Joe Sciacca’s 715 set led all qualifiers on the opening day of qualifying in the 46th Staten Island Singles Classic Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes.
Sciacca also secured himself a spot in the finals by winning his squad.
In all, 83 bowlers, including five former champions — Jeff Scire (1995, 2018, 2019), Jason Starace (2006), Billy Salvatore (2012), Todd David (2017) and Mickey Endress(2022) — took to the lanes Saturday.
Back this year for the opening ceremonies was tournament creator and Island legend Donnie Walters. Walters, who has missed the last few opening squads due to illness, energized the bowlers with his opening remarks.
Tournament director Michael Ruffe, who has been running this event since 2019, said he was happy to see Walters back at the lanes.
“Donnie is a staple of Staten Island bowling,” said Ruffe. “He still has the ability to pull new and long retired bowlers back to the sport. His mantra still to this day is that bowling is the greatest sport and urges people to ‘go bowling… it will make you feel like you want to.’ ”
Joe Bracco led the first squad with a 713 series (704 scratch).
Perennial finalist George Cretella fired a 300 in middle game of the opening squad and finished with a 699 series.
The current cut score is 647.
Qualifying continues next weekend Saturday and next Sunday at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
The top 10 after the opening weekend
Pos Name Scratch Total
1. Joe Scianna* ** 715 715
2. Joe Bracco* 704 713
3. Matthew Cody 697 709
4. Mike Devito 684 708
5. James Trapanese 671 707
6. Derek Gilbert 701 701
7t. Paula Meduri ** 627 699
7t. George Cretella 699 699
9. Nick Perales 690 690
10. Jeff Scire 689 689
Unofficial: Pending 3/30/2024 Average Verification Complete
* Denotes Squad Leader
** Denotes Guaranteed Female / Senior