“It’s up to you, New York, New York.”
The United States Bowling Congress is spreadin’ the news about a meeting on May 30 in Utica that could significantly change the landscape of bowling leadership at the state level.
Several days ago the USBC issued an e-mail stating, as stipulated by an agreement reached between the USBC and the former New York State USBC Bowling Association, that a new state association called the Empire State USBC BA will be created with a new board of directors and slate of officers.
The USBC is inviting delegates from all New York State bowling associations, including the Genesee Region USBC, to cast their votes at the May 30 meeting, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Stanley Theatre at 261 Genesee St.
I have been told by Bill Collins, a Rockland County resident and acting state association manager, that every association gets at least one delegate. Larger associations can be represented by additional delegates depending upon total membership Although voting is limited to official delegates, all New York State bowling association members are permitted to attend. It is my understanding that one or two directors from the GRUSBC will attend the meeting.
This entire flap transpired last fall when it was discovered that the former state bowling association manager tapped into the organization’s treasury to the tune of $274,000 to support his gambling habit. Stephen Donahue of Weedsport is serving a three- to nine-year term in state prison.
After that, the USBC revoked the state’s charter. In retaliation, the New York State USBC filed a lawsuit against the USBC. Eventually, they settled out of court, and agreed to start all over again.
Hopefully, the Empire State USBC BA will do just that – start over again and forge ahead with an attitude of transparency, accountability and dependability. More than 60,000 bowlers contribute $1 of their USBC dues to support the state association; they deserve the best representation possible.
Maybe some new leaders with progressive, positive outlooks will emerge on voting day, and begin to reach out to the membership on a regular basis. And, above all else, checks and balances must be put in place when it comes to the association’s finances.
Collins, who I believe would make a competent association manager on a full-time basis, told me that all positions are up for election – president, two vice presidents and 20 jurisdictional directors. Each jurisdictional director must come from the area they will represent. Directors will be elected to represent each of 10 regional zones in the state.
Two additional directors will be appointed by the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association. The new Empire State USBC board of directors will then appoint a person as association manager -- the only paid position.
An application form for those interested in serving on the new board can be found at www.bowl.com by clicking on the Associations tab. Completed applications can be sent to USBC, attn Rules, 621 Six Flags Drive, Arlington, TX, 76011. The application deadline is May 8.
In a related development, entries remain open until the last squad for the 84th annual NYSUSBC Open Championship Tournament, which runs through May 24 at AMF Pin-O-Rama in Utica. For more information about the five-person team, doubles and singles event, call Collins at 914-329-7010.
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GIBSON, ALLEN, SPIOTTA TRIUMPH
-- Scott Gibson of Oakfield not only runs a popular tournament each year, but he also supports it by bowling in it. This year, he was a winner in every way as the 25th annual Frank Velletta Memorial Triples Tournament attracted 73 teams and he was a member of the first-place team!
Gibson joined forces with Jared Allen of Oakfield and Paul Spiotta of Batavia to post a 2,126 score with handicap (2,096 scratch) to take first in the event at Scopano’s Lanes. Their score edged the trio of Eric Kraus of East Pembroke, Derek Leach of Batavia and Josh Schultz of Oakfield by one pin.
Spiotta led the way with a 738 series while Gibson had 696 and Allen 662.
“This is the first time in all these years that I’ve won,” Gibson said. “I’ve finished second a few times; usually, I get edged out on the last shift.”
Rounding out the top five were Jerry Currier of Batavia, and Rich Mortellaro and Bruce Kraus of East Pembroke, 2,087; Justin LaGeorge and Matt LaGeorge of Leicester and Brian Cline of Lockport, 2,069, and Chuck Bucci and Dean Cadieux Jr. of Oakfield and Mike Kraus of East Pembroke, 2,061.
Results are unofficial, pending average verification. Gibson said at least 13 teams will cash with the low to cash score “looking to be around 1,986.”
-- Scopano’s Lanes is hosting a scratch doubles tournament on Saturday with squad times at 12:30 and 3 p.m. First place, based on 36 teams, is $800. Entry fee is $80 per team. Eight teams will advance to the Baker style format head-to-head finals. To enter, call Mark Brown at 716-474-7960.
-- Brown also is running a no-tap doubles tournament on Sunday at Mancuso Bowling Center with a top prize of $450, based on 48 entries. Entry fee is $44 per team. One in eight entries will cash. Handicap is based on 80 percent of 210 using last year’s average.
-- Perry Bowling Center’s no-tap doubles tournament runs through April 14 with squad times scheduled throughout the week. First place, based on 200 entries, is $1,000. Entry fee for the handicap event is $18 per person. An optional singles tournament will pay $500, based on 200 entries. The singles entry fee is $10. To sign up, call 237-6358.
(Mike Pettinella’s Pin Points bowling column appears every Thursday during the bowling season. If you have an item of interest for his column, please contact him at mikepett2002@yahoo.com or at 343-3736 or by mail at 55 Edgewood Drive, Batavia).