Rab's Country Lanes

  • Home
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Upcoming Events
    • Live Entertainment
  • About
    • Our Location
    • Advertising
    • Careers
    • As Seen On…
  • Bowling
    • Open Bowling
    • Cosmic Bowling
    • League Bowling
      • Fall/Winter
      • Spring/Summer
      • Youth
    • Tournaments
  • Specials
  • Eat
    • Kitchen Menu
  • Attractions
    • Laser Maze Challenge
    • Rab’s High Roller’s Lounge
    • Country Pro Shop & Awards
  • Rab’s Rewards
  • Shop
  • Plan a Party!
    • Birthday Parties
    • Office Parties
    • Adult Parties
    • Book a Meeting
    • Bring your Group
    • Fundraisers
  • Contact
    • Donation Request
  • Blog
1600 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10305   |   Phone: 718-979-1600    

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

Stay in the Know

Watch Live Scores!

Hundreds tossed the bocce ball, hit the golf ball and swung the tennis racket – Wilkinson Honored by SIUH

June 23, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Frank Wilkinson as he accepts his award. (Courtesy/SIUH) Staten Island Advance

By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click Here for the Full Story

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The sun shone brightly for a record-breaking number of community spirited locals, business leaders and friends of Staten Island University Hospital who came out for the health care center’s annual Golf, Tennis and Bocce Classic at the Richmond County Country Club.

The day kicked off with the first bocce ball rolled out at 10:30 a.m., before golfers took to the greens for a shot gun start at noon. Tennis players hit the courts at 1 p.m. for the fun day filled with fine food, drinks, and good company.

“We are very excited to welcome everyone back for our Bocce, Golf and Tennis outing, once again,” said Dr. Brahim Ardolic, executive director of Staten Island University Hospital.

Later in the day participants regrouped at the main clubhouse for the 6 p.m. reception that followed on the sprawling outdoor patio and indoor banquet room.

This year’s honorees were Dr. Christopher E. Graziano, past president of the SIUH Medical and Dental Staff, and Frank Wilkinson, chairman of the Rab Wilkinson Foundation — two dedicated individuals who’ve supported Staten Island through healthcare and philanthropy.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Florina Cancer Center at Staten Island University Hospital.

“As a member of Northwell Health, we strive to improve the health of the community we serve and are committed to providing the highest quality clinical care,” said Dr. Ardolic. “This cancer center is a must-have for the Island. We’ll bring all services under one roof to a larger state-of-the-art facility, with a focus on privacy and comfort, while augmenting the care of our other specialized oncology programs.”

This year’s event chairman was attorney Philip Mancuso, chairman of the SIUH Foundation Board.

Bocce co-chairs were Louis Tobacco, Matthew Langella, and Efrat LaMandre.

The golf co-chairs were Dr. Joseph Basile, Anthony Santo, and Charles Marchica, with tennis co-chairs Edward Mafoud, Marisol Mafoud and Anne Marie McDonough.

“Just a few weeks ago we placed the last beam on top of the coming Florina Cancer Center and in less than one year we will be cutting the ribbon to present this new center to the community. I could not be more grateful to you for your support today and for your never-ending loyalty,” added Dr. Ardolic.

HONOREES:

FRANK J. WILKINSON

Born and raised on Staten Island, Wilkinson is a second-generation business owner who began operating Rab’s Country Lanes on a full-time basis when he was only 18. Wilkinson comes from a bowling family, where his dad, Rab Wilkinson, started as a “pin boy” and continued his journey into a successful bowling center proprietor.

Each year Rab’s helps local organizations raise over $500,000 through fundraisers and events and boasts one of the largest youth bowling programs in the U.S. and awards over $25,000 in scholarships to youth bowlers annually.

Wilkinson was elected president of the New York State USBC Youth Leaders Chapter when he was 18 and, two years later elected president of the Staten Island USBC Association, a position he held until 2014. He’s served as a director of the National Council of Youth Sports, as well as director and chairman of the Youth Education Services Committee for the New York State USBC.

He also served served as president of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the National Governing Body of Bowling, where he’s still involved as a member of the Executive Advisory Committee and Chairman of their Nominating and SMART (Scholarship Management and Account Reporting for Tenpins) Oversight Committees.

He is a member of Rotary International through his affiliation with the North Shore Rotary Club on Staten Island, where he has served as president since 2019. Through the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, he’s been a mentor to aspiring young entrepreneurs and is a current board member. He’s received the NYS YABA Youth Leader of the Year Award and Youth Leader Alumni Bridging the Gap Award in 2004, the 2004-05 YABA National Male Youth Leader of the Year, the Local Youth Sports Administrator of the Year by The National Council of Youth Sports in 2008, South Beach Civic Association Scott Schneider Memorial Community Service Award and Staten Island Chapter of the American Cancer Society Distinguished Community Service Award in 2012, the NYS USBC Bridging the Gap Award in 2013.

He’s been recognized by the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s 20 under 40 award, Top 40 under 40 in the Bowling Industry, the Staten Island Boy Scouts, On Your Mark, Sky Light Center, South Shore Rotary Club and City Access New York with their Community Recognition Awards and SIEDC.

Rab’s was listed No. 1 among the Top 31 Small Businesses on Staten Island by the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) in 2018, recognized by the City of New York as the Staten Island Small business of the Year and as a Health Hero by the SIEDC in 2013. In 2015, Rab’s was named one of the Top 50 Small Businesses in NYC by 1010 WINS.

DR. CHRISTOPHER E. GRAZIANO

Dr. Graziano joined Staten Island University Hospital as an attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine after graduating from Drexel University’s Emergency Medicine residency program in 2001. He and his wife Stephanie were eager to move back to their home town, Staten Island, with their growing family.

He developed an interest in departmental administration, taking on administrative roles and enjoyed learning about the business of medicine.In 2005, Dr. Graziano worked administratively as medical director for a private EMS company before segueing into a similar role at the hospital, taking on several administrative roles within the Emergency Department.

Working as the associate medical director of the Emergency Department presented him with the opportunity to learn how the provision of healthcare in this setting is operationalized and financed.

During the same time, he became involved with the hospital’s medical and dental Staff, serving as an elected officer and eventually becoming president.

Dr. Graziano received his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University and completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Pennsylvania – Hahnemann University Hospital. He is currently an assistant professor, at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University.

Dr. Graziano is a member of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and the American College of Emergency Physicians. In addition, he’s served on numerous committees including; the Medical Standards Committee of the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York City, Medical Executive Committee at SIUH and the Emergency Management Committee at SIUH.

He’s also participated in numerous research projects and publications and given several presentations.

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, community, news, nyc, rabs, silive, staten island

Blood drive held on Staten Island for boy’s birthday after mom’s complications during pregnancy

June 16, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

By Stacey Sager
Thursday, June 16, 2022
WABC 7 NY | Click Here for the Full Story

STATEN ISLAND, New York (WABC) — A blood drive was hosted at a bowling alley on Staten Island Wednesday, in celebration of a young boy’s first birthday after his mother needed blood transfusions following childbirth.

The drive was a welcome sight after the New York Blood Center announced a blood emergency last month due to an alarming drop in blood donations. The region’s blood supply currently stands at a 2-3-day level, which is well below the ideal level of 5-7 days.

So while most people give presents, the McAuliffe family gave blood, as a way to give back to the community and ensure that there are life-saving blood donations available for anyone who may need it, like Stephanie McAuliffe.

The Staten Island mother developed a condition during her pregnancy called placenta accreta and placenta previa, which causes a dramatic increase in bleeding, and can even lead to death.

She needed six units of blood to replace what was lost when giving birth to her son Russell.

“Really just laying in that bed, and I saw my husband in NICU, I said I can’t believe that I’m alive, it was always a fear of mine,” Stephanie McAuliffe said.

But she has now turned that pain into purpose, holding a blood drive where at least 60 donors have signed up. The New York Blood Center says they are grateful.

“I would say that we are probably actually at 50%, but definitely not at 60 or 65%,” said Chantal Mehu of the New York Blood Center.

The blood drive was held at Rab’s Country Lanes and is the second blood drive that they have hosted.

“This is the second blood drive in the last year that we’ve hosted as a result of the pandemic and the shortages, so to be able to open our doors, have a space to do so, that’s why we’re here,” said Frank Wilkinson of Rab’s County Lanes.

As for the condition that Stephanie McAuliffe had, placenta accreta and placenta previa are serious conditions that can cause complications for the baby and mother. It’s become more and more common. In fact, the cases have quadrupled since the 1980’s, due to the increasing number of C-sections.

But Wednesday marked a celebration of both birth and survival, and was a way of gathering donors while larger companies still have fewer people at the office.

Stephanie McAuliffe’s husband said his wife is a guiding light and a positive example at a time when it’s needed the most.

The NYBC encourages all who are able to sign up and donate today.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: blood drive, bowlatrabs, bowling, community, nybc, nyc, staten island

New York Blood Center Announces Blood Emergency: Rab’s Hosts Blood Drive

June 3, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

School breaks and increased travel have caused a dramatic decrease in blood donations; types O and B have dropped to 1-to-2-day level

🩸 DONATE BLOOD at Rab’s, June 15, 2022! – Click here for details.

NEW YORK – New York Blood Center (NYBC) announced a blood emergency today, as school spring breaks and holiday travel have caused an alarming drop in donations over the past six weeks. All blood types are low and type O is at just a 1-to-2-day level.

This shortage occurs amid increasing COVID rates, which can be attributed to the highly contagious Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 that has been spreading rapidly throughout New York and surrounding areas. For example, New York City’s COVID transmission rate has increased 32% in the last 10 days. Last Monday, the city raised its COVID alert level to medium as cases surpassed a rate of 200 per 100,000 people in the five boroughs.

Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors to receive life-saving blood donations, but the recent spike in cases and spring break travel have caused uncertainty. Donor participation has reached record lows at blood drives and donor centers.

“This time of the year always tends to be difficult for the blood supply, with school spring breaks and increased travel making blood donations less of a priority. These factors are now coinciding with increasing COVID cases and a potential fifth wave of the pandemic,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Executive Director at New York Blood Center. “One blood donation has the ability to save up to three lives. We highly encourage all who are able to donate today to help New Yorkers who need it most.”

It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.

To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit by visiting nybc.org.

# # #

About New York Blood Center: Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) is a nonprofit organization that is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the world. NYBC, along with its operating divisions Community Blood Center of Kansas City, Missouri (CBC), Innovative Blood Resources (IBR), Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD), and Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC), collect approximately 4,000 units of blood products each day and serve local communities of more than 75 million people in the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT), Mid Atlantic area (PA, DE, MD, VA), Missouri and Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and Southern New England. NYBC and its operating divisions also provide a wide array of transfusion-related medical services to over 500 hospitals nationally, including Comprehensive Cell Solutions, the National Center for Blood Group Genomics, the National Cord Blood Program, and the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, which — among other milestones — developed a practical screening method for hepatitis B as well as a safe, effective and affordable vaccine, and a patented solvent detergent plasma process innovating blood-purification technology worldwide.

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: blood drive, bowlatrabs, nybc, nyc, rabs, staten island

Live from Rab’s Names Best Web Series in the 43rd Annual Telly Awards

June 1, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Rab’s Country Lanes announced today that its Live from Rab’s Web Series has been named a Bronze Winner in the Category of Best Series – Web Series: Non-Scripted in the 43rd Annual Telly Awards. The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, production companies and including Adobe, Netflix, Dow Jones, Duplass Brothers Productions, Complex Networks, Jennifer Garner, A&E Networks, Hearst Media, Nickelodeon, ESPN Films, RYOT, Partizan and Vimeo.

Watch Live from Rab’s: https://www.facebook.com/watch/bowlatrabs/259412255094783/

Live from Rab’s, launched in March of 2020 as a daily live web series hosted by Nazareth Laursen and Frank Wilkinson of Rab’s Country Lanes where they talk bowling, community, sports, entertainment, and so much more with special guests from around the Globe. Through 150+ episodes, hundreds of guests, over a million views, and 2 years later, the series continues today through the airing of special events and the original format talk show. The web series airs live on Facebook and YouTube and may also be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

“Now, more than ever, it is necessary to celebrate video work that reflects the top tier of our industry, such as Live from Rab’s,” says Telly Awards Executive Director Sabrina Dridje. “This year’s submissions reflect an industry that has returned to the important work of storytelling, one that has returned with a new perspective that values innovation, agility, equity, and tenacious creativity.”

“Live from Rab’s was created as a way for us to stay connected with our community during what would become one of the most challenging periods of time for all of us,” says Frank Wilkinson, Proprietor of Rab’s Country Lanes, and co-creator/host of Live from Rab’s. “What we [Nazareth and I] thought would only continue for a couple of weeks, turned into a permanent fixture for Rab’s and our online presence. To be recognized with a prestigious Telly Award for something we have fun doing is truly the icing on the cake.”

Today’s winners announcement caps a year-long celebration of creators producing work with a new POV and a refreshed creativity, reflecting an ever-changing landscape emerging from the difficulties and opportunities from the last few years.

In function of this, a series of new categories were introduced to reflect and celebrate ways in which video has continued to be used as a critical tool for communication, notably within and across a new culture of working. These new categories, including Workplace Culture, Recruitment and Education & Training, celebrate the companies using video at a time when the culture of a company has never been so critical to attract and retain talent.

“Whether it’s new ways of remote working, placing purpose at the center of a businesses key values or providing Employee Resource Groups for communities to gather and support each internally, says Dridje, “this year’s incredible group of winners perfectly exemplifies the many artful and unique ways video is being used to tackle these timely topics. By introducing our new categories, we’re continuing to deliver on our mission of constantly evolving with the changing industry and the world.”

Last year, The Telly Awards attracted more than 12,000 entries from top video content producers including Netflix, Jennifer Garner, HBO Latin America, Microsoft, RadicalMedia, Condé Nast, Adobe, Nickelodeon, and Partizan.

The full list of the 43rd Annual Telly Awards winners can be found at www.tellyawards.com/winners.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, live from rabs, news, nyc, rabs, staten island, telly, telly awards

Staten Island Singles Classic: From beginning of tourney to end, Mickey Endress leaves no doubt

April 16, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

2022 Staten Island Singles Classic winner Mickey Endress stands between tournament director Michael Ruffe, left, and his mom, Peggy Lee Endress. (Photo courtesy of Mike Giovinazzo)

2022 Staten Island Singles Classic winner Mickey Endress stands between tournament director Michael Ruffe, left, and his mom, Peggy Lee Endress. (Photo courtesy of Mike Giovinazzo)

By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for Full Story

Mickey Endress owned the 44th Staten Island Singles Classic from start to finish in 2022.

The right-handed Endress, who took over the qualifying lead during the opening weekend and held onto the top spot throughout the qualifiers, slipped past southpaw Jason Wichnovitz, 235-224, in the title game of the 24-person finals Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes.

It was Endress’ first S.I. Singles Classic crown.

“It felt amazing to finally win,,” said Endress, 36, a perennial finalist in this event and now a winner. “I knew coming in based on qualifying I had a chance. I’ve won the (Staten Island Masters) and have been eyeballing this title for awhile. Jimmy’s (Elliott’s New Year’s Singles Classic crown) will be next.”

Endress was most proud of the fact, he’d won in front his mother, Peggy Lee Endress, a former Advance bowling writer, who is battling lung cancer.

“It was really important to win for her,” said Endress, a New Dorp resident, who needed to double in three of his four matches Saturday to pull out wins. “I made the finals of the New Year Singles Classic (this year) but she couldn’t attend because of the pandemic.”

In Wichnovitz, Endress, who coaches the boys’ bowling team at Port Richmond High School, beat his former player whom he coached at Tottenville HS in the mid 2010s. Endress was an assistant under longtime former Pirate coach Ralph Mustillo.

“I know how good he is and he even got better in college,” said Endress. “Bowling him in the final match was kind of cool.”

After receiving a first-round bye, Endress disposed of Tom Magrone in the second round, Sean McAuliffe in the quarters and No. 24 seed Josh Warner — who made a gallant run through the finals — in the semifinals.

But it was his 257-220 win over McAuliffe that got him revved up and sent him on his way.

“Sean and I have had a lot of great matches through the years and the results have gone both ways,” said Endress. “Today it went my way.”

In the title match, Endress opened with a three-bagger and held a 95-77 lead after the fourth frame. That’s when Wichnovitz, the tourney’s No. 2 seed, strung four strikes together to take the lead.

But Endress struck out in the ninth and 10th frames to finish with a 235, forcing his opponent to strike out in the 10th frame.

However, on his first ball in the 10th, Wichnovitz left a stone 7-pin, giving Endress the crown, $1,500 top prize and the Lefty Gee Memorial trophy.

“That last match wasn’t physically my best,” said Wichnovitz, who currently bowls for William Paterson University. “The one in the ninth frame (the 3-pin stood up after four straight strikes) really cost me. I knew I needed that to have any sort of cushion going into the 10-frame.”

NOTES: Original tournament director Donnie Walters was at his son’s home in Cincinnati recovering from a recent illness and couldn’t make the finals … En route to the title game, Wichnovitz beat Raychon Brown, Peter LaBella and Karalyn Buono, who bowled terrific in the finals … Past tourney winners Steve Chiarella (1991), Jeff Scire (1995, 2018 and 2019), Sean McAuliffe (2007), Michelle Dash (2015) and Anthony Arias (2021) lost on Saturday … Six-time New Year Singles Classic champ George Cretella, who has never won this event, was ousted in the quarters by Warner … Alternate Joe Scianna replaced Joe Lampariello in the Top 24 on Saturday. … The total prize payout was $6,520, according to tournament director Michael Ruffe.

Final standings with prize money

1. Mickey Endress $1,500

2. Jason Wichnovitz $800

3. Karalyn Buono $550

4. Josh Warner $550

5. Sal Fabozzi $260

6. Peter LaBella $260

7. George Cretella $260

8. Sean McAuliffe $260

9. Melissa Kammerer $160

10. Joe Scianna $160

11. Steve Chiarella $160

12. Raychon Brown $160

13. Steve Miglino $160

14. CJ Cariffe $160

15. Jeff Scire $160

16. Tom Magrone $100

17. Tom Hollywood Sr. $100

18. Joey Weisenstein $100

19. Tim McAuliffe $100

20. Fabiana Iannuzzi $100

21. Michelle Dash $100

22. Anthony Arias $100

23. Nicholas Hollywood $100

24. Chris Riordan $100

Handicaps in parenthesis in 1st and 2nd second rounds carried throughout

Round 1:
Buono (+ 1) def. Hollywood Sr. (+ 2), 194-176
Scianna def. Weisenstein, 243-218
LaBella def. T. McAuliffe, 227-200
Brown (+4) def. Iannuzzi (+ 22), 268-219
Magrone def. Dash (+24), 201-176
S. McAuliffe def. Arias, 245-159
Warner (+12) def. Hollywood (+2), 232-230
Miglino def. Riordan (+4), 214-175

Round 2:
Buono def. Kammerer (+8), 226-152
Fabozzi (+10) def. Scianna, 197-194
LaBella ties Chiarella (+1), 192-192 before LaBella advances following one-game roll-off
Wichnovitz def. Brown, 224-200
Endress def. Magrone, 205 to 170
S. McAuliffe def. Scire, 257-162
Warner def. Cariffe (+15), 200-185
Cretella def. Miglino, 245-151

Quarters:
Buono def. Fabozzi, 227-217
Wichnovitz def. LaBella, 248 to 227
Endress def. S. McAuliffe, 257 to 220
Warner def. Cretella 225-213

Semifinals:
Wichnovitz def. Buono, 217-195
Mickey Endress def. Warner, 230-181

Championship Match:
Endress def. Wichnovitz, 235-224

Filed Under: News, Tournaments Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, rabs, singles classic, tournament

Rab’s Weather Alert: Winter Storm

January 28, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Updated: January 29, 2022 – 11:28 AM

Due to the expected Winter Storm, we will remain closed on Saturday January 29, 2022.

We will re-open at 9:00 AM on Sunday January 30, 2022.

The following leagues/programs are cancelled:

  • SATURDAY: A Very Special Place Bowling
  • SATURDAY: Rab’s Junior Classic
  • SATURDAY: Fil-Am Bowling League
  • SATURDAY: Saturday Nite Out

Follow us on twitter and facebook for the most current updates and changes to our schedule/hours of operation, @bowlatrabs.com.

Filed Under: News, Weather Alert Tagged With: bowlatrabs, nyc, rabs, snow, staten island, weather alert, winter storm

Staten Island fifth-graders honored for artwork at Rab’s

January 25, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

By Annalise Knudson | aknudson@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click Here for the Full Story

IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities.

Frank Wilkinson, proprietor of Rab’s Country Lanes in Dongan Hills, joins Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and 2022 SIBOR President Francis (Frank) J. Rizzo in celebrating the accomplishments of students who participated in the creation of SIBOR’S 2022 Fair Housing Calendar. (Courtesy/SIBOR)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Some Staten Island fifth-grade students were recognized earlier this month for their artistic contributions to the Staten Island Board of Realtors’ (SIBOR) 2022 Fair Housing Calendar.

Amy Yao, a fifth-grader at PS 56, Rossville, is joined by Rosanne La Fata, chair of SIBOR’S Diversity Committee, as she displays her original artwork on the front cover of the Realtor organization’s Fair Housing Calendar. (Courtesy/SIBOR)

Members of SIBOR were joined by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and local business owners at Rab’s Country Lanes, Dongan Hills, on Jan. 16 to celebrate the local students who placed as winners, or received honorable mentions, in the art competition focused on fair housing.

The students received a universal gift card and were praised for their work by: SIBOR CEO Sandy Krueger; SIBOR President Francis (Frank) J. Rizzo; Rosanne La Fata, chair of the organization’s Diversity Committee, and Malliotakis, who prepared a personalized Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for each of the students.

 

“Young children practice diversity, equity and inclusion naturally,” Krueger said. “As adults, we need to reinforce the values that have made our country what it is. Fair housing is an ongoing mission that we hope these children will support as they continue to develop.”

 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, nyc, staten island

Long Island kegler Pierce Field cruises to victory at Jim Elliott’s 46th New Year Singles Classic

January 22, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Long Islander Pierce Field accepts the trophy from tourney director Jim Elliott at the 46th New Year Singles Classic.

By Nick Regina | nregina@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click Here for the Full Story

If they didn’t know him before, they certainly do now.

Relatively unknown Long Islander Pierce Field emerged victorious among a litany of impressive names and past champions at Jim Elliott’s 46th New Year Singles Classic held at Rab’s Country Lanes on Saturday afternoon. The 24-year-old Shirley, N.Y., native knocked off defending 2020 champion Steve Soss, outscoring him 247-193 in the final. The event did not take place in 2021 due to the pandemic.

In the finale, Field struck on four of the first seven frames — sparing the other three. Soss, meanwhile, left pins standing on two of the first seven frames, and despite a strong finish he couldn’t overcome the sluggish start. Field fired strikes on his final three frames, and struck out on the 10th to cement the triumph and take the trophy.

Field had never previously bowled on Staten Island, but earned an opening-round bye after tossing a 760 series in qualifying. He faced his stiffest challenge in round two, when he narrowly defeated Rob Butler, 266 to 244, and followed with a win over Scott Walsh, 269 to 213, before toppling Sean McAuliffe, 255 to 173, in the semifinals.

On the other side of the bracket, Soss, who also earned a bye, kicked off his day with an impressive win over John Drabczk, 290 to 210. He proceeded to upend a pair of former champions — defeating Jeff Scire, 255 to 224, before taking down Tim McAuliffe in a semifinal rolloff, which was a rematch of the 2020 final. The pair mirrored one another with matching games of 224, but after McAuliffe spared and then struck out on the final frame, Soss answered the bell and delivered four consecutive strikes to gain the final.

Don Dunleavy and Mickey Endress were among the other final eight finishers in the 24-man field.

CROSSING THE BRIDGE

Field noted that he only competed because fellow Long Islander and former champion Dan Brezo mentioned the event to him.

“Well, can I come?” Field remembers asking his friend — and the rest is history.

“I respect everyone here,” added Field. “I had a couple of bowling balls that were working well, it was a little tighter in qualifying and match play was a little more forgiving. I was able to play where I’m comfortable in my zone and pretty much used one ball the entire time.”

As emphatic as his violent delivery and powerful fastball are, Field’s demeanor is as relaxed as can be. Despite being one of the youngest competitors in the field, he rarely showed emotion or allowed himself to get too high or too low. The results were evidenced by his dominant performance in the finale.

“Just don’t let up,” Field told himself. “I know what [Soss] is capable of and he could put a string together at any point. I just stayed focused and keep on driving no matter what happens.

“The tournament is nicely ran and well-organized. ” he added, nothing that a return next year is probable.

On the other side, Soss had to wait two years to defend his crown, but was pleased with his performance in reaching the final.

“It felt good, it really did, especially to make it all the way to the last match and try to go back-to-back,” said the native of Bayonne, who struggled with the left lane in the finale on Saturday. “[Field] is good, he was just striking. I could’ve struck with him, just one bad lane.”

Tournament director Jim Elliott noted the return to action after the two-year layoff was a rousing success.

“We had a lot of bowlers and they bowled very well,” said Elliott. “People were very happy about the finals, there was a lot of good bowling and people enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to next year.”

Prize money: Field ($900), Soss ($550), T. McAuliffe ($350), S. McAuliffe ($240), Scire ($185), Endress ($165), Walsh ($155), Dunleavy ($145), Butler ($125), Anthony Arias ($110), Mike McNichol ($105), Drabczk ($100), Najee Mayers ($95), Pete Labella ($95), Chris McNichol ($90), Mike Vlasenko ($90), Alby Pezzella ($80), Mike Gordon ($80), Frank Maloney ($75), George Cretella ($75), Jeff Martin ($70), Mike Vignola ($70), Russ Moran ($65).

*Butler, Walsh, and Sean McAuliffe received additional $25 bonuses for having been defeated by the eventual champion prior to the final.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, news, nyc, staten island, tournament

Bowling: Labella’s 813 holds after final weekend of qualifying in New Year Singles Classic

January 17, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

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

Click here for Tournament Details

Pete Labella’s 813 held up after the final weekend of qualifying in the 46th New Year Singles Classic at Rab’s Country Lanes.

Labella, who fired his big set on the tourney’s opening weekend nine days ago, will lead a star-studded 24-man field into Saturday’s finals set for 1 p.m. at Country.

Defending champ Steve Soss, who won in 2020, is second with an 812 followed by Chris McNichol (811) and Mike McNichol (790).

Joining them will be Island stalwarts Tim McAuliffe and his brother, Sean, Dan Dunleavy, Jeff Scire, Mike Endress and George Cretella, who has won this tournament six times. There’s also a handful of other scratch bowlers in the scratch finals capable of winning.

The cut to crack into the Top 24 was Mike Vignola’s 693.

46th NEW YEAR SINGLES CLASSIC
FINALISTS

BOWLER NET HCP GROSS

  • Pete Labella Jr. 813 0 813 *
  • Steve Soss 812 0 812 *
  • Chris McNichol 811 0 811 *
  • Mike McNichol 790 0 790*
  • Tim McAuliffe 786 0 786 *
  • Najee Mayers 768 0 768*
  • Anthony Arias 760 0 760*
  • Pierce Field 760 0 760*
  • Robert Butler 753 0 753 *
  • Jeff Martin 751 0 751
  • Sean McAuliffe 743 0 743 *
  • Dan Dunleavy 743 0 743 *
  • Mike Gordon 714 27 741
  • Jeff Scire 740 0 740 *
  • Alby Pezzella 735 0 735 *
  • John Drybznk 720 10 730
  • George Cretella 726 0 726 *
  • Frank Maloney 688 35 723
  • Scott Walsh 699 21 720
  • Mike Endress 719 0 719
  • Don Pendelton 695 18 713
  • Mike Vlassenko 699 12 711
  • Russ Moran 617 84 701 *
  • Mike Vignola 656 37 693 *

* denotes squad leader

Averages will be verified for accurate handicaps

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, nyc, rabs, staten island, tournament

Bowling: Peter Labella Jr. storms into New Year Singles Classic qualifying lead

January 9, 2022 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

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

Peter Labella Jr. knocked over 813 pins scratch to storm into the opening-round lead of Jim Elliott’s 46th New Year Singles Classic over the weekend at Rab’s Country Lanes.

Bowlers took the lanes in the tournament for the first time in two years as the pandemic canceled last year’s event.

Right behind Labella is Steve Soos, the 2020 tourney champ, who felled 812 pins, including a perfect game.

Michael McNichol (790) rounds out the top 3.

George Cretella, the all-time New Year Singles Classic champ with six crowns, finds himself in the top eight with a 726 pinfall.

Alby Pezzello, who is positioned right above Cretella with a 735 set, also fired a 300.

Qualifying continues on Jan. 15 and concludes on Jan. 16. Squad times are set for 1 and 2:30 p.m. each day. The finals are set for Jan. 22.

The standings after the first weekend of qualifying

Bowler Net Hdcp Gross

  1. Pete Labella Jr. 813 0 813
  2. Steve Soos 812 0 812
  3. Michael McNichol 790 0 790
  4. Najee Mayers 768 0 768
  5. Dan Dunleavy 743 0 743
  6. Alby Pezzello 735 0 735
  7. George Cretella 726 0 726
  8. Russell Moran 617 84 701

***Cut for Non squad leaders scores not seeded is 718

300 GAMES: Steve Soos and Alby Pezello

Click here for Tournament Details, including the full current standings

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, nyc, rabs, staten island, tournaments

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 8
  • Next Page »
Book Your Party Now!

eGift Card
Reserve Your Lane For Open Play
Win FREE Bowling
© Copyright 2022 Rab's Country Lanes
Privacy PolicyReturn PolicyTerms Of Service
website & digital marketing byTrustworkz