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15 Island bowlers compete in USBC Junior Gold Championships

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Brianna Mester and Brandon Handog advanced the furthest among the 15 Island competitors in the Junior Gold Championships. (Photos courtesy of the Mester and Handog families)

By Staten Island Advance Sports Desk
silive.com | Click here for the full story

INDIANAPOLIS — Youth bowling’s version of the Little League World Series was contested last week when the USBC Junior Gold Championships were rolled in Indiana.

Staten Island was well represented as 15 Islanders, most hailing from Rab’s Country Lanes, were among the more than 2,900 youth bowlers who competed for titles, spots on the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Junior Team USA 2022 and the largest scholarship prize fund in the event’s history ($502,100).

The 23rd installment of the USBC Junior Gold Championships took place across six bowling centers in the Indianapolis area. The event features top USBC Youth bowlers ages 7 to 18 from around the United States as well as Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. military zones. Each participant qualified to enter by advancing through local USBC Junior Gold qualifying leagues and tournaments.

Competition officially started Monday July 12, with bowlers rolling a total of 16 games in the qualifying rounds before advancing to the Advancer Rounds and Finals which were live-streamed on BowlTV.

While competition came to an end after the Qualifying Round for most, Islanders Brianna Mester and Brandon Handog continued on to the Advancers Round in their respective divisions.

Mester, competing in the U15 Girls division, finished 34th in a field size of 298 girls with a 21-game, 3,743 pinfall, averaging 178.24 for the week. Mester fell shy 57 pins from the Final Advancers Round earning a $250 scholarship prize for her finish.

Handog finished the week in 90th place amongst a field of 868 in the U18 Boys division. He finished with a 4,146, 21-game series, averaging 197.43 for the competition. Handog finished 47 pins shy of the top 64 cutline. Brandon received a $300 scholarship for his performance.

The 2022 event should be stronger and will take place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Some Staten Island youth bowlers have already started qualifying for the event.

Complete Results below:

Qualifying Round:

U12 Division – Field Size: 93 Girls

GIRLS – 14 Advance to Final Advancers Round (cut: 2451)

74 – Kiara Lombardi 1948

U15 Division – Field Size: 631 Boys / 298 Girls

BOYS – 90 Advance to Advancers Round (cut: 2937)

478 – Joseph Guarnieri 2492

583 – Jeremy Vasquenz 2243

589 – Paul Cherry 2219

GIRLS – 43 Advance to the Final Advancers Round (cut: 2831)

13 – Brianna Mester 2987

U18 Division – Field Size: 868 Boys / 560 Girls

BOYS – 167 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 3097)

101 – Brandon Handog 3170 | 198.13 average

784 – Frank Koppie 2686

887 – Steven Souffrin 2632

1009 – Luciano Spagnuolo 2531

1083 – Victor Guastella 2450

1087 – Zachary Lababneh 2441

1124 – Patrick Taverner 2337

1131 – Enrique Rodriguez 2308

GIRLS – 80 Advance to the Advancers Round (cut: 2909)

298 – Maya Avilez 2634

530 – Su Denizer 2212

Advancers Round

U15 Division – Field Size: 298 Girls

28 Advance to the Final Advancers Round (cut: 3800)

34 – Brianna Mester 3743

U18 Division – Field Size: 868 Boys

BOYS – 64 Advance to the Final Advancers Round (cut: 4193)

90 – Brandon Handog 4146

College Signings: Maya Avilez is ready for the next level

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New Dorp senior Maya Avilez is flanked by PBA Hall of Famer and former Staten Island resident Johnny Peraglia and New Jersey State Bowling Hall of Famer Leslie Bohn after signing a National Letter of Intent to attend North Carolina A&T. (Courtesy of New Dorp HS)

By Charlie De Biase Jr. | debiase@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | Click here for the full story

It’s July, which means the 2020-21 school year is finally in the rearview mirror.

And some local student-athletes are not only planning to play on the collegiate level beginning in the fall, but will be leaving for their new homes pretty soon.

In the meantime, the Advance/SILive.com will once again share the good news with our readers.

And to boot, College Signings 19 includes various sports. In fact, we’ve got four different sports in this edition, including one on the Division 1 level.

We also have a number of past commitments in recent months at the bottom, including the previous 18 College Signings.

Give another look at them as well, if you wish.

Maya Avilez signed a National Letter of Intent to attend North Carolina A&T on a full women’s bowling scholarship.

The 17-year-old Avilez picked up the game after hitting Rab’s Country Lanes with her grandfather (Dr. Robert Taglianetti, DDS) as a youngster and she’s compiled a pretty impressive resume that led to earning the scholarship to the Division 1 school from Greensboro, N.C.

In fact, she competed on New Dorp’s team for two seasons before missing her senior campaign because of the pandemic. However, she currently competes in two different leagues, including the Parker Bohn III/Johnny Petraglia Scholarship League on Friday nights at Howell (N.J.) Lanes and Rab’s Junior Classic on Saturday mornings. She owns averages of 208 and 214.13, respectively, in the leagues.

Avilez is also the owner of four career 300 games.

Her connection to N.C. A&T came through Leslie Bohn, her personal coach and the wife of Parker Bohn. Leslie Bohn is best friends with the Aggies’ bowling coach and USBC Hall of Famer Kim Terrell-Kearney and that relationship helped get the ball rolling for Avilez.

“(Terrell-Kearney and I) initially exchanged emails and did a Zoom chat and last February, I visited the school,’’ said Avilez. “It took me a few months to make a decision, but ultimately I loved the school when I made the visit and decided it was the best place for me.’’

The right-handed Avilez said Terrell-Kearney was impressed with her power game.

“She definitely likes the way I throw it hard,’’ said the Concord resident. “I have more revs than most girls and it gives me more versatility than other styles of bowling.

“I also think (Terrell-Kearney and her husband, Eric), who is an assistant coach, are the nicest people. I believe they can build my game and support me to become the best bowler I can be.’’

Avilez, who plans to study Secondary Education History, also received interest from Louisiana Tech.

Rab’s Selected as Finalist in 1010 WINS Small Business $10K Challenge

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Rab’s Country Lanes was recently selected as a Top 5 Finalist amongst 888 small businesses in the New York City Area to compete in 1010 WINS Small Business $10K Challenge.  Competing for the top prize were: Michelle Cadore, Da Spot NYC, Brooklyn; Kimberly Parris, The CaribDiva Company, Queens; Monica Pidhorechi, The Ice Cream Lady, Paramus, NJ; Lily Urzua, Urzua Queens Center of Performing Arts, Queens and our very own Frank Wilkinson, Rab’s Country Lanes, Staten Island!

Tune in on June 10th to http://1010wins.com/challenge to watch!

Adam Abdelaziz surges to top of leaderboard as Staten Island Singles Classic qualifying ends

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Adam Abdelaziz made a statement on the final day of qualifying in the Staten Island Singles Classic Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes as he moved to the top of the leaderboard with a huge performance.

Abdelaziz, who is Showplace Bowling Center house pro Vinny D’Ambrosio’s protege, uncorked an 817 scratch series with games of 237 and pair of 290s. That alone would have put him in the lead, but add his 12-pin handicap to his scratch series and he finished with an 829 gross set.

Abdelaziz, who is a Susan Wagner HS product who helped the Falcons win the city crown in 2012 and 2013, will lead a field of 24 qualifiers into Saturday’s finals at 2:30 p.m. at Rab’s.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TOP 24 QUALIFIERS

Last week’s co-leaders, Brandon Sach and Sean McAuliffe, dropped to second place at 802 each. Kelcey Fisher ended qualifying fourth with an 800 gross series, while Anthony Arias placed fifth with a 798.

Two-time defending champion Jeff Scire (795) wound up sixth, but should be tough to beat in the finals.

Brandon Sach, Sean McAuliffe surge into Staten Island Singles Classic qualifying lead

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Brandon Sach and Sean McAuliffe each knocked over 802 pins to share the lead Sunday after the second weekend of qualifying in the 43rd Staten Island Singles Classic at Rab’s Country Lanes.

The two, both bowling scratch, took the lead from first-weekend leader Anthony Arias, who now sits in fourth with a 798 set.

Kelcey Fisher, bowling with a 30-pin handicap, is third with an 800 series.

Two-time defending champion Jeff Scire found his way on the leaderboard by rolling a 795 scratch series, which currently places him fifth. Scire won in 2018 and 2019. The pandemic canceled last year’s event.

Co-tournament director Eric Capizzi reported that the turnout for the second weekend in the Donnie Walters’ run event was “surprisingly good” and the winner of the event will be guaranteed $1,000.

Qualifying concludes Saturday (April 17) at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. each day. The top 24 finals will be held April 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Entry fee is $60.

Anthony Arias bolts into Staten Island Singles Classic lead

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Anthony Arias bolted into the lead after the first day of qualifying in the 43rd Staten Island Singles Classic Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes.

Arias, bowling scratch, uncorked a 798 series.

Marco Recchia is in second position with a 787 set (784 scratch), Michael Vlassenko is third (770 gross) and is followed by Jason Wichnovitz (756) and Nicholas DiTomasso (756).

Donnie Walters, the founder of the Staten Island Singles Classic, couldn’t attend opening day, but promises to be there next week.

“I heard it went well,” said the 73-year-old Walters. “There were a lot of people there that I worked with at Maple Lanes. For me, it’s more of a social event and not so much a bowling tournament.”

The tourney took a hiatus last year because of the pandemic.

Qualifying continues April 10-11 and April 17 at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. each day. The top 24 finals will be held April 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Entry fee is $60.

After missing a year because of the pandemic, the Staten Island Singles Classic is back

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Three-time Staten Island Singles Classic champion Rob Vinci is interviewed by tourney founder Donnie Walters during the 40th anniversary 2017 event at Rab’s Country Lanes. (Staten Island Advance)

By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

It pained Donnie Walters to have to cancel what would have been the 43rd annual Staten Island Singles Classic last year because of the pandemic.

For 42 years prior to that, the event was a staple in the local bowling community and one that always went off without a hitch.

But, this year, with the news surrounding the pandemic getting better, the 73-year-old Walters decided to proceed with the event.

“I couldn’t miss it two years in a row and I think the bowlers want to see it back,” said Walters.

Qualifying in the Classic will take place at Rab’s Country Lanes on April 3, April 10-11 and April 17 at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. each day for a total of 12 qualifiers. The top 24 finals will be held April 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Entry fee is $60. Those keglers who compete in the first squad will receive a second entry for the cost of lineage ($15) only.

With lanes at a premium because of the pandemic, spots in the first qualifier are sure to go fast.

“I made some changes. I’m not guaranteeing the prize fund,” explained Walters. “It will be based on entries.”

With his tournament sidekick, John Eadicicco, now living in Florida, Walters will rely on help from Eric Capizzi, Garett Gersh and Mike Giovinazzo.

“Eric is associated with Country Lanes and Garett is associated with Showplace so I have representatives from both Island houses helping me out,” said Walters.

Country proprietor Frank Wilkinson has also “been a big asset” to Walters in helping get this year’s event off the ground.

Walters said competitors in the tournament will have to follow the pandemic protocols of Country Lanes at the time of the tourney.

“It’s house rules,” said Walters. “The state and city laws are changing all the time when it comes to the pandemic. Right now, I believe the bowlers would have to wear masks on the lanes.”

Red-hot Jeff Scire is the two-time defending champ, winning in 2018 and 2019.

Island bowler Jeff Scire makes fools of Father Time, pins at Country Lanes

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click Here for the full story

At age 47, Staten Island kegler Jeff Scire is certainly not an old man, but what he’s accomplished on the lanes the last month or so one would think he was 25 years old again.

Need proof? He’s currently riding a streak of three 800 series in the Monday Night Draft League at Rab’s Country Lanes, a loop which consists of the area’s top keglers.

Scire’s thundering bowling has produced area-code series of 815, 807 and 809, respectively, since March 1.

“I do not recall a time where a bowler has achieved such a feat,” said Country proprietor Frank Wilkinson, who also competes in the loop. “Maybe (Vin) D’Ambrosio in a season where he averaged 250 for 77 games.

“In the 09-10 season, Derek Gilbert was on quite a streak, finishing the season with a 241 average in the Scratch League. That season he had four 800-plus series and five 300 games across the several leagues he bowled in.

“Ryan Friend had a two-week streak in the 12-13 season with an 803 and 837.”

But Scire’s current bowling could be better.

In all, Scire, the author of 117 career perfect games, has rolled five 800 series in this third of the prestigious Draft League season, which is broken down into three, 12-week seasons. That’s five 800s in seven weeks, including three straight. He has rolled a total of seven 800s the entire Draft League season.

And Scire has no idea why he is bowling so well.

“I really don’t know. I just think it’s a hot streak,” said the Woodrow resident. “Ever since I stopped playing baseball three years ago I’ve averaged in the 240s. I averaged in the low 230s for 30 years before that. I think by not playing baseball — where I was a catcher — has helped my knees and my back. They don’t hurt anymore.”

After Monday night’s performance, the righty is averaging 245 over 57 games this season, according to Wilkinson. In the 57 games, he has rolled one 300 and flirted with perfectos three other times, twice rolling a 299 and a 296.

“To put this into perspective, the United States Bowling Congress’ men’s national high average for the 2019-2020 season was Charles Easton of Sylvania, Ohio, who posted a 256.5 average for 84 games,” noted Wilkinson, the former president of the USBC. “Jeff’s highest season average is 248 for 99 games in the 17-18 season.”

Two of his latest three 800s came against his good friend and rival, Sean McAuliffe, who was practically raised on Victory Lanes, the now-defunct Island center his family owned.

“It’s very impressive to watch him not only compete and dominate over the years but continue to get better,” said McAuliffe. “He’s the king of Country Lanes for sure. But three 800s in a row in (this) league is crazy and he can definitely go for four or more.

“I remember Jimmy Terlizzi shooting three 800s in a row years ago and that was unheard of. Jeff is currently averaging 245 and I’m having a great year as well averaging 243, just trying to keep up with him.

“We’re both very competitive so it’s gonna be fun to see how we finish out the year. The Draft League is the best league around right now with bowlers like Dan Dunleavy, my brother Timmy, but a lot of the big names on the Island haven’t made the jump yet to join the league. I guess they don’t think they can keep up with us.”

Wilkinson called Scire a fierce competitor with loads of determination.

“There seems to be no slowing down for him,” said Wilkinson, the son of the late Rab Wilkinson, one of the Island’s all-time great keglers. “He’s been bowling as if he’s on a mission, and that mission with no doubt is striking, a lot.”

Scire knows he’s doing something good when he gets complimented by his older brother, Dennis, a former Islander, who bowls in the Draft League as well.

“He never has anything good to say about what I do,” said Jeff with a laugh. “But he can’t believe how I am bowling right now.”

As for this coming Monday night, Scire is hoping to knock over 800 or more pins for a fourth straight time.

“It’s all about the first game,” said Scire. “If you can get off to a strong start and then all of a sudden you have a chance. And then if you bowl a good second game, you start doing the math.”

Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and Office of NYC Council Member Steven Matteo Unveil Public Art to Boost Neighborhood Charm

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Staten Island, N.Y. – The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) and David Carr, Chief of Staff for New York City Council Member Steven Matteo, unveiled the SIEDC’s latest public art installation at Rab’s Country Lanes, a bowling alley and entertainment center located on Staten Island.

Located at Rab’s 1600 Hylan Blvd. address, the installation is a colorful 10’.5”x10’ mural that features a pair of wings encompassing the names of Staten Island neighborhoods. Borough residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the installation, take photos and upload them to social media tagging @SIEDC.

“We are thrilled to provide the community with a creative way to celebrate Staten Island,” said Cesar J. Claro, President and CEO of the SIEDC. “Rab’s Country Lanes is the perfect location for our latest art display. Passersby – including bowlers – can stop for a quick photo opp to show some love and support for their hometown.”

Public art is just one way the SIEDC works to improve neighborhood charm and build community throughout the borough. Through Business Improvement Districts and Merchant Associations, the SIEDC advocates for much-needed services including private maintenance and security, signage and way-finding information, and beautification initiatives such as holiday lights, new trash receptacles and more.

About the SIEDC
The SIEDC’s mission is to enhance a thriving Staten Island economy by promoting public and private investment, and encouraging the development of commercial and industrial property and projects in an environmentally friendly manner, all of which improve the quality of life and provide broad and diverse employment opportunities.

CHSAA crowns individual bowling champions for the first time in two years

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St. Peter’s freshman Joe Guarnieri and Notre Dame Academy senior Nicole Rourke captured the CHSAA boys’ and girls’ individual championship crowns, respectively, on Thursday at Rab’s Country Lanes.

By Nick Regina | nregina@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Bowling balls were rolling, shoes were squeaking, and pins were clanking at Rab’s Country Lanes on Thursday, where the CHSAA individual bowling championships were held for the first time in two years.

Last year’s event was cancelled out by the pandemic, though high school keglers filled the lanes on Thursday, albeit while social distancing and donning face masks, for three fast-paced, competitive games to determine who would be crowned individual champions of the boys’ and girls’ circuits, respectively.

Each of Staten Island’s Catholic high schools was represented by its top four bowlers at the event.

When it was all said and done, St. Peter’s freshman Joe Guarnieri (636) and Notre Dame Academy senior Nicole Rourke (512) emerged victorious — becoming the Island’s first CHSAA individual champions since 2019.

Monsignor Farrell’s Vin Guido and Zach Labaneh finished second and third, respectively, among the boys, while St. Joseph Hill’s Alexa Cordato and NDA’s Camryn Burns rounded out the top three finishers on the girls’ side.

“It feels really good. My freshman year I wanted to make an impact and get noticed,” said Guarnieri, who did just that. “I struggled with team play this season, but when singles came around I popped up.”

Guarnieri fired off impressive games of 233, 245, and 158, though he admits he felt pressure coming in.

“There’s a lot of pressure as a freshman, but good, consistent bowling paid off with my confidence,” he explained. “I expected to place high, but I didn’t expect to win.

“We expect a lot of him, he came in with a reputation for being an extremely good bowler,” acknowledged STP coach Pat Calchi. “He really impressed and showed great skills.”

Guarnieri, who has bowled nearly his entire life, entered HS with a proven track record, and hopes to one day turn pro — but on the other side of the lane, senior Nicole Rourke took a very different path.

Rourke, the daughter of 2018 Staten Island USBC Master’s Champion Kevin Rourke, did not begin bowling competitively until last year — but tossed games of 184, 183, and 145 on Thursday.

In that time, she raised her average by approximately 40 pins, and led all CHSAA girls with a 163 average this season.

“I’m excited, I put in a lot of work,” said Rourke. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches.

“I just made sure I threw it where I needed to, straight down the lane,” she added.

NDA coach Terry Hart witnessed her ascension through the ranks firsthand.

“Nicole grew up in a bowling family, but she never really bowled until her junior year,” said Hart. “She’s improved so much. She’s the team captain and she just exploded this year.”