Bowling for a good cause
Of course, bowlers never really need a reason or excuse to bowl in a tournament-especially a “no-tap.” We do it just for fun. But, sometimes there is an overwhelming reason to set time aside and participate. And the No-Tap Tournament that is being held at the Mt. Vernon Bowl on Sunday, January 30, has one of those reasons.
Last Thursday, Bo Umble dropped over at Manor Lanes to tell me about his nephew’s son, Paxton Seneri, and all the horrible medical treatments he has been through after becoming extremely ill just a few weeks ago. Paxton, who is only 2 1/2 years old, had preliminary tests that showed he had meningitis. However, after doing a MRI, doctors discovered on Sunday, December 12, that he actually had a cancerous tumor on his brain stem. And, also, he had fluid that was backing up into his brain.
Surgery was performed the next day on this tiny young man to remove the tumor. The procedure took over seven hours.
Paxton is now recovering in ICU, and he will be in the hospital receiving chemo treatment for the next six months.
The burden on the family of such a young fellow enduring something like this is undefinable. And the medical and daily expenses of such a situation are actually more than Paxton’s family can handle.
So, Bo and proprietor, Lenny Beveloque, have created a wonderful event that we can all enjoy, and at the same time help out Paxton’s family with their financial burden.
There will be 3 squads: 9am, 11am, and 1pm. The tournament will have men’s and women’s divisions, with the handicap being 50 percent of 200. Bo and Lenny are gathering prizes to be awarded to the winners.
The cost is $20, with $7 going to the house for the cost of bowling and the remaining $13 going to the Seneri family for Paxton.
It certainly doesn’t matter whether you are a good bowler or a bad one. Nor does it really matter whether you win a prize or not. What matters is that you will be there enjoying yourself, and Paxton will benefit from it.
Come and join in.
GREAT SCORES: Congratulations to four fellow who shot big last week: Danny Davis tossed three monster games in 288, 279 and 276 for a whopping series of 843 in the Trio at Manor Lanes last Monday. Shortly after, Richie Boyer crushed them for a spectacular 290. Both fellows earned nice USBC awards for the effort.
Then last Sunday, Joe Kern finally got over the hump after having so many close calls over the years, and shot his first 300 game. It was in the Sunday Mixed at Manor, and the feat has earned him a beautiful USBC 300 ring. Wear that ring in style, Joe.
And finally, a little bit of good and a little bit of bad for Joe Kostelnik, Jr. The good is that last Tuesday in the Bell league he rolled 300, 257 and 256 for a fabulous series of 813. Those were both first for him and an 800 and 300 are a bowler’s dream. But the little bit of bad is that the Bell league is not sanctioned by the USBC, so Joe will miss out on the two rings that he would get from that bowling organization.
It is my understanding that his fellow league members plan to buy him a ring to commemorate the event. That would be great. But even if that doesn’t happen, Joe, the feat was accomplished and your name is on the 300 board and the 800 board at Manor for everyone to see. And, we all know you did it. That is a moment that no one can ever take away from you. Great Bowling!
MEN’S CITY TOURNAMENT: It’s hot off the presses from Anna Gadd. The Brownsville USBC 5th Annual Men’s City Tournament is on its way. It is being held at Yough this year on Saturday, February 26th and Sunday, February 27. It is set up with Teams at 12 p.m. Doubles & Singles at 3 p.m. and Teams, Doubles & Singles at 6 p.m. on both days. Entry in each event is $20. And signup dates are from January 22 through February 20.
Your local bowling house should have the forms any day now. Be sure to enter.
BOWLING NEWS: Uniontown resident Gary George writes a weekly bowling column for the Herald-Standard. If you have any bowling news, contact George, a member of the Professional Bowlers Association since 1997, via email at probowler48@aol.com or fax at 724-438-7290. Information is welcome from all area bowling establishments.