We’re honored to be nominated for the third consecutive year for a Best of the Boroughs Recognition by DotNYC! Show your love for us by showing your support with a VOTE for Rab’s, your favorite entertainment destination on #StatenIsland! NYC Best of the Boroughs celebrates the local businesses, organizations and community individuals that make our city, and each borough, a unique place to live!
Different bowling balls have different reaction levels, which means some balls will respond better to certain lane conditions than others. If you’re in the midst of a game and feel that you just can’t get the ball to react properly despite making corrections in your technique or approach, it’s not you – it’s the ball. Learn how to know when to swap your bowling ball during a game with these tips.
You should not change bowling balls during a game without knowing what you hope to get out of it. According to The International Art of Bowling (a fantastic resource for any bowler looking to improve their game), there are three things you need to consider:
Of course, “practice makes perfect” is a saying for a reason, so don’t underestimate the importance of bowling regularly and getting familiar with how each ball performs under certain conditions. Join us at Rab’s Country Lanes for open bowling in Staten Island, or sign up for one of our bowling leagues to improve your skills with a little competitive pressure!
One of the most essential skills required to be a good bowler is the hook shot. Mastering this shot will help you throw more strikes, because you’ll be more likely to hit the pocket – that sweet spot between the 1 and 3 or 1 and 2 pins that sends them flying and increases the number of pins you’ll knock down. But how do you throw a hook ball? Check out these tips to improve your hook shot and your bowling game overall.
While your first instinct when trying to hook the ball may be to rotate your wrist, that’s actually a recipe for a gutterball. The proper way to hook a bowling ball is to use your fingers to add some side rotation on the shot.
As you take your final step before the throw, remove your thumb from the ball, allowing your middle and index fingers to control the release of the ball. When your arm is at the lowest point of the swing and the ball is supported by those two fingers, you’ll need to remove your middle and ring fingers while twisting them to add that little flick of lift.
Ideally, your shot will be traveling straight down the lane before the side rotation you added takes over and carries the ball into the pocket. If you’re bowling right-handed, twist counter-clockwise; if you’re bowling left-handed, twist clockwise.
Want to put these tips to use to improve your bowling technique? You’re always welcome at Rab’s Country Lanes in Staten Island, where we host open bowling as well as some great bowling leagues!
Are you trying to improve your bowling game? As with any sport or skill, the more you practice, the faster you’ll improve. However, if you (like most people) have a job, household, family, and other responsibilities, you probably can’t make it to the bowling alley every day, no matter how much you’d like to. Not to worry! You can improve your bowling even when you’re away from the lane with these tips.
Whether you just bowl for fun or want to compete in a bowling league, Rab’s Country Lanes is the place to bowl in Staten Island! We hope you’ll join us soon to hone your skills and have a blast.
By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | silive.com
DETROIT — Jason Wichnovitz finished in 62nd out of a field of 868 athletes in the U17 division of the United States Bowling Congress Junior Gold Championships late Friday night.
He was the only Islander of three to reach the Final Advancer Round. Maya Avilez (15U Girls division) and William Courtney (U17 Boys) got eliminated in the Advancer Round. In all, 23 Island bowlers competed in the event.
Wichnovitz, a lefty, averaged 183 through 26 games, 16 in qualifying and 10 in the Advancer Rounds on Friday.
“This week has taught me a huge lesson,” said Wichnovitz. “For those who don’t know, the last few years at Junior Gold and Teen Masters I have felt that I didn’t belong to compete with these other athletes, and I was losing hope on myself. This year both Teen Masters and Junior Gold was a HUGE reminder that I belong with these athletes and that I can compete on the same level as them.”
Meanwhile, Maya Avilez fell 55 pins short of the Final Advancers Round after an 848 five-game set in the Advancer Round on Friday morning. Maya averaged 177 through her 21 games of competition.
“After missing last year’s cut by five pins, I came into the tournament with the goal of making the first cut,” she said. “I was determined, prepared endlessly, and succeeded. From there anything else was icing on the cake. Unfortunately, during Advancers Round the breaks didn’t go my way. Overall, for the week I am so proud of my performance and growth from last year. Now I am ready to whack ‘em in U17.”
This was Courtney’s third trip to the Junior Gold Championships and best finish (86th place). He fell only 57 pins shy of the next round.
He had a great week, averaging 186 but lost some steam In the end.
“I was very hopeful going into the week and got a great result! I am really happy about my performance and can’t wait to get back on the lanes next year in Vegas,” he said. “The week of bowling was absolutely exhausting, bowling about 30 games in one week. However, that was all worth it and can’t wait to take a little bit off to rest.”
Melissa Kammerer, Rab’s Youth Program Coordinator and Team Gold Manager who has competed in six Championships herself during her youth bowling career, was on hand all week working with the Island contingent and provided support, lots from her own experiences at Junior Gold and at Wichita State University.
“Rab’s Team Gold has worked their hearts out on the lanes this year and it definitely shows it, especially for Jason, William, and Maya!” she said. “They showed the courage of what never giving up really means. They have bowled a few Junior Golds in the past and always fell a few pins short. This past year I watched them on and off the lanes work harder than ever and it paid off. We had some amazing bowling for all of our athletes regardless of scores. Now it’s time for them to learn from this experience and work even harder for next year.”
U15 Division – Field Size: 715 Boys / 356 Girls
GIRLS – 24 Advance to the Final Advancers Round (cut: 3772)
37 – Maya Avilez 145, 139, 212, 183, 169-848 | 3717
U17 Division – Field Size: 868 Boys / 443 Girls
BOYS – 64 Advance to the Final Advancers Round (cut: 3967)
42 – Jason Wichnovitz 193, 202, 232, 181, 152-960 | 4022
86 – William Courtney 226, 207, 175, 164, 149-921 | 3910
BOYS – 16 Advance to the Match-Play Bracket (cut: 5047)
62 – Jason Wichnovitz 147, 135, 168, 143, 147-740 | 4762
Women’s league player, Julie Agosta, rolls the ball at Rab’s Country Lanes, a family-run bowling alley operating for decades on Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance/Anthony DePrimo)
Bowling is a game of skill, but hand-eye coordination, aim, and strength are not the only skills needed to excel. If you’re wondering how to become a better bowler, don’t forget about the mental game!
At Rab’s Country Lanes, we host a wide range of bowling leagues for adults, teens, and kids, as well as open bowling. Lace up your bowling shoes and join us for the best bowling in Staten Island – and keep these tips in mind.
Of course, practice makes perfect, so be sure to visit Rab’s Country Lanes for open bowling – or consider joining a bowling league to be part of a team and enjoy some friendly competition!
By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | silive.com
DETROIT — Maya Avilez (U15 Girls division), William Courtney (U17 Boys division) and Jason Wichnovitz (U17 Boys division) each advanced to the Advancers Round of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Junior Gold Championships following 16 games of qualifying which ended Thursday.
The three advanced to Friday’s Advancer Round, where they will bowl five games with the top 24 girls in U15 and the top 64 boys in U17 advancing to the Final Advancers Round Friday evening.
Courtney jumped 72 spots to 97th place Thursday after posting an 808 series in the final qualifying round at Bowl One Lanes. He fired games of 180, 206, 199 and 223. His total pinfall is 2,989.
Courtney fell a few pins shy of Wichnovitz’s 3,062. The latter finished with games of 172, 135, 180, 134 for a 621 set.
Meanwhile, Avilez, competing in the 15U Girls division, wound up in 23rd place after qualifying with 2,869 pins. She rolled games of 171, 133, 189 and 176 for a 669 set Thursday.
Results of Final Qualifying Round:
U12 Division – Field Size: 262 Boys
BOYS – 38 Advance to Final Advancers Round (cut: 2653)
66 – William Kohnenkamp 150, 152, 152, 114-568 | 2556
U15 Division – Field Size: 715 Boys / 356 Girls
BOYS –103 Advance to Advancers Round (cut: 2846)
147 – Frank Koppie 173, 179, 172, 180-704 | 2777
223 – Joseph Guarnieri 140, 139, 161, 161-601 | 2692
302 – Nicholas Palmeri 162, 177, 160, 171-670 | 2630
356 – Yousef Dardeir 170, 176, 146, 171-663 | 2575
430 – Victor Guastella 124, 169, 117, 144-554 | 2514
539 – Steven Souffrin 190, 137, 169, 156-652 | 2428
647 – Cody Bass 127, 110, 112, 124-473 | 2258
650 – Alex Santos 131, 113, 133, 155-532 | 2252
691 – Gregory Pasquale 160, 158, 108, 150-576 | 2150
GIRLS –52 Advance to the Final Advancers Round (cut: 2787)
23 – Maya Avilez 171, 133, 189, 176-669 | 2869
97 – Brianna Mester 174, 164, 157, 158-653 | 2678
U17 Division – Field Size: 868 Boys / 443 Girls
BOYS – 124 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 2950)
48 – Jason Wichnovitz 172, 135, 180, 134-621 | 3062
97 – William Courtney 180, 206, 199, 223-808 | 2989
608 – Brandon Leung 160, 131, 143, 193-627 | 2580
755 – Steven Pasquale 130, 143, 166, 115-554 | 2452
857 – Joseph LaBarbera 104, 98, 179, 126-507 | 2162
GIRLS – 64 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 2868)
323 – Lauren Ruth Sarreal 143 160 186 141 630 2512
443 – Stephanie Fetik 1624 total | unable to complete competition
U20 Division – Field Size: 800 Boys / 440 Girls
BOYS – 116 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 3066)
642 – Kenneth Courtney 179, 163, 180, 155-677 | 2627
725 – Anthony DeRosa 138, 130, 146, 135-549 | 2529
780 – Joseph Nadal 170, 160, 169, 126-625 | 2394
GIRLS – 63 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 2951)
252 – Jessica Fetik 197, 169, 157, 219-742 | 2678
By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | silive.com
DETROIT — It’s safe to say Maya Avilez and Jason Wichnovitz are on a roll in the United States Bowling Congress Junior Gold Championships.
The two put themselves in great position to advance to the Advancer Rounds of the event after day three of qualifying on Wednesday.
Avilez, a righty, currently sits in 14th position with 2,200 pins in the Girls’ 15U division. She fired a 234, 127, 193, 174 en route to a 728 set on Wednesday. The top 52 in the division qualify for the Advancer Rounds.
Meanwhile, Wichnovitz took a run at a 300 game in his U17 squad at Astro Lanes on Wednesday.
Bowling in his sixth Junior Gold, he struck on his first nine shots in the final game and, while he didn’t complete the perfect game, the 279 game helped him post a 923 block in one of the more difficult centers.
“Honestly, it’s a huge confidence boost because I was coming off a performance where I went 90-under (at Skore Lanes) and I was in 90th place,” said the lefty, who is currently in 13th position with 2,441 pins overall. The top 124 bowlers will move on. “I’ve never went plus in a block at Junior Gold until the first day and I went plus-10. Second day, I went 90-under. So, I knew I had to play it safe today but it turned out good for me.”
U12 Division – Field Size: 262 Boys
BOYS – 38 Advance to Final Advancers Round (cut: 2015)
39 – William Kohnenkamp 138, 179, 177, 128-622 | 1988 (27 pins shy of the cut line)
U15 Division – Field Size: 715 Boys / 356 Girls
BOYS –103 Advance to Advancers Round (cut: 2135)
141 – Joseph Guarnieri 191, 159, 161, 201-712 | 2091
167 – Frank Koppie 180, 140, 184, 191-695 | 2073
321 – Nicholas Palmeri 150, 193, 145, 148-636 | 1960
321 – Victor Guastella 175, 188, 160, 140-663 | 1960
397 – Yousef Dardeir 144, 114, 165, 132-555 | 1912
576 – Cody Bass 202, 158, 168, 153-681 | 1785
587 – Steven Souffrin 188, 152, 150, 199-689 | 1776
633 – Alex Santos 119, 166, 131, 149-565 | 1720
700 – Gregory Pasquale 155, 156, 113, 151-575 | 1574
GIRLS –52 Advance to the Final Advancers Round (cut: 2089)
14 – Maya Avilez 234, 127, 193, 174-728 | 2200
87 – Brianna Mester 147, 192, 160, 129-628 | 2025
U17 Division – Field Size: 868 Boys / 443 Girls
BOYS – 124 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 2215)
13 – Jason Wichnovitz 235, 233, 176, 279-923 | 2441
169 – William Courtney 155, 172, 191, 180-698 | 2181
591 – Brandon Leung 128, 143, 155, 122-548 | 1953
674 – Steven Pasquale 194, 205, 186, 176-761 | 1898
853 – Joseph LaBarbera 115, 160, 118, 100-493 | 1655
GIRLS – 64 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 2155)
311 – Lauren Ruth Sarreal 138, 220, 137, 170-665 | 1882
436 – Stephanie Fetik 142, 101, 115, 145-503 | 1624
U20 Division – Field Size: 800 Boys / 440 Girls
BOYS – 116 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 2306)
634 – Anthony DeRosa 150, 167, 197, 157-671 | 1980
668 – Kenneth Courtney 125, 168, 183, 159-635 | 1950
787 – Joseph Nadal 145, 142, 163, 157-607 | 1769
GIRLS – 63 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 2215)
314 – Jessica Fetik 142, 158, 167, 170-637 | 1936
By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | silive.com
DETROIT — Six Staten Islanders are in the hunt to continue in their respective division’s Advancer Rounds after the second day of qualifying in the United States Bowling Congress’ Junior Gold Championships.
Maya Avilez led the group with a huge 278 game en route to a 780 set that propelled her to 13th place from 61st, out of the 356 girls competing in the U15 Girls’ Division.
In the U15 Boys’ Division, Frank Koppie also had a fantastic day, moving to 170th place after sitting in 409th after the first day. Koppie averaged 188 for the set.
Joseph Guarnieri, Yousef Dardeir, Nicholas Palmeri, and Victor Guastella each moved up in the U15 Division standings.
Jason Wichnovitz continues to dominate the U17 Division, rolling a 708 set. Although he fell 50 spots, he still sits within the cut line to advance to the next round. William Courtney is not too far behind, currently 11 pins shy of the cut.
Results of Qualifying Round 2:
U12 Division – Field Size: 262 Boys
BOYS – 38 Advance to Final Advancers Round
39 – William Kohnenkamp 146, 184, 200, 142-672 | 1366
U15 Division – Field Size: 715 Boys / 356 Girls
BOYS –103 Advance to Advancers Round
168 – Joseph Guarnieri 176, 202, 152, 169-699 | 1379
170 – Frank Koppie 180, 173, 198, 201-752 | 1378
218 – Yousef Dardeir 163, 183, 166, 190-702 | 1357
284 – Nicholas Palmeri 169, 153, 201, 171-694 | 1324
343 – Victor Guastella 177, 136, 210, 179-702 | 1297
597 – Alex Santos 115, 153, 178, 142-588 | 1155
651 – Cody Bass 157, 112, 162, 148-579 | 1104
672 – Steven Souffrin 146, 144, 116, 120-526 | 1087
700 – Gregory Pasquale 174, 152, 98, 104-528 | 999
GIRLS –52 Advance to the Final Advancers Round
13 – Maya Avilez 181, 132, 278, 189-780 | 1472
41 – Brianna Mester 173, 172, 186, 155-686 | 1397
U17 Division – Field Size: 868 Boys / 443 Girls
BOYS – 124 Advance to the Advancers Round
90 – Jason Wichnovitz 172, 211, 141, 184-708 | 1518
142 – William Courtney 199, 181, 169, 147-696 | 1483
301 – Brandon Leung 147, 169, 177, 193-686 | 1405
807 – Joseph LaBarbera 128, 143, 125, 176-572 | 1162
828 – Steven Pasquale 147, 139, 130, 141-557 | 1137
GIRLS – 64 Advance to the Advancers Round
343 – Lauren Ruth Sarreal 166, 190, 127, 134-617 | 1217
412 – Stephanie Fetik 157, 114, 176, 134-581 | 1121
U20 Division – Field Size: 800 Boys / 440 Girls
BOYS – 116 Advance to the Advancers Round
625 – Kenneth Courtney 160, 150, 172, 152-634 | 1315
639 – Anthony DeRosa 165, 183, 184, 145-677 | 1309
784 – Joseph Nadal 114, 176, 165, 133-588 | 1162
GIRLS – 63 Advance to the Advancers Round
301 – Jessica Fetik 182, 130, 173, 147-632 | 1299
How does summer seem to simultaneously go too slow and too fast? As kids, most of us experienced lazy summer afternoons of boredom, as well as the panic of realizing summer is almost over! How did that happen? Well, if you’re looking for summer activities in Staten Island to help your kids make the most of summer, you’re in luck! Just come to Rab’s Country Lanes for our Summer Kids Special.
Join us from 9 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week, for our summer kids bowling special. This deal is perfect for kids, tweens, and teens – anyone ages 18 and younger. $10 per person includes:
Adults are welcome to bowl on the same lane as their kids for $15 per person, including 2 games of bowling and shoe rental.
Of course bowling is just plain fun, but there are more reasons to bring your kids to the bowling alley this summer.
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