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Batavia Downs track announcer James E. Boyd, 'Gentleman Jim' dies at age 83

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia -- James E. Boyd, age 83, of Batavia, New York, died peacefully Thursday April 5, 2018 at the Northgate Health Care Facility in North Tonawanda.

Widely known as "Gentleman Jim," Boyd took over the Batavia Downs track announcing duties from the legendary Max Robinson in 1984 and continued to call races there until it closed in 1996. He was also the announcer at Buffalo Raceway and called races at Finger Lakes racetrack.

Boyd called the richest race ever held at Batavia Downs, the $268,756 Breeders Crown aged-mare trot in 1988 won by Armbro Flori and also Getting Personal’s 1:53.3 track record in 1993.

“Jim was known for a very steady voice and very accurate calls,” Todd Haight, director/GM of Racing at Batavia Downs said. “Even though it’s been over 20 years since his retirement, our old-timers still ask about him.”

Besides calling the races, Jim was also a salesman in the Buffalo area for many years.

Boyd was born in Batavia, the son of the late Harry S. and Marjorie (Price) Boyd and was also preceded in death by his wife Josephine (Nevin) Boyd and siblings, Raymond, Robert, Ronald "Don" and Harry "Jack" Boyd.

He was a graduate of Batavia High School and Alfred State College and served honorably in the Army during the Korean conflict. Upon returning home he became a member of the Glenn S. Loomis Post #332 of the American Legion in Batavia and rose to the position of Post Commander.

Boyd is survived by his beloved daughter, Deborah (William) Evans, of Nevada, dear friends, Paula (Frederick) Leigh, of Batavia, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will be present from 10 - 11 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel LLC located at 4120 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020 where his Funeral Services will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by Jim's nephew, Rev. David Boyd.

He will be lain to rest alongside his beloved wife in Grand View Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory are suggested to Volunteers for Animals of Genesee County.

Strike Out Cancer event gives back to Genesee Cancer Assistance

By Steve Ognibene

The Batavia High School Varsity Softball Team is pictured above donating a check of $1,000 to board members of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The team raised $3,000 during a Bat-a-thon fundraising event called "Strike Out Cancer" on March 24th at Batavia High School. It was a priority this season as a way to contribute to a local charity.

"This was something our team and program wanted to do to make a difference in our community," said first-year Coach Jim Fazio. "Our girls went above and beyond in all of our fundraising efforts and this seemed like a perfect place to show our support."

Head Coach Jim Fazio presents the check to Board Member Nickie Fazio, who coordinates the Simply Beautiful program, and office manager Teresa Potrzebowski​ of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Justice for Children will benefit from this year's Chapin Charity Golf Tournament Aug. 11 at Terry Hills

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Chapin International will be hosting its 11th Annual Chapin Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 11, at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia.

Chapin has proudly selected Justice for Children as its charity to support this year. As in the past all funds collected will go directly to the charity.

Please join us this year supporting Justice for Children by a donation, sponsorship or participation. The tournament provides everyone an opportunity to contribute to this truly amazing charity.

Justice for Children was selected out of several other local charities by Chapin's Golf Committee. Many of you may not even know or have heard of Justice for Children. That is a good thing that you never have had a reason to need the services provided. The services are every discreet, provided to protect the privacy of the children in need. All services are free.

The golf tournament is modestly priced at $75 and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, and dinner. Shotgun start is at 1 p.m.

Every person will receive a prize. Opportunities will be available for chances to win a car in the Hole-in-One contest.

Three local car dealerships -- Ken Barrett, Castilone, and Toyota of Batavia -- offer cars for the contest. All participants will have two opportunities during the tournament to win.

Max Pies Furniture in Batavia will be again offering a lounge chair to the winner of the putting contest held during registration hours before the tournament starts.

Longest drive, closest to pin, and closest to the line will also be available for all during the event. Everyone at all skill levels will have a chance to win. Mulligans and Skins will be offered as well.

Please go to www.chapincharitygolf.com for registration or sponsorship opportunities.

Early registration is advised to avoid missing out, our event fills to capacity quickly.

For any questions or information contact Norm Hubbard, tournament director at nhubbard@chapincharitygolf.com or call/text 409-7575.

About Justice for Children

The Justice for Children GLOW Foundation is honored to be the beneficiary of the 11th annual Chapin Charity Golf Tournament. The mission of the Justice for Children GLOW Foundation Inc. is to provide philanthropic support to enhance the work of the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and multidisciplinary team throughout Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) counties.

The support provided by Chapin will assist us in meeting our goal of ensuring that every child who comes to the Justice for Children Advocacy Center receives the care and support necessary to begin their journey toward healing.

Since opening in 1998, the Justice for Children Advocacy Center has served more than 2,500 children and their families who have been impacted by physical or sexual abuse. In 2018 alone, 287 children and their families benefitted from the services available at the Justice for Children Advocacy Center. These services include victim advocacy, forensic interviewing, mental health counseling, medical exams, and multidisciplinary case review.

The proceeds from the Charity Golf Tournament will be used to replace existing, outdated medical equipment with a state-of-the-art imaging system to be used on site at the Justice for Children Advocacy Center’s Batavia office. This equipment will improve our highly skilled medical providers’ ability to identify, diagnose, and document injuries that have been inflicted upon children who have been physically or sexually abused.

Additionally, this system will create opportunities for continuing education and peer review for our medical providers, allowing them to keep their skills sharp and up to date with current best practices. The welcome addition of this equipment will aid us in our goal of ensuring that all the children we help receive the highest quality care possible.

WNY Rebels AAU seventh-grade basketball team to host pizza buffet fundraiser April 15

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The WNY Rebels AAU seventh-grade basketball team will be hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, April 15th from 12-3 p.m. at Batavia’s Original pizzeria on East Main Street.
 
There will also be a basket raffle at $5 a sheet!
 
Lunch buffet tickets are $12 each, include all-you-can eat pizza, wings and soda.
 
Tickets will be availabe at the door that day.
 
All funds raised are for expenses for the team's Battle at the Beach tournament in Ocean City, Md., on June 30th!

Johnson posts 300 game in The North Pole League at Mancuso Bowling Center

By Mike Pettinella

Batavia left-hander Mike Johnson, coming off his All-Events title in the Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament, rolled a 300 game in The North Pole League last Thursday at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Johnson finished with a 686 series, second to another Batavia lefty, Rich Wagner, who posted a 277 game and 755 series.

For more high rollers across the Genesee Region last week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Medina students excel during first year of Unified Bowling

By Mike Pettinella

Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament produces numerous high scores. Click on Pin Points at the top of the page for Mike Pettinella's latest column.

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Unity is a good thing, especially when it brings together students with development disabilities with same-aged, non-disabled students for competition on the bowling lanes.

For the first time, Medina Central School took part in the North Division of the Unified Bowling League – a Section 6 program that took place throughout the month of February.

The Medina team squared off against four schools – Newfane, Clarence, Sweet Home and Akron – winning all four matches, before taking first place in a season-ending tournament at Brad Angelo Lanes in Lockport against those schools plus Starpoint and Niagara Falls.

Each team had eight bowlers – four special education and four regular bowlers – who took part in two-man Baker style (where bowlers alternate frames) matches.

“It was a positive experience for everyone involved, including the coach,” said Rob Dennis, director of transportation for Medina schools who served as the team’s director and coach.

Dennis said the team had five special education students along with many student partners. Team members were Ian Wagner, Jessica Granchelli, Lydia Bataglia, Ian Joseph, Elissa Blount, Morgan Allis, William Brazwell, Alex Allis, Morgan Crossett, Brandie Carson, Jackson Touhey, Enzo Gulliani, Joe and Tom Biacelli, Gracie Cogovan and Steven Secore.

“We couldn’t have been successful without the support of Eric Greenlief, Jim Foss and Tom Allis from the bowling center along with proprietors Gerry Allen, Dr. David Stahl and Chris Bacon,” Dennis said. “My team practiced well over 80 games in this short season, and the lanes supported all our students in this new program.”

Dennis, who is a certified coach through the United States Bowling Congress and coordinator of Medina’s youth bowling program (with his wife, Tina), also thanked Athletic Director Eric Valley, Superintendent Mark Kruzynski and the Medina School Board for their support.

Honor scores highlight final weekend of GRUSBC Association Tournament

By Mike Pettinella

Genesee Region USBC bowlers were in the groove and then some last weekend at Livingston Lanes in Geneseo and Mount Morris Lanes for Doubles & Singles and Team competition, respectively, at the 12th annual GRUSBC Association Tournament.

Batavian Mike Johnson (photo at left) led the hit parade with a trio of prolific three-game series en route to winning the Open Division All-Events crown.

The 50-year-old left-hander, who entered with a 226 average, rolled 763 in the Team event, 802 in Doubles and 706 in Singles for a 2,271 (all scratch) score.

His 802 in Doubles, which was capped by a 299 game, and his partner Matt Balduf’s 704 series (also all scratch) resulted in a tournament-best 1,506 total.

In All-Events, Aaron Verheyn of Medina placed second at 2,210 and Scott Gibson of Oakfield was third at 2,113.

In Open Team action at Mount Morris Lanes, the Dinger Stingers squad out of Perry Bowling Center erupted for a 3,513 score with handicap – 3,200 scratch – on Saturday as Nathan Tackentien posted 743, Curtis Hoffman 711, Ryan Wetmore 641, Doug Stratton 615 and Jamie Schery 490.

Their score was 149 pins more than the 3,364 posted on Sunday by the Hello team, also out of Perry, consisting of Chris Huntz (699), Stratton (618), Rachel Van Duser (565), John Huntz (554) and Ben Jaggard (545).

Recipe for Disaster (Mancuso Bowling Center), captained by Batavian Tom Fluker, and Barber's Five (Mancuso's), captained by Batavian Gerry Barber, finished third and fourth at 3,358 and 3,336, respectively.

In Women's Team play, King & Her Court (Mount Morris Lanes), consisting of Jan King, Christine Bovee, Cathi Fournier and Karen Henry, held on to the top spot with 2,444.

Hawks (Medina Lanes), captained by Jackie Jurinich, placed second at 2,408, and Appleby's (Perry Bowling Center), captained by Caroline Appleby, took third at 2,345.

In Singles competition, Bergen’s Laurie Morgante and Medina's Hayden Allis placed 1-2 with superb scores.

Morgante (174 average) rolled 254-211-259 for 724, her first 700 series. With handicap, her total was 834, which edged Allis – who recorded 279-264-279—822.

Also in Singles, Attica’s Josh Elliott posted a 300 game, the tournament’s only perfect game.

Roxanne Clar of Avon posted 652 with handicap to edge teammate Dawn Johnston of Livonia (632) and Fournier and Jeanne Rosa of Perry (628 each) in Women's Singles.

In Women's Doubles, the mother-daughter duo of Joann and Rachel Van Duser (Perry Bowling Center) placed first with 1,281 with handicap – 30 pins more than previous leaders Cathi Fournier and Karen Henry (Mount Morris Lanes) and 40 pins more than Dawn Bertrand and Bonnie Wass (Perry Bowling Center).

Fournier paced the Women's All-Events with 1,996, followed by Rachel Van Duser at 1,875 and Wass at 1,854.

All scores are unofficial pending final average verification. The Genesee Region USBC has 30 days to pay the prize list, unless extended by USBC headquarters in Arlington, Texas, due to average verification issues.

For unofficial results, go to www.bowlgr.com

The Genesee Region USBC added $600 to the prize fund.

CANADIAN ‘WEEKEND WARRIOR’ WINS SCRATCH ELIMINATOR

Matt Lewis of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, makes sure his passport is always current as he makes frequent weekend trips across the border to compete in bowling tournaments in the States.

He found his way to Batavia on March 17, and left there $1,000 richer after winning the T.F. Brown’s Scratch Eliminator at Mancuso Bowling Center.

In the four-person finals, Lewis shot 226 to defeat Sam Capizzi of Rochester (215), Pat Brick of Buffalo (186) and Kristina Szczerbinski of North Tonawanda (154).

The insurance adjuster by trade, Lewis said it was his first tournament title after “numerous” second- and third-place finishes.

Capizzi earned $600, Brick $400 and Szczerbinski $300.

Two local bowlers cashed for $200 apiece – Rich Wagner of Batavia and Joe Trigilio of Attica.

The tournament drew 60 entries.

Photo -- Mark Brown, left, tournament director, presents first-place prize money to Matt Lewis.

GRAVANDA PLACES SECOND IN 60-AND-OVER TOURNEY

Batavia veteran kegler Fred Gravanda notched a second-place finish on March 18 at the 60-and-Over Tour event at Brockport Bowl.

Gravanda rolled a 219 game in the three-man finals, losing out to Steve Nowicki of Rochester (236) but edging Mike Feola of Rochester by a pin. Bob Hodgson of Medina also cashed.

The tournament attracted 57 entries, the most ever for one of the monthly competitions run by Hilton’s Tommy Kress.

Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion will be hosting the next stop at noon April 8 and Medina Lanes will host a tournament on April 29.  Randy Hanks, proprietor of Oak Orchard Bowl, is contributing $350 to the prize fund.

MEDINA LANES HOSTING MEMORIAL NO-TAP ON SATURDAY

The 6th annual Mark Wengrzycki Memorial 3-Person No-Tap Tournament is scheduled for Saturday at Medina Lanes.

Squad times are 2, 4 and 6 p.m. with one in six teams cashing, based on three-game totals with handicap.  Handicap is based on 80 percent of 220, with a maximum team average of 660.

First place is listed as $750.  The entry fee is $75 per team.

To enter, call Medina Lanes at 585-318-4474.

ROSE GARDEN TEAM ON VERGE OF YOUTH TRAVEL TITLE

The Rose Garden I team of Bergen is 16 points ahead with just one week remaining in the Genesee Region Youth Travel League.

The league concludes its regular season on April 15 at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion with a position round, meaning that Rose Garden I will take on Perry Bowling Center needed to win just two of the 19 points up for grabs.

In recent action at Mancuso Bowling Center, Perry topped Rose Garden I, 13-6, to keep its hopes alive.

Individually, James Townsend (Batavia Strike Force) led the boys with a 240 game and 614 series, while Corinne Saluste (Batavia Strike Force) paced the girls with a 215 game and 550 series.

The league concludes with a no-tap tournament and banquet on April 22 at Mancuso’s. Contact Tom Fluker at tfstrikeforce@msn.com for more details.

GRUSBC AWARDS BANQUET IS SET FOR MAY 12 AT BATAVIA DOWNS

The GRUSBC Association Banquet & Hall of Fame Dinner is slated for 6:30 p.m. May 12 at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road.

Tournament champions, scholarship winners and Hall of Fame inductees will be honored, and a report of the 2017-18 season will be given by association officials.

The cost of the dinner is $25, with the following exceptions:

-- GRUSBC directors, the Hall of Fame inductee and one guest, Adult tournament champions (limit one tournament only), Youth tournament champions and one guest (limit one tournament only) and scholarship recipients and one guest are invited at no charge.

-- Past GRUSBC Hall of Famers, league secretaries or representatives (limit one per league) are invited at half price.

The deadline for reservations is May 1. For reservations, send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com.

IN REMEBRANCE: C. DIFILIPPO, C. LOWE, S. DURFEE

Our condolences are extended to the families of three valued members of the area’s bowling community who passed away in recent days.

Carmen DiFilippo of Batavia was a former Classic League bowler at Mancuso Bowling Center and the longtime secretary of the Polish Falcons League on Wednesday night. He died on March 22 at the age of 80.

M. Carol Lowe of Oakfield died on March 18, at the age of 80. Carol was a fine bowler and served as a Genesee Valley Women’s Bowling Association director for many years.

Steven Durfee of Bennington was a regular bowler (along with his wife, Mary Jean) at Bennington Lanes. He passed away on March 18 at the age of 64.

Photos: Batavia softball program Bat-a-thon

By Steve Ognibene

On Saturday March 24th the Batavia girls softball program held a Bat-a-thon called "Strike Out Cancer." The event raised more than $3,000 by all three teams in the program, from Modified-JV-Varsity.

The players did a tremendous job getting sponsors and each player was given the opportunity to hit 20 pitches in the batting cage.

For each ball hit, the girls raised money for the softball program and Genesee Cancer Assistance (GCA). GCA Board Member Nickie Fazio was on hand for the event.

"The girls did a great job with this wonderful event and I couldn't be more proud of them," Nickie Fazio said. "It is so nice to be able to contribute to our community."

"Thank you to everyone for their generous support," said Coach Jim Fazio.

Photos and story submitted by BHS softball team.

Firefighters and police officers team up for hockey tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia/Genesee County Police and Fire Ice Hockey Team is playing in the third Annual Police and Fire Hockey Tournament in Buffalo this April.

The Batavia/Genesee County Police and Fire team is comprised of members of the City of Batavia Police Department, City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and Town of Batavia Fire Department.

The tournament is played at Harbor Center in Downtown Buffalo, and has participants from law enforcement and fire departments from all over the Northeast and Canada. This year’s tourney is April 20th and 21st.

The team is greatly appreciative of its sponsor, Kenny Mistler, owner of Ken’s Charcoal Pits and Bar-B-Q, located at 59 Main St., Batavia. Kenny has continued to support first responders in the community, and this is the second year of helping the team participate in this tournament.

For those wishing to watch some exciting, fast-paced hockey at no cost, and cheer their local first responders on, head to Buffalo this April!

Submitted photo: This year's team with sponsor Kenny Mistler and mascots Sammy and Diesel.

Ramparts sweep series at Ohio tournament

By Steve Ognibene

The Batavia Ramparts 18U Empire team won the Rock and Roll Tournament championship this past Sunday in Cleveland, Ohio.

The team won all three preliminary games leading up to Sunday's final where they won by a score of 6-1.

Photo and information provided by Michael Freeman.

Zonta Club at BHS will sponsor 5K run/walk April 29 to help educate girls in Madagascar

By Billie Owens

From the Zonta Club at Batavia High School:

Let Us Learn Madagascar 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by Batavia High School’s Zonta Club, will be held on Sunday, April 29.

Z-Club members are excited to invite you to participate in this charity run/walk that benefits educating girls in Madagascar.

Registration at 1 p.m., race begins at 2. The race starts and ends on Denio Street, near the Muckdogs' baseball field.

Race Entry: $15 for individuals (prior to April 29); $20 race day registration; $50 for a team registration of five runners/walkers. *Teams need to combine and submit registration forms.

If you have any questions feel free to contact:

  • mlholsopple@bataviacsd.org
  • jcorbelli@bataviacsd.org
  • ldisanto@bataviacsd.org

Batavia, Mount Morris teams lead after first week of GRUSBC bowling tournament

By Mike Pettinella

Teams representing Mancuso Bowling Center and Mount Morris Lanes are in first place in the Open and Women's Team divisions, respectively, after the first of two weekends of the 12th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament at Mount Morris Lanes (Team event) and Livingston Lanes in Geneseo (Doubles & Singles events).

Go to www.bowlgr.com for for unofficial standings through Sunday, March 18.

Competition resumes on Friday and there are plenty of openings for both Team and Doubles/Singles events. To enter, contact Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC association manager, at 585-861-0404 or at mikep@bowlgr.com.

In the Open Team event, Barber's Five (Mancuso's) leads the way with 3,336, followed by Medina Lanes at 3,204. Gerry Barber paced his team with 673 scratch while Aaron Verheyn posted 731 and Ray Neuman 712 for the Medina squad.

In the Women's Team event, King & Her Court is in first place with 2,444 (four person team) and Hawks (Medina Lanes) are in second at 2,408. Karen Henry's 548 series led the King & Her Court team, captained by Jan King.

Other event leaders:

Open Doubles -- Mike Cunningham and Chris Huntz (Perry Bowling Center), 1,343; John Wolff and Ron Lawrence (Mancuso's), 1,335.
Women's Doubles -- Cathi Fournier and Karen Henry (Mount Morris Lanes), 1,251.
Open Singles - John Wolff, 744; Chuck Bobo (Mancuso's), 678.
Women's Singles -- Cathi Fournier, 628.
Open All-Events -- Gregg Wolff (Mancuso's), 1,943; Casey Palmer Sr., 1,935.
Women's All-Events -- Cathi Fournier, 1,996.

Competition will take place in three divisions -- Open (men and women), Women and Scratch (men and women). In the Open and Scratch divisions, teams are comprised of five players; in the Women's division, teams consist of four players.

Handicap is set at 90 percent of 215 in the Open and 90 percent of 200 in the Women's.

Entry fees are $25 per person per event and $10 for optional All-Events.

Pursel, Blaun wear King & Queen doubles crown; GRUSBC tournament opens Friday

By Mike Pettinella

Batavian Jim Pursel enjoyed a profitable weekend, teaming with Oakfield resident Robin Blaun to capture the T.F. Brown’s King & Queen mixed doubles handicap tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center on Saturday and then joining forces with nine fellow league bowlers to cash twice at the Bob Bertram Memorial handicap no-tap tournament at Mount Morris Lanes on Sunday.

At the King & Queen event, Pursel and Blaun outlasted 62 other couples – defeating Curtis Foss of Medina and Brianna Larson of North Tonawanda, 492-483, in the title match – to pocket the $500 top prize.

"Robin was phenomenal ... she carried us," said Pursel, crediting Blaun for averaging 185 for the tournament -- 22 pins over her average.

But Pursel was being humble in his assessment as he put up high scores all day, including a 269 in the championship match.

"It was fun in the final game, bowling against Curits and his partner and matching him bomb for bomb," he said.

Blaun chipped in with 189 and, with their 34 pins handicap, edged Foss and Larson, who posted 258 and 225, respectively.

Pursel and Blaun registered 1,316 in the three-game qualifier to finish in the seventh position. The top 16 teams advanced to match play, led by Mark Brown of Attica and Traci Spanitz of Rochester, who had 1,432.  Foss and Larson were the second-high qualifiers with 1,415.

In match play, Pursel and Blaun posted victories over Naomi and Mickey Hyde of Le Roy (with Blaun posting a 226 game), Kai Clark and Mary Jo Brenner of Rochester (with Pursel rolling 266), and Steve Dorobiala and Holly Johnson of Buffalo, before facing Foss and Larson.

Foss and Larson split $300 for placing second, while Dorobiala and Johnson, and Mario and Kara Mangiola of Rochester each split $200 for finishing third/fourth.

Other local cashers were Fred Gravanda of Batavia (with Sarah Germano of Rochester), Chris Bardol and Caycee Landers of Brockport, Mike and Heather Johnson of Batavia, Dean Cadieux Jr. and Kristin Thompson of Oakfield, and Rich Wagner of Batavia and Darleen Balduf of Byron.

At the 19th annual Bob Bertram Memorial, the Pursel group comprised of members of the North Pole League on Thursday nights at Mancuso’s formed two teams, with each bowling twice, and walked away with the $1,000 first prize and $300 third prize.

Members of the first-place team were Mike Johnson, Tom Baker, Matt Balduf, Mark Brown and Denny Rogers, and members of the third-place team were Joe Trigilio, Rob Stefani, Jason Quilliam, Mike Lambert and Pursel.

LOCAL BOWLERS BATTLE TOUGH CONDITIONS AT NYS MASTERS

While none of the eight Genesee Region bowlers advanced to the match play portion of the NYS Masters Championship on March 3 at Allie Brandt Lanes in Lockport, all of them deserve credit for taking on the challenging Sport lane condition and battling against the best of the best in New York State.

Medina residents Curtis Foss and Scott Allis were stopped by one sub-par game out of their five qualifying games, each missing the cut on the first squad by about 50 pins.

On the second squad, Gray Jr. also was thwarted by one low game and missed the cut by just 30 pins.

To illustrate the oil pattern’s difficulty, it took a score of 966 – a 193 average -- on the second squad (out of 71 bowlers) to advance.

Also competing in the tournament were Jim Foss and Aaron Verheyn of Medina, Kevin Gray Sr. of Honeoye Falls, Jared Allen of Oakfield and Frank Jarkiewicz of Byron.

Kristina Szczerbinski of North Tonawanda became the first woman NYS Masters champion, defeating PBA standout Brad Angelo of Lockport in the final match for the $2,000 first prize.

PERRY, MOUNT MORRIS, BERGEN YOUTHS TRIUMPH

Dennis Van Duser and Matt Hurlburt of Perry Bowling Center combined for a 1,350 score with handicap to each win $100 scholarships and trophies at the GRUSBC Association Youth Doubles Tournament at Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield last weekend.

The winning duo in Division A topped second-place Ryleigh Culver and Ethan Cramer of Medina Lanes by 115 pins. Culver and Cramer and third-place Aaron Leone and Samantha Hyde of Le Roy Legion Lanes also won trophies.

In Division B, Brad June and Alexis Patterson of Mount Morris Lanes placed first with 1,314 (winning $100 scholarships and trophies), while Paige Snook and Matt Baker of Albion, and Brooke Jurek and Van Duser of Perry placed second and third, respectively.

In Division C, Brendan Pimm and Megan Jarkiewicz of Bergen took first with 1,261 (winning $100 scholarships and trophies), and were followed by Dominic LaPiana and Hanna McKenzie of Mount Morris, and Josh and Tony Sprague of Batavia.

ROSE GARDEN TEAM HOLDS BIG LEAD IN GR YOUTH TRAVEL

The Rose Garden I team upended Batavia Strike Force, 13-6, last week at Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield to move comfortably ahead with two weeks remaining in the Genesee Region Youth Travel League.

The team of Devon Zinter, Madelynn Pimm, Brooke Jarkiewicz and Michael Sardou is 19.5 points up on Oak Orchard I and Batavia X-Factor with only sessions on March 25 at Mancuso Bowling Center and April 8 (position round) at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

Individually, Dennis Van Duser of Perry led the boys with a 279 game and 660 series, while Haylee Thornley of Batavia X-Factor paced the girls with a 237 game and 554 series.

Other high series were by Matt Hurlburt of Perry, 654; Tony Sprague of Batavia X-Factor, 607; Samantha Hyde of Le Roy, 544, and Paige Snook of Oak Orchard I, 522.

ROCHESTER’S DAN VICK WINS SUPER BUD BOWL IN OSWEGO

More than 1,000 entrants tried their hand at the weeklong Super Bud Bowl at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego last week and, when the smoke had cleared, Rochester left-hander Dan Vick – arguably the best bowler in the Flower City – drove home with the $5,500 first place check.

Vick, 31, defeated high qualifier Art Oliver Jr., 219-213, in the championship match. He did so in dramatic style, coming through with three strikes in the 10th frame to overtake the Hamilton, Ontario, Canada lefty, who had doubled in the 10th to put the pressure on Vick.

Oliver earned $2,800 for placing second.

Two Perry residents cashed on the extremely tough Sport condition: Matt Slocum, who rolled 821 for his four games and Brett Van Duser, who recorded 798.

GRUSBC ASSOCIATION TOURNEY STARTS THIS WEEKEND

Entries are being accepted for the 12th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament taking place at Mount Morris Lanes (Team event) and Livingston Lanes in Geneseo (Doubles & Singles events) over the next two weekends.

Teams signed up for this weekend are as follows:

-- Friday, Jan King, Chris Bacon;
-- Saturday, Carolyn Appleby, Margaret Shepard, Gerry Barber, Casey Palmer, Amy Allis (3 teams);
-- Sunday, Rick Daniels, Gary Gilman, Terry Gilman, Linda Johnson, Reid Cole, Jeff Say.

The tournament features three divisions -- Open (men and women), Scratch (men and women) and Women.  In the Open and Scratch divisions, teams are comprised of five players; in the Women's division, teams consist of four players.

To sign up, call 585-861-0404 or send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.bowlgr.com.

BATAVIA-AREA BOWLERS HEADING FOR SYRACUSE

Two teams of Batavia-area bowlers are competing in the USBC Championships at the end of the month at the Oncenter in Syracuse.

Team members are Paul Spiotta, Gregg Wolff, Joe Mortellaro, Todd Mortellaro, and Joe Trigilio on one squad and Brian Green, Fred Gravanda, Geoff Harloff, Mark Brown, and Jim Pursel on the companion squad.

Their Team event is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 29 and their Doubles & Singles are set for 2 p.m. March 30.

By the way, this will be the 25th ABC/USBC Open Championships for Trigilio, a worthy accomplishment, and the 49th ABC/USBC Open Championships for Mortellaro, who is just one year away from a milestone that not many bowlers achieve.

Girls softball team receives check from Batavia's Original

By Steve Ognibene

Head Coach Jim Fazio (far left) with Assistant Coach Mark Janes (far right) along with members of Batavia High School Girls Softball Team receive a check for $1,000 from owner Kathy Ferrara yesterday afternoon at Batavia's Original Pizzeria, Batavia. 

The girls did a great job promoting this event and in honor of International Womans Day on March 8th, Ferrara said she decided to match their fundraising efforts.

"I believe empowering women is important in our community and these young ladies represent a strong future, so I wanted to help them raise funds towards their trip," she said.

The team has been fundaising since December when they saw an opportunity to play ball in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and add games to their schedule in warmer weather.  

Bardol posts 834, Emler 759 set at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen; 298 for Jackie Jurinich in Medina

By Mike Pettinella

Chris Bardol of Brockport kept the hot hand for a second week as he registered an 834 series last Tuesday in the G&W Vending League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

Bardol topped the list of area high scores with games of 288-257-289. Last week, he posted a 776 series in the league.

Dave Emler of Rochester popped a big 278 game en route to a 759 series.

At Medina Lanes this morning, Jackie Jurinich came oh so close to perfection as she rolled a 298 game in the Sunday Roll-Offs League. The right-hander came a bit high on the final ball, leaving the 6-10.

For more high rollers in the Genesee Region, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the page.

Mike Pettinella's Pin Points column will appear on Thursday.

Franklinville ends Elba's season 60-40

By Steve Ognibene

Franklinville Panthers led after the first quarter 18-8 by senior 5'10' Allyson Haskell. Elba's senior Emily Reynolds (pictured above) was held to just seven points on the night along with Leah Bezon (pictured below) guarding Danielle Haskell from Franklinville. The Panthers extended thier lead 32-17 at the half and continued the pace.

Second half Panthers had a lead as much as 29 points but Elba's strongest scoring fourth quarter came up short with a final of losing 60-40. Elba's Freshman Maddie Muehlig led in points for the lancers with 10 on the night, 0 for 6 from three-point range.  

Franklinville will play Edwards-Knox next Saturday, March 17th, at 2:15 p.m. in the Final four at Hudson Valley Community College.

Photos courtesy of David Zuppelli.

Elba advances to Far West Regionals, season over for Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens

One Genesee County girls basketball team is advancing to the regional playoffs and for another, its season is over following a pair of Section V consolidation games played Tuesday.

Elba beat Wheatland, 47-38. The Lady Lancers will play for the Far West Region Class D championship Saturday at Rush-Henrietta High School at 3 p.m. against Franklinville of Section VI.

For the Lady Irish of Notre Dame, their season is over after losing the Class C consolidation game (where Class C1's sectional champion plays Class C2's sectional champion for the right to play in the Class C Far West Regional game) to South Seneca, 61-41. For Notre Dame, Margaret Sutherland scored 18 points and Callie McCulley scored 16 points.

Timbits Cross-Ice Jamboree this Saturday

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Genesee Amateur Hockey Association is holding its Beginner Timbits Cross-Ice Jamboree at the Falleti Ice Rink from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. this Saturday. March 10th.

The “draft” has occurred and teams are set. Stop down and see these mighty little hockey players in action.

Please stop into Tim Hortons for a beverage and treats to thank them for the sponsorship of the Timbits Beginner Program.

Pembroke falls to Northstar in Section V final

By Destin Danser

The Pembroke Dragons lost its Section V Class C1 championship battle Monday at Blue Cross Arena to Northstar Christian, 80-72.

Reid Miano scored 17 points and had 11 rebounds. Lucas Kohorst scored 15, Jamil Marable, 13, Zach vonKramer, 12, and Ethan Stone, 10.

For Northstar, Mile Brown scored 39 points.

Elba repeats as Section V champions in girls basketball

By Howard B. Owens

For the second time in two years, the Lady Lancers of Elba are the Section V Class D2 champions, beating Andover in a tight game, 47-42.

It was one of those games that could have gone either way until there were less than 10 seconds on the clock and Elba had possession of the ball.

Coach Tom Redband gave a lot of credit to the win to his lone senior on the team, captain Emily Reynolds. Reynolds was the tournament MVP, giving her back-to-back MVP titles.

"(The key was) having Reynolds in there as the two-time MVP," Redband said. "The girls were able to keep their poise and take care of the ball and get some stops on defense. If you’re going to win, you want to get those stops."

Reynolds said her role was to keep her teammates calm and remind them to "play Elba basketball."

"My heart was beating fast almost the whole game but I didn’t doubt my girls for one second," Reynolds said. "I had full confidence in us. We prepared really hard."

Championships in her junior and senior seasons means a lot to her, said Reynolds, who scored 23 points.

"I hold it really dear to my heart," Reynolds said. "All of these girls are my family and it means everything to be able to win and have another championship before I graduate. I don’t want my season to end. I want to extend it as long as possible."

Maddie Muehlig scored 11 points and hit five of six free-throw attempts, including two shots to help seal the win with less than a second left to play.

Leah Bezon scored six points.

Redband said he and the girls are proud to represent Elba.

"The girls do that tremendously," Redband said. "They play the right way. They’re good sports. They’re nice people. It means a lot to me."

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