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‘It has such a rich heritage’: One man reflects on what the S.I. Singles Classic means to him

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

Bob Garzone posing with a bowling ball

Bobby Garzone captured his only Staten Island Singles Classic crown in 1979. (Staten Island Advance)

With the 45th edition of the Staten Island Singles Classic right around the corner, former champion Bobby Garzone couldn’t help but reflect on the prestigious event, which was created by Donnie Walters, one of the names synonymous with Island bowling.

“Back in 1978 (the inaugural tourney), there weren’t many, if any, singles tourneys, at least none that proved to stand the test of time,” said Garzone, a former Islander, who now resides in Florida. “I was just finishing my years with the US Navy. I was fishing around for a new career which had me doing many different time shifts.

“Donnie was my neighbor for decades but I got to know him much better seeing him when we worked the same hours. He encouraged me to ‘step up my game’, and competing in the Staten Island Singles Classic was the best way to do that.”

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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.