUE

The Rose Garden II team of Evan Phillips, Sawyer Zinter, Megan Jarkiewicz and Brendan Pimm placed first in the Genesee Region Youth Travel League that concluded its regular season on March 10 at Legion Lanes in Le Roy.

The winning team posted a 149-67 record to outdistance second-place Perry Bowling Center by 16 points. Oak Orchard I placed third another 4.5 points back.

In final week action, Aaron Leone of Le Roy Legion Lanes led the way with a 245 game and 614 series while Devon Zinter of Rose Garden I had 237—543 and Dallas Ecker of Oak Orchard I had 213—526.

Individually, Dennis Van Duser of Perry had the high average for boys with 196 and also had the high scratch game of 257 and high scratch series of 706.

Samantha Hyde of Le Roy led the girls with a 174 average, 223 scratch game and 594 scratch series.

Van Duser also had the high series with handicap (781) while Pimm had the high game with handicap (289).  Jarkiewicz had high game with handicap for girls (274) and Paige Snook of Oak Orchard II had the high series with handicap for girls (731).

The league wraps up with a no-tap tournament and banquet at 1 p.m. this Sunday at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

For complete standings and statistics, go to www.bowlgr.com and click on the Jr. Travel League tab at the top of the home page.

MEDINA UNIFIED BOWLING SQUAD REPEATS AS CHAMPION

The Medina Central School Mustangs team in the Unified Bowling league went undefeated for the second straight year and won the sectional division championship for the second year in a row.

Coached by Rob Dennis, the program consists of special education students bowling with general education students. The league consisted of 15 schools.

Members of the Medina team this year were Juliana Allis, Gracelin Mahnke, Gracie Cogovan, Zachary Fike, Morgan Crossett, Emma Carson, Bobby Vidovich, Arian Cayea, Steven Secore, Jackson Touhey, Joe Biaselli and Tom Biaselli.

Dennis said that each of the students were able to get their own bowling ball with the support of Eric Greenlief, Tom Allis and Jim Foss of Medina Lanes.

“A special thanks to Athletic Director Eric Valley his help in starting this program in our school district,” Dennis said. “This enables these kids to grow together and feel the sense of working together as a team -- and seeing the results of hard work and dedication.”

Bardol posts 290--804; Balduf, Jarkiewicz also roll 290s

By Mike Pettinella

Brockport's Chris Bardol enjoyed a successful weekend of tournament bowling last week -- cashing big in a pair of events -- and kept the hot hand in league play by rolling a 290 game and 804 series in the G&W Vending League on Tuesday night at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

Bardol's 290 was one of three registered over the past seven days, with Matt Balduf of South Byron hitting 290--712 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday League at Mancuso Bowling Center, and Frank Jarkiewicz of Byron posting 290 in the Every-Other-Saturday League at Rose Garden Bowl.

At Mount Morris Lanes, proprietor Bob Santini rolled a 300 game on March 6 at his hometown center.

Other high series included Jason Quiliam's 279--792 in the Mancuso Real Estate/No Finer Diner League at Mancuso's, Charles Scheiber's 771 in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl, and Rob Stefani's 779 in the G&W Vending League.

For a list of high rollers, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page. 

To read about Bardol's tournament exploits and plenty of other local bowling news, check out Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points column this Thursday.

Muckdogs announce 2019 Season pricing with new ticket vendor

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs have announced that TicketReturn will be the new, exclusive ticketing provider of the New York – Penn League franchise. As part of a multi-year agreement, TicketReturn will provide the Muckdogs and its fans industry leading technology, mobile ticketing services, group ticket management and ticket account management for season ticket members. 

TicketReturn provides ticketing services to more than 250 sports and entertainment venues and is the leading provider of ticketing services for Minor League Baseball teams across the country.

“As we continue to enhance the fan experience, choosing the right ticket services provider was key in creating a positive impression for our fans before they even reach the ballpark gates” said acting General Manager Brendan Kelly.

“When it comes to ticketing, we want to provide our fans the best services and purchase options from mobile ticketing to print-at-home and TicketReturn meets those objectives."

In addition to a new ticket provider, the Muckdogs have remapped the ballpark and created a new ticket pricing structure. Traditional sections 1-10 will now be numbered 101 – 110. The Muckdogs have also introduced Advance and Day of Game ticket purchase pricing. All seating areas will increase by $1 on the day of the game as an incentive to visit the box office prior to game day or purchase online.

“We took a hard look at our ticket pricing and developed a new pricing strategy with the goal of being the best pro sports ticket value in Western New York,” said Kelly. “We feel we have accomplished that in our new pricing structure that delivers affordability for our fans.”

The new ticket tiers allow for 2019 prices to remain the same as 2018 in two of the tiers when purchased in advance. These levels include Field Box Reserved (First Base Side Sections 101-103, $9 advance / $10 day of game) and General Admission ($7 advance / $8 day of game).

The club will be introducing Field Box Prime Reserved seats from home plate and along the third base side behind the Muckdogs dugout (Sections 104-110, $10 advance / $11 day of game). These sections have increased in price by $1 for advance tickets and $2 on day of game over 2018 prices and are often the highest in demand for weekend games.

UPDATE March 15: We spoke with Kerri Schmidt, sales and marketing coordinator for the Muckdogs, and she said they are revamping the website, which has outdated information and contacts, and the newly designed site with all the ticket information will be ready in the next fews weeks.

Meanwhile, Schmidt said reserve/box season seats are on sale now and prices are:

  • For sections 104-110  =  $225
  • For sections 101-103  =  $200
  • General Admission  =  $190
  • Also, eight-game undated coupon booklets for general admission are available at the box office for $45 per booklet.

Darien lifter sets state and national records at strongman competition

By Howard B. Owens

Darien resident Lucas Birkby came home Sunday with five medals from a powerlifting competition in Mamaroneck sponsored by United States Strongman Inc. 

Birkby set official state records for the axle clean and press at 320 pounds, the 18-inch deadlift at 700 pounds, deadlift at 650 pounds, the log press at 310 pounds, and the atlas stone, at 360 pounds. The axle clean and the 18-inch deadlift are also national records for the heavyweight teen division.

His father, Scott Birkby said, "In addition to training at home, Luke has been training twice a week at Iron and Stone Strength gym in Clarence. His trainer is Tony Kalisz. We found this Strongman gym through a Google search since Luke's ultimate dream is to become the world's strongest man.

"I've got the feeling that the fellows there raised an eyebrow when we wrote to them and said that a teenager (he was 17 and just turned 18 this February) wanted to do strongman, but they said: 'go ahead and send him in.' That was about 10 months ago. Luke and the guys (and girls!) at the gym have had a great time since he showed up. 

Birkby has qualified to compete at the nationals in June in Columbus, Ohio.

Scott said his son is PED-free (performance-enhancing drug), adding, "Our grocery bill has taken a pretty big hit for this."

Photos and info submitted by Scott Birkby.

Cordes, Vallance roll 300 games at Mancuso Bowling Center

By Mike Pettinella

Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia is once again becoming a "house of high scores" – reviving the slogan that the East Main street establishment used back in the 1970s.

Two league bowlers reached perfection recently as Nathan Cordes of Batavia recorded his fourth 300 game this past Monday in the Mancuso Real Estate/No Finer Diner league and Jeremy Vallance of Warsaw posted his second USBC-certified 300 game on Feb. 28 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday night league.

Cordes’ perfect game came on the heels of the 290 he rolled four nights earlier in the Toyota of Batavia league.

The 300 games by Vallance and Cordes increase the number of perfect games this season at Mancuso’s to 13 – the most at any center in the Genesee Region USBC.

On Wednesday in the County Line Stone league at Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield, Genesee Region USBC Hall of Famer Fred Gravanda just missed another perfect game as he rolled a 299 and 751 series while filling in for the Turnbull Heating team.

For a list of high scores this past week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Celebrating a successful season: Batavia High Girls' Basketball

By Mike Pettinella

Senior guard Ryann Stefaniak, left, and Head Coach Marty Hein share a moment together after today's Batavia High girls' basketball program banquet at T.F. Brown's.

Stefaniak scored 1,357 points during her BHS career and was named Player of the Year in Monroe County Division 4 this season. Hein was selected Class B1 Coach of the Year after leading his team to a 17-2 regular season.

The Lady Blue Devils won two Section 5 Class B1 contests before losing to Midlakes in the title game.

Three members of the Lady Devils were named to the Monroe County Division 4 all-star team, with Mackenzie Reigle, left, and Bryn Wormley, right, making the First Team and Emma Krolczyk making the Second Team. All three will return next year.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

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