News 2013

December 17, 2013

Syosset, NY: The Long Island Generations Bowling Tour (LIGBT) has completed its Season 6 Fall Swing which consisted of 12 events. Dexter Sapp, Valley Stream, NY dominated the autumn events by winning 3 of the 12 tournaments. No other bowler earned more than one title.

Dexter won his titles at East Islip Lanes (September and December) and at AMF Babylon (September). In fact two of Dexter’s titles came in back-to-back events. Dexter, who is a 2-handed lefty bowler, is 38 years old and has been an LIGBT member since 2010.

Obviously, Dexter is also the leading money earner through the Fall Swing. He has earned a total of $3,065 through the 12 events. The second highest earner is Jason Nicholas who has won $1,850. So far this year 12 bowlers have earned $1,000 or more and a total of 102 different bowlers have divided up more than $40,000 in prize money.

There were three bowlers that cashed in 5 events and they are Justin Cohen, Dave Soren, and Ed Eng. The highest cashing ratio, of members competing in at least 5 events, goes to Jason Nicholas who has cashed an amazing 80% of the time.

The LIGBT is well known for its challenging lane conditions. Out of the 1,823 members no one is averaging above 200! The highest average for the Fall Season goes to Tom Grunwald who is averaging just under 198 for 32 games. Second high average is owned by Dennis Freeman with a 196. Only 6 bowlers in the LIGBT are averaging above 190 for the Fall Season.

The LIGBT has scheduled a total of 14 events for its Winter/Spring Swing. There will be 10 regular tournaments featuring minimum top prizes of $1,000 & $500 and 4 major events with guaranteed top prizes of $3,000 & $1,500. While all of the majors will be held at AMF Babylon the regular events will be held throughout Nassau County.

The LIGBT is a member’s only organization that runs handicap singles events for amateur bowlers averaging 140 to 220. LIGBT hosts a website; www.ligbtour.com that provides details of the organization in addition to past event results. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, Knockout Ball Cleaner and CLS Custom Upholsterers.  

Wantagh, NY:  Steve Baum, an attorney from Commack, NY won his first LIGBT title at the Holiday Tournament at AMF Wantagh. Steve earned the $1,000 top prize with a 257 handicap game which was 30 pins more than second place finisher Dave Soren, Long Beach, NY who shot 227 and earned $500. Third place went to Pak Wong, New York, NY who took home $300 with a 205. All 3 shootout finalists were looking to win their first LIGBT title.

The final shootout was a tight match until the end. The lead changed 3 times in the 6^th-7^th-8^th frames but Steve took control with a triple in the final 3 frames. Dave Soren could have won his first title if he had doubled in the tenth but he left a 7-10 split to end his title bid.  

The AMF Wantagh Holiday Tournament drew a great crowd of 123 entries and paid out $3,980. Kegel’s “Abbey Road” pattern (40 feet) was used and scoring was on the moderate side. The high handicap series of the day was shot by Dave Soren with an 802 in the 3pm squad. The cut scores for each squad were 699 series at 1pm and a 704 series at 3pm. 

LIGBT’s next tournament is our 2nd annual New Year’s Day Marathon at AMF Babylon starting at 1pm. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500 and 1 in 5 will cash for a minimum of $80.  For complete results of the AMF Wantagh tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, Knockout Ball Cleaner and CLS Custom Upholsterers. 

East Islip, NY:  Dexter Sapp, Valley Stream, NY shot a 247 handicap game in the final shootout at East Islip Lanes to win the $1,000 top prize at LIGBT’s latest event. This was Dexter’s second LIGBT title at East Islip Lanes and his fourth overall since joining the club. Kyle Lathan, Bronx, NY finished second, and earned $500 with a 233 handicap game.

Dexter, who is a 2-handed lefty bowler, took advantage of the playable lane conditions to bowl well. In the final shootout Dexter started the match with 6 out of 7 strikes but was still trailing third place finisher Ed Hawkins, Bayshore, NY by 2 pins in the 9^th frame. But Ed opened in 3 out of his last 4 frames to finish 3^rd with a 222 earning him $250. Kyle kept the pressure on Dexter late in the match but when Dexter converted the 3-6-7 split in the 9^th frame he secured the victory. Steve Siegel, W. Hempstead, NY rounded out the top 4 with a 202 worth $125.

The East Islip tournament drew a small crowd of 58 entries and paid out $2,375. Kegel’s “Broadway” pattern (37 feet) was used and scoring was on the high side. The high handicap series of the day was shot by Steve Siegel with an 812 in the 3pm squad. The cut scores for each squad were unusually high as it took a 756 series at 1pm and a 737 series at 3pm to advance. 

LIGBT’s next tournament is our 6^th annual Holiday Tournament at AMF Wantagh (squad times 1pm & 3pm) Sunday, December 15^th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500. All bowlers will receive a gift package with their first entry plus food will be served to show our appreciation to our members. For complete results of the East Islip tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, Knockout Ball Cleaner and CLS Custom Upholsterers. 

East Meadow, NY:  Scott Kampf, a 15-year old high school student from Levittown, won his second LIGBT title at AMF East Meadow. For Scott to win the $1,200 top prize he had to defeat his father Jack in the final shootout. Both Kampf’s bowled great with the son defeating his dad 269-248 in a well bowled match.

The final shootout involved 5 bowlers who advanced to the last match through 2 rounds of finals. Both Scott and Jack were spotting the other 3 shootout participants handicap so it was important they both got off to a good start. After 6 frames both Kampf’s had struck in every frame but one. The only other finalist staying close was Ed Eng, Flushing, NY. Ed would finish third, worth $300 with a 236. The other two shootout finalists, Paulo Martins, New York City (191), and Mack Oakman Jr., Wheatly Heights, NY (178) never got momentum and finished fourth and fifth respectively earning $250 and $200.

The AMF East Meadow tournament drew a nice Thanksgiving Sunday crowd of 97 entries and paid out $3,350. Kegel’s “Winding Road” pattern (39 feet) was used and scoring was on the moderate to high side. The high series of the day was shot by our champion Scott with 770 in the 2pm squad. The other two squad leaders were Ken Simpson, Shirley, NY with a 758 at noon and Jack Kampf with a 763 at 4pm.  

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad handicap event at East Islip Lanes (squad times 1pm & 3pm) Sunday, December 8^th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for a minimum of $60. Reduced entry fees will be featured at East Islip; $60-1^st entry and $40-2^nd entry. For complete results of the AMF East Meadow tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, Knockout Ball Cleaner and CLS Custom Upholsterers. 

South Levittown, NY:  Ed Passaro, a 71 year old right-hander from Hicksville, NY, earned the $1,000 top prize and his first LIGBT trophy at LIGBT’s most recent tournament at South Levittown Lanes. Ed shot a 264 handicap game to defeat his nearest opponent, Jason Nicholas, Wantagh, NY by 39 pins. Ed had never made it past the second round of a final in f his previous LIGBT events.

Ed competed against 4 other shootout finalists and took an early lead which he never gave up. In fact, with 3 strikes in a row in the middle of the game Ed secured his comfortable victory by the 8^th frame. Finishing second with a 225 was Jason Nicholas, Wantagh, NY who converted a 7 pin in the tenth frame to earn the $500 runner-up prize. Third went to Jae Yi, Flushing, NY, earning $250 with a 219. The last 2 spots in the shootout went to Daniel Gehrig, Baldwin, NY (208) and Howard Levine, Old Bethpage, NY (207) winning $225 and $200 respectively, 

The South Levittown tournament drew a great fall crowd of 92 entries and paid out $3,075. The PBA Chameleon pattern (39 feet) was used and scoring was moderate. Howard Levine led the first squad with a 764 series which was the high series of the day. The 3pm squad leader was Daniel Gehrig with a 764 series. The 1pm cut was 701 and the 3pm cut was 702.  

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 3-squad handicap event at AMF East Meadow (squad times noon-2pm-4pm) Sunday, December 1st. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for a minimum of $60. Reduced entry fees will be featured at AMF East Meadow; $60-1^st entry, $50-2^nd entry, $40-3^rd entry. For complete results of the South Levittown tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, and CLS Custom Upholsterers. 

Babylon, NY:  Cary Fishman, a 64 year old cab owner from New York City, won his third LIGBT title in a clutch performance. Going into the final frame Cary trailed second place finisher Courtney Harris, also from New York City, by 13 pins. When Courtney left a split in the tenth, which he failed to convert, Cary threw 2 perfect strikes to win the title. Final score was 221-216.

The final shootout involved four great bowlers. In addition to Cary, who earned $1,000 and Courtney, who earned $500 the other two finalists were third place finisher James Lathen Sr., a 78 years young right-hander making his first shootout appearance, and Gary Paulsen, Massapequa, NY, who works in real estate and was also looking for his first title. James finished third with a 194 worth $250 and Gary finished fourth with a 188 worth $200.

The AMF Babylon tournament drew a good fall crowd of 82 bowlers and paid out $3,070 plus another $410 in bonus bracket action. Kegel’s “Turnpike” pattern was used and scoring was moderate all day. Courtney Harris led the first squad with a 759 series and Matthew Paone, Mastic Beach, NY lead the 3pm squad with a wonderful 798. The 1pm cut was 677 and the 3pm cut was 685.  

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad handicap special event at South Levittown Lanes (squad 1pm & 3pm) Sunday, November 24th. The lowest entry fees of the year will be featured as the first entry is only $60 and re-entries only $40. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for at least $60. For complete results of the AMF Babylon tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, and CLS Custom Upholsterers. 

Plainview, NY:  Dennis Freeman, a 34 year old right-handed bowler from Glendale, NY, earned the $1,000 top prize and his first LIGBT trophy at LIGBT’s most recent tournament at AMF Plainview. Dennis shot a 254 handicap game using a 13 pound ball to defeat 4 other opponents in the one game final shootout. Dennis’ previous best LIGBT performance was a second place finish at AMF Syosset.

The final shootout was extremely close the entire match but when Dennis threw 4 perfect strikes in the 9^th and 10^th frames he secured his first LIGBT victory. Finishing second was Ron Moskow, Huntington, NY who earned $500 with a 229. Third place went to 15 year old Scott Kampf, Levittown, NY who earned $250 with a 226. Rounding out the top 5 were Daniel Goldberg, Douglaston, NY taking home $225 with a 218 and Andrew Mienkiewicz, Plainview, NY who shot a 206 worth $200.

The AMF Plainview tournament drew a good fall crowd of 77 bowlers and paid out $4,635. WTBA’s “Beijing” pattern was used and scoring was moderate all day. Daniel Goldberg led the first squad with a 772 series which was high series of the day. The 3pm squad leader was Andrew Meyerson with a 728 series. The 1pm cut was 699 and the 3pm cut was 696.  

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad handicap event at AMF Babylon (squad times 1pm & 3pm) Sunday, November 17th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500. One in 6 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for at least $70. All entrants will receive a $5 bracket with their entry fee. For complete results of the AMF Plainview tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, and CLS Custom Upholsterers. 

Wantagh, NY:  Dave Martorella, a 44 year old right hander from Meriden, CT, won his first LIGBT title at AMF Wantagh. Dave defeated 4 other shootout finalists to claim the $1,000 top prize and the LIGBT trophy. The final shootout was exciting as 3 out of the 5 bowlers had a shot at the title going into final frame.  

Dave’s road to victory began by being the squad leader with a 727 in the 3pm squad earning him 1 bye in the finals. Dave entered the finals in Round 2 and advanced to the final shootout with a 222 handicap game which was the cut score. In the final shootout Dave marked in 9 out of 10 frames and finished with a 233 handicap game (199 scratch) 2 pins higher than his nearest competitor.

Dave actually won the title sitting on the bench. Kyle Lathen, Bronx, NY failed to double in the final frame which gave Dave the victory. Eddie Eng, Flushing, NY finished second with a 231, only 2 pins behind the winner, earning $500. Kyle, who finished in third place, won $250 with a 217 while Fred Wande, Bronx, NY earned $225 with a 214 finishing fourth. Rounding out the top 5 was So Young Chin, Whitestone, NY who earned $200 with a 177.

The AMF Wantagh tournament drew a good fall crowd of 77 bowlers. Kegel’s “Highway to Hell” pattern was used and the scoring was low all day. Eddie Eng led the first squad with a 738 series which was the high series of the day. The 1pm cut was 691 and the 3pm cut was 672.  

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad regular event at AMF Plainview (squad times of 1pm & 3pm) Sunday, November 10th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500. One in 5 each squad advances to the finals and will cash for at least $70. For complete results of the AMF Wantagh tournament please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Brunswick, Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Farmingdale Wellness Centers, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.