In The Pocket: NBA has high hopes for Catskill stop

The Western Diner Northern Bowlers Association is taking a big chance Sunday morning when it visits HoBo Lanes in Catskill.

After last month’s tremendously successful event, when the NBA drew 77 entries for the Stockade Open at Boulevard Bowl, there is definitely a sense of momentum for the Capital Region’s oldest scratch-league organization. Bob Faragon won that event by averaging just 214 on an extremely competitive condition.

The first NBA event of the season drew 56 bowlers at Town ‘n Country Lanes in Guilderland. Jim Thomas of Binghamton won that tournament by averaging nearly 220.

That’s an average of 66 bowlers per tournament. A couple of years ago, event organizers were happy with 30 to 40 bowlers. But can the NBA continue its successful run in Catskill?

“We’re going to Catskill because Brian [PBA Tour veteran Brian LeClair] came to Bill Buell and asked us if we would consider going there,” said NBA tournament director Karl Bieber. “The board, which includes Bill, Ray Evans and Russ Hunter, discussed it and thought it was a good idea. Besides, Brian was willing to do some extra curricular stuff to help support it and get the word out.”

Bieber is hoping for at least 50 bowlers, but in order for that to happen, he will need a solid contingent of his regulars to make the trip.

“Surprisingly enough, three weeks ago, there was a guy who asked me to hold him a spot. Plus, a bunch of guys said they would be there on Sunday. Even some guys from up here, like Warren Guernsey, called me and asked for some directions,” said Bieber.

“We’re hoping that between all the promotion from Catskill, and all the people I know from Poughkeepsie, we will get a good turnout. I’ve sent out some mailings and some e-mails. I think 50 is a reasonable number. Anything more than that would be cake. I’d be disappointed if we got less than 40, but I don’t think that will happen.”

Bieber reasons that even with the 77 bowlers who showed up at Boulevard last month, another solid group of regulars was missing.

“I think we will pick up some 8-12 bowlers who couldn’t make it because they were bowling make-ups over the Thanksgiving weekend,” Bieber said.

“I don’t think it’s a question of what we’re all about any more.

People know us, and they know what to expect. I think we will be fine.”

Bieber said there will be $500 in added money for the event. He plans to pay $900 for first place, based on 50 entries, and $1,000, based on 60 entries. “That’s the draw. Everyone could use a little more money at this time of year, and that’s a pretty good payday,” said Bieber.

“The only thing that could hurt us is the weather, but I don’t think we’re supposed to get any snow or anything until much later in the day.”

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

It’s not too late to pick up some Christmas presents for your favorite bowler.

There is always the latest ball, some new shoes or a new bag or glove/wrist support.

According to Kenny Hall of Hall’s Ultimate Pro Shop at Olympic Lanes in Menands, the hottest bowling balls on the market are the Roto-Grip Cell Pearl, the Brunswick Twisted Fury Solid, the Storm Virtual Gravity and almost anything in the Hammer series, especially their newest ball, The Sauce.

Also popular are the Ebonite NVD or Ebonite NVS.

“Almost anything in the Hammer line is still popular, especially the Black Widow balls,” said Hall, who said that the poor economy has

affected his business.

“In the beginning of the season, it was better. In fact, it was even better than it was last year,” said Hall. “But the Christmas purchases have been slow.”

If you don’t want to buy a ball, there are plenty of stocking stuffers out there for the well-prepared bowler.

“You can put together a bag that includes some workout tools, some thumb holes, sandpaper, flex tape, new skin and some files,” said Hall. “It’s not a bad idea to have some ball cleaner and a brush for your shoes. There’s always lots of stocking stuffers you can buy for the bowler, and there is always a use for them. You don’t know you need them until you realize you don’t have them.”

Bowling shirts or towels are other popular gifts that are always appreciated.

And don’t forget that some pro shops can also help you improve your game with lessons. A better game is never a bad Christmas gift.

STRIKES & SPARES

u Matt Olson rolled a 300 game on the way to a 736 triple for Colonie High School in a Suburban Council boys’ match with Columbia.

uTom Egan fired a 300 game and a 765 triple to help Mohonasen defeat Niskayuna in another scholastic match.

u Sophomore Francesca Brown rolled a 269-684 to lead the Shenendehowa boys’ varsity over Ballston Spa this week.

u Johnstown native and Broadalbin-Perth graduate Ryan Abel finished 24th and collected $700 in the Regional Players Invitational at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev. Abel, whose goal is to become an exempt player on the PBA Tour, is also a Wichita State graduate. LeClair finished 33rd and pocketed $525.

u Jason Baker of Sharon Springs defeated Dan Furman of Glenville, 245-214, in the TV finals of last week’s Huck Finn “Capital Region Bowling Show” at Saratoga Strike Zone (formerly Hic-Roc Lanes). Furman edged Dan Rowe of Wynantskill, 258-257, in the semifinals, while Baker beat Ron Gardner of Brunswick, 249-235. The finals will air Jan. 11 on WXXA Fox23 at 11 a.m.

u The Karl Wolf & Warren Guernsey Pro Shop Qualifying Open will be held Jan. 10 at

Uncle Sam Lanes (11 a.m.) and

Jan. 11 at Ballston Spa Lanes (5 p.m.). The event is co-sponsored by the Northeast Bowling Proprietor’s Association. First place is guaranteed $1,000, plus an entry into the 66th annual U.S. Open, to be held at Brunswick Zone Carolier lanes in North Brunswick, N.J., March 29-April 5, 2009. Entry fee is $85. The format will be eight games across eight pairs on the first day. There will be a cut to the top eight bowlers based on total pinfall. The final eight bowlers will compete in round-robin match play at Ballston Spa Lanes, with the final game a position round. There will be 30 pins bonus for each win and 15 bonus pins for a tie in match play. Pins will carry over from qualifying. For more information, call Jeff Segel (439-7628) or Marvin Sontz (439-2224).

u The second Towne Bowling Academy Scratch Challenge will be held Sunday at 6 p.m. The general format will be the same as the inaugural event in September. Bowlers will roll a total of five games. Each game will be bowled on a different challenging oil pattern: Scorpion, 2004-2005 U.S. Open, 2005-06 PBA Regional/Senior No. 3, Team USA Short Pattern and Viper. Entries will be limited to 60. Cash prizes will be awarded on a 1-5 ratio, based on total pins. Entry fee is $50. First place will be $500, based on 30 entries. To reserve your spot, or for more information, call 355-3939.

u Spare Time Latham will host the 15th annual Capital District 600 Club Tournament Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $20. Entry forms are available at the lanes or by calling Marianne Hogle at 393-8097.

u Sportsman’s Bowl will offer three short-season leagues beginning Jan. 11. The Adult/Child league will be held at 10 a.m. Three games cost $12 per team. The Muny Grille Casino league competes at 6 p.m. and costs $12 per bowler per week. The Pee Wee Bumper league begins at 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. and costs $5 per bowler for two games including shoes. Call 355-4330 for more information.

u Originated in December of 1963, the Good Sport Trio Tournament, formerly called the Albany Bowling Association League Officers Three-Man Championship, will be held Jan. 17-18, Jan. 21,

Jan. 24-25, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Sunset Recreation. Handicap will be 100 percent of 675 per team. One in eight teams will cash. First place will be $1,500 per team, based on 50 entries. Call 465-4878 for reservations or for more information.

u A couple of Imperial Lanes Thursday Night Men’s league members enjoyed some big performances last week. Tim Grant recorded his 26th career perfect game en route to a 774 triple. He also had a 279 game. He leads the league with a 245.40 average, an 11-pin improvement over last year’s 234.10. Meanwhile, Bob Morin (202.21 average) rolled his 10th 299 game. A stubborn

10-pin prevented him from achieving his first perfect game. He rolled a 772 triple.

u Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. Keep your shots “in the pocket.”