Veteran firefighter Bob Napier is rolling in unchartered territory.
Not only is the second-year Albany USBC manager facing — and conquering — challenges with his new position, but he’s also dealing with a huge drop in his average because of a rotator cuff injury that required surgery.
“I’ve always carried an average between 210 and 220 my whole life from the early 1970s until the last two years,” said the 67-year-old Latham native and Shaker High School grad. “I averaged around 200 in high school, when I bowled on the same team with Kenny Hall, Andy Smith and Chris Fedden. To be honest, I always felt I could compete with anyone on a given day, and averaging below 200 for me is hard to accept.”
Napier, still a firefighter with the Verdoy Volunteer Fire Department, has been battling fires and saving lives for 33 years. He is currently the fire commissioner in his district and has been the chief for seven years. He was also an assistant chief for 14 years and the fire coordinator for the Town of Colonie’s 12 departments for four years.
Napier is currently averaging 183 and 185 in the Town ’N Country Senior League and the Bob Haith Memorial Senior League — well below his customary numbers.
“I’m very proud of the fact that I’ve been a 200-average bowler for my entire lifetime,’ he said. “When I got hurt, it’s been a tough time dealing with it.”
Napier owns nine perfect games, a high triple of 802 and a high average of 222. He’s always been extremely competitive — especially when he played catcher in baseball and softball.
“I played baseball at a pretty high level when I was just out of high school, and bowling was kind of put on the back burner for a while,” he noted.
Napier played on three national championship teams and six state championship modified softball teams for Morris Used Auto Parts and Viking Aluminum.
“I think playing baseball and softball gave me a good sense of sportsmanship,” Napier said. “I’ve always rooted for the other guy and not against them. I’ve always had that attitude, but I always played to win. I’m very competitive.
“In bowling, I’ve been the secretary for my leagues many times, and I’ve competed in many area centers. I bowled in the Bowlers Club Classic and All-Star leagues, the Latham Bowl All Stars and Classic League, and I participated in many tournaments at Towne Bowling Academy and Boulevard Bowl, as well as the old Tri-City Lanes and Redwood Lanes. I’ve hit them all.”
Napier’s shoulder injury has forced him to move right and attempt to roll the ball more down-and-in.
“I’ve always hooked the ball quite a bit, so trying to become a down-and-in bowler after 60 years of hooking the ball is hard to do,” he said. “Plus, I’ve lost all of my speed.”
Napier’s new challenge as Albany USBC manager keeps him busy, but he loves it.
“We’ve done a lot of work over the last two years,” he said. “We redid the entire filing system, which was a huge task. We’ve got 2,500 bowlers and 88 leagues in our three centers — Town ’N Country, Del Lanes and East Greenbush Lanes. We also have a new president and almost an entire new board of directors. Some of the things I’m most proud of is the fact that we gave out eight scholarships for junior bowlers at $1,000 apiece. We also raised $4,225 for our BVL tournament at KPA Latham.”
Napier said he has plans for an Albany USBC Masters tournament in April.
“It’s brand new, and it will only be for the Albany USBC bowlers who are certified with us,” Napier said. “We will have divisions for bowlers with averages over 200 and under 200. Next year, I’m hoping to have a Senior Masters and a Women’s Masters, as well.”
Napier said he’s faced several obstacles since he first took over his new role on Aug. 1, 2022.
“The toughest thing I found when I first took over was probably all the paperwork with taxes and regulations I knew nothing about,” he explained. “Also challenging was dealing with all the money and how it’s supposed to be distributed, as well as how to purchase and hand out all the awards. I would say they were my biggest hurdles, but things are going pretty well right now.”
Napier’s biggest goal now is to start working with other area bowling associations to make it easier for bowlers to compete in each association tournament.
STRIKES & SPARES
Congratulations to red-hot Savannah Swiatocha, who rolled her first perfect game at age 16 for the Scotia-Glenville team at Sportsman’s Bowl. Then, within just a few days at Perry Lanes in Johnstown, she recorded her highest career triple with games of 278 and 245, 254 for a 777 series. Swiatocha is an up-and-coming star who has won numerous awards the past season. She’s the daughter of Schenectady USBC board of directors and standout bowlers Matt and Kim Swiatocha.
Scotia native Eric Morrett, who runs the Capital District Challenge League Tuesday nights at Del Lanes, is having a memorable season. He recorded his first 800 triple in September — a whopping 852 — and last week received his USBC Silver Coaching certificate. Morrett has been a frequent substitute in the Sportsman’s Majors on Monday nights.
Bob Learn, “Mr. 300,” will be offering a special bowling lesson Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. at Uncle Sam Lanes. Learn, the former guest speaker at the Schenectady USBC Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet, is a USBC Hall of Famer with eight PBA national titles, 29 PBA regional titles. He is a Team USA Coach who is the 2023 USBC Men’s Coach of the Year and a two-time NAIA Men’s Coach of the Year. He’s 24th on the all-time PBA Money List and owns PBA TV records for 2, 3 and 4 games. The cost is $75. Call Del Picard (508-642-6130) to make a reservation or to receive more information.
The Capital District Youth Scholarship Tour Holiday Open is set for Dec. 27-28 at Towne Bowling Academy. There are two squads each day (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.).
Sportsman’s Bowl hosts the next Amateur League Bowlers Association of New York doubles tournament Jan. 7 at 9:30 a.m. Only bowlers with averages less than 215 are eligible. Entry fee is $l80 per team if received by Jan. 2 or $100 per team after that. Handicap is 100% of 215 with a maximum of 75 pins per game. Call Jim Burton (518-209-4748) for more information.
Boulevard Bowl is the host for the Benny’s Blind Bash on Jan. 20 (2:30 p.m.) and Jan. 21 (2 p.m.). Four-person teams will bowl three games with the curtains closed. Handicap is 90% of an 840 team average.
Towne Bowling Academy’s 14th annual Handicap Team Tournament continues with weekend squads after the holidays running through Feb. 3. Top prize is $4,000 guaranteed. There is also an optional singles event with a first place prize of $600. For more information, call 518-355-3939.
Un
Are you a bowling enthusiast? Do you want to improve your game? Bob Learn, a USBC Hall of Famer with eight PBA national titles, is offering a special bowling lesson on February 24th at Uncle Sam Lanes. Learn from the best and take your bowling skills to the next level. Call Del Picard at 508-642-6130 to make a reservation or to receive more information.
Are you a bowling enthusiast looking for some exciting tournaments to participate in? Look no further! Here are some upcoming tournaments that you won’t want to miss:
Uncle Sam Lanes Holiday Tournament
Uncle Sam Lanes is hosting a Holiday Tournament that will continue through Jan. 7. The format is three-person teams, with handicap set at 90% of 220. One in eight teams will cash, and the top prize is $1,200 guaranteed, based on 100 teams. Entry fee is $30 per bowler. To enter, stop by Uncle Sam Lanes, visit the Uncle Sam Christmas Tournament page on Facebook or send info to xmastrny@gmail.com.
Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center’s New Year’s Day Tournament
Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center is hosting a New Year’s Day Tournament with a guaranteed top prize of $2,000 and $1,000 for the runner-up. Entry fee is $125. There are plenty of brackets, side pots, a mini sweeper and 16-game optional doubles for extra chances to win money. Contact Doug Bohannon on Facebook or at the lanes for more information.
Town ’N Country’s Bakers Doubles Tournament
Town ’N Country’s Bakers Doubles Tournament begins Jan. 13 and runs every weekend through Feb. 4. Entry fee is $60 per team and handicap is 100% of 225. One in six teams will cash. Last year’s event had a total prize fund of $10,000 with $2,000 for first place.
Uncle Sam Lanes Bazar Auto Parts Super Bowl Baker Doubles
Uncle Sam Lanes will host the Bazar Auto Parts Super Bowl Baker Doubles on Feb. 11. Entry fee is $45 per team and the field will be limited to the first 52 paid entries. First place is $1,000. Contact Darrell Coonrad (518-817-3505) or Rob Daigneault (518-859-6726) for reservations.
MAJOR BOWLING
Looking for some major bowling action? Check out these impressive performances:
Jason Impellizzeri recorded a 290 game during an 806 triple, Liz Kuhlkin ripped a 287 and a 279 on the way to an 802 and Chip Tashjian fired a 266-767 to pace the Jamie Mazuryk Homes Team City League Monday night at Towne Bowling Academy.
Mike Bellinger produced a 267-760, B.J. Smith Jr. ripped a 258-719, Bill Heaphy tossed a 247-718 and Brian French drilled a 289-718 in the Sportsman’s Majors Monday night at Sportsman’s Bowl.
B.J. Smith Jr. found the line for a 265-912 four-game series, Jeff Williams pounded a 278-906 and Kyle Wilkins delivered a 256-901 in the Frank DePalma Boulevard Classic Tuesday night at Boulevard Bowl.
Tom Earl produced a 290-1,040 four-game series, Steve Wagoner recorded a 300 game en route to a 1,025, Cheyanne Zullo slammed a 278-1,020, Billy McGaffin tossed a perfect game en route to a 994, Matt Swiatocha rifled a 279-987 and Liz Kuhlkin rolled a 279-978 in the Towne Mixed Doubles Wednesday night at Towne Bowling Academy.
John Leone hammered a 278-772 to lead the Capital District All Star league by 53 pins Thursday night at Sportsman’s Bowl. Rounding out the leaders were Curt Benedetto Jr. (279-719), Earl Lawrence Jr. (247-711), Mike Guidarelli (248-710) and Pete Konrad (246-705).
JAMIE MAZURYK HOMES TEAM CITY LEAGUE
Check out the latest standings and match summaries from the Jamie Mazuryk Homes Team City League:
Standings
ABS 62-13, Broadway Lanes 51-24, Jamie Mazuryk Homes 50-25, Towne Bowling Academy 49-26, Kristel Mechanic 48-27, DeCrescente Distributing 47-28, Sindoni Sausage 45-30, J&F Lawncare 43-32, Revolutions Pro Shop 42-33, Falvey Real Estate 40-35, Rollarama 38-37, Blake 925 36-39, Medic Property 33-42, Mohawk Honda/Chevrolet 29-46, KKV Recovery 29-46, Boulevard Bowl 27-48, Solid Surface 24-51, Area 51-8 24-51, The Heritage Group 21-54, L-Scape Design 12-63.
Match summaries
Area 51-8 (1)
Chuck Schissler 243-225-186 — 654, Jenn Schissler 216-206-206 — 628, Chris Lee 235-177-247 — 659, Gabe Criscuolo 236-215-226 — 677. Totals: 930-823-865 — 2,618.
Solid Surface (4)
Cassius Boyd 239-226-201 — 666, Cheyanne Zullo 195-219-260 — 674, Lindsey McPhail 246-258-215 — 719, Marc Fowler 207-171-208 — 586. Totals: 887-874-884 — 2,645.
And that’s not all! There are plenty of other exciting tournaments and leagues happening in the bowling world. Don’t miss out on the action!
Check out the latest bowling scores from the Frank DePalma Boulevard Classic and the Sportsman’s Majors league!
FRANK DePALMA BOULEVARD CLASSIC
Standings
Boulevard Bowl 51-24, Masons Automotive 47-28, Kalpro 34-41, D.A. Parisi & Co. 33.5-41.5, Derenzo’s Tax Service 30-45, MBM Motorsports 29.5-45.5.
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Match summaries
Boulevard Bowl (1)
Scott Chastenay 219-257-191 — 667, Zach Strachan 259-176-192 — 627, Ryan Karabin 217-246-234 — 697, Anthony Paradiso 215-205-205 — 625. Totals: 910-884-822 — 2,616.
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Rollarama (2)
Dan Rotter 266-225-179 — 670, Jeremy Clute 246-206-186 — 638, Ron Paradiso 215-213-213 — 641, Ken LaBelle Jr. 166-244-257 — 667. Totals: 893-888-835 — 2,616.
Blake 925 (3)
Doug Provost 195-213-202 — 610, Scott Gregory 223-257-203 — 683, Steve Horwedel 225-269-219 — 713, John Askew 246-195-202 — 643. Totals: 889-934-826 — 2,649.
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KKV Recovery (0)
Vinny Struffolino 176-201-211 — 588, Nick DiCerbo 202-196-164 — 562, Kalynn Cal 196-235-207 — 638, Kara Struffolino 235-226-198 — 659. Totals: 809-858-780 — 2,447.
Medic Property (5)
Thomas Santerre 227-258-228 — 713, Andy Mysona 213-214-246 — 673, Chris Tinkle 246-201-208 — 655, Michael Eaton 224-188-237 — 649. Totals: 910-861-919 — 2,690.
SPORTSMAN’S MAJORS
Standings
Universal Auto Parts 49.5-10.5, Precision Floors 39-21, TSS Printing 37-23, Van Buren Enterprises 36-24, Muny Grille 35-25, JL Designs 35-25, M.L. Bellinger 31-29, Metroland Photo 30-30, Next Level Detailing 29-31, Ten Eyck Insurance 28-32, Bob’s Pro Shop 25-35, All in 1 Realty 21-39, Sportsman’s Bowl 20.5-39.5, IDID 4-56.
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Match summaries
Sportsman’s Bowl (0)
Tom Gorsin 191-216-195 — 602, Aiden Deitz 204-237-235 — 676, Tim Bush 247-223-205 — 675, Bill Carl 177-164-179 — 520. Totals: 819-840-814 — 2,473.
All in 1 Realty (4)
Kevin Palmer 202-222-248 — 672, Tammy Sader 279-239-191 — 709, Dean Halpin 239-222-238 — 699 John Leone 240-210-227 — 677. Totals: 960-893-904 — 2,757.
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Universal Auto Parts (4)
Andy Smith (absent) 200-200-200 — 600, Bill Heaphy III 246-247-225 — 718, Chris Fedden 184-216-195 — 595, Chris Smith 268-191-198 — 657. Totals: 898-854-818 — 2,570.
IDID (0)
Tony Fernandez 179-205-206 — 590, Joe Gordon 156-149-156 — 461, Jim Valentino 176-202-157 — 535, AJ Perone 265-208-215 — 686. Totals: 776-764-734 — 2,274.
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Precision Floors (3)
Mike Guidarelli 268-245-180 — 693, Cliff Ruth 183-217-258 — 658, Eric Morrett 256-172-278 — 706, Tom Siatkowski 228-226-254 — 708. Totals: 935-860-970 — 2,766.
Van Buren Enterprises (1)
Art Van Buren 267-145-213 — 625, Rich Manzer Jr. 237-178-193 — 608, Brian French 289-224-205 — 718, Austin Van Buren 201-267-235 — 703. Totals: 994-814-846 — 2,654.
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Muny Grille (1)
Sherm Bowman 191-279-224 — 694, Dave Bingham 192-197-202 — 591, Jay Diamond 193-207-232 — 632, Jamie Diamond 248-247-215 — 710. Totals: 824-930-873 — 2,627.
TSS Printing (3)
Nick Peckowitz 248-234-207 — 689, Corey Buckley 248-267-174 — 689, Tyler Mochrie 256-184-146 — 596, Mike Voss 196-268-243 — 707. Totals: 948-953-770 — 2,671.
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JL Designs (4)
Justin Lansing 258-222-217 — 697, Jeremy McGaffin 215-193-181 — 589, Anthony Clay 224-199-208 — 631, Billy McGaffin Jr. 247-216-244 — 707. Totals: 944-830-850 — 2,624.
Next Level Detailing (0)
Terry Ray 187-190-214 — 591, Patricia Kelly 223-184-173 — 580, Amanda Chrzanowski 245-213-225 — 683 J.P. Harrell 222-172-214 — 608. Totals: 877-759-826 — 2,462.
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M.L. Bellinger (2)
Mike Liberatore 184-168-148 — 500, Mike Bellinger 244-249-267 — 760, Kristine Gravell 168-219-213 — 600, Zach Gravell Sr. 246-176-246 — 668. Totals: 842-812-874 — 2,525.
Ten Eyck Insurance (2)
Mike Isabella Jr. 216-176-194 — 586, Joe D’Aurizio Jr. 222-206-201 — 629, Jodi Musto 181-235-227 — 643, Joe D’Aurizio Sr. 191-289-204 — 684. Totals: 810-990-826 — 2,542.
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Metroland Photo (4)
Lee Quivey 205-238-226 — 669, Steve Renzi 192-220-244 — 656, Mike Gallitelli 178-194-189 — 561, B.J. Smith Jr. 258-256-205 — 719. Totals: 833-908-864 — 2,605.
Bob’s Pro Shop (0)
Joe Paone 181-246-214 — 643, Earl Lawrence Jr. 235-202-192 — 629, Bob Tedesco Jr. 212-173-168 — 553, Mike Smith 149-218-196 — 563. Totals: 777-841-770 — 2,388.
Exciting Night of Bowling Action!
Mike Scaccia and his team put on an impressive performance, scoring a total of 2,562 points. But Masons Automotive wasn’t far behind, with a total of 2,593 points. The competition was fierce, and the scores were close!
But that’s not all! The Towne Mixed Doubles also had an intense night of bowling. Team Earl scored an impressive 1,967 points, while JLD came out on top with 2,011 points. The energy in the bowling alley was electric!
And let’s not forget the Capital District All Star League. The competition was tough, but the teams gave it their all. It was a night of high scores and intense rivalries!
It’s clear that the bowling community is thriving, and the competition is as fierce as ever. We can’t wait to see what the next round of games will bring!
Standings
ABS 196.5-123.5, JLD 186.5-133.5, Team Earl 185-135, Next Level Detailing 183-137, Revolutions Pro Shop 182-138, Syron’s Market 181.5-138.5, My Three Sons 181-139, Rogers Motorsports 168.5-151.5, A Plus Heating No. 1 168-152, 54 M Racing 165.5-154.5, Sindoni Sausage 165-155, Towne Bowling Academy 156.5-163.5, Unbreakable Nutrition 153-167, Sportsman’s Bowl 148-172, TSS Printing 146.5-163.5, TJ Bell Environmental 145.5-174.5, Main Street Café 145.5-174.5, Battenkill Motor 140.5179.5, Never Enough Performance 140-180, A Plus Heating No. 2 62-258.
Match Summaries
Sportsman’s Bowl (10)
Erika Poje 214-151-196-202 — 763, Dan Knutti 229-187-257-163 — 836. Totals: 482-377-492-404 — 1,755.
TSS Printing (10)
Jackie Malone 192-199-222-184 — 797, Paul Dumas 225-225-233-186 — 869. Totals: 445-452-483-398 — 1,778.
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Battenkill Motor (4)
Laura Rotter 194-181-191-192 — 758, Dan Rotter 231-169-223-179 — 802. Totals: 463-388-452-409 — 1,712.
Main Street Café (16)
Ursula Pasquerella 195-236-205-194 — 830, Joe Venduro 202-258-202-245 — 907. Totals: 452-549-462-494 — 1,957.
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Never Enough Performance (17)
Kate Clark 203-222-238-204 — 867, Dave McLear 247-255-214-248 — 964. Totals: 483-510-485-485 — 1,963.
A Plus Heating No. 2 (3)
Michelle Largeteau 134-130-147-123 — 534, Tony Pasquerella 246-160-161-181 — 748. Totals: 495-405-423-419 — 1,742.
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ABS (15)
Natasha Fazzone 247-237-248-217 — 949, Matt Fazzone 215-269-255-194 — 933. Totals: 472-516-513-421 — 1,922.
Revolutions Pro Shop (5)
Lindsey McPhail 205-203-223-235 — 866, Don Herrington 215-236-199-197 — 847. Totals: 437-456-439-449 — 1,781.
———
Team Earl (8)
Renee Earl 198-181-214-174 — 767, Tom Earl 290-258-249-247 — 1,044. Totals: 527-478-502-460 — 1,967.
JLD (12)
Amber Brophy 246-213-195-247 — 901, Billy McGaffin Jr. 215-300-270-209 — 994. Totals: 490-452-494-485 — 2,011.
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My Three Sons (7.5)
Patricia Kelly 236-217-218-237 — 908, Scott Rogers 229-249-237-253 — 968. Totals: 487-488-477-512 — 1,964.
Next Level Detailing (12.5)
Kim Swiatocha 208-279-226-237 — 950, Matt Swiatocha 235-279-247-226 — 987. Totals: 462-577-492-482 — 2,013.
———
A Plus Heating No. 1 (3)
Victoria Shufelt 209-206-194-215 — 824, Zack Porter 203-274-214-226 — 917. Totals: 432-500-428-461 — 1,821.
Syron’s Market (17)
Amanda Chrzanowski 213-227-236-228 — 904, John Askew 299-214-236-235 — 984. Totals: 530-459-490-481 — 1,960.
———
Sindoni Sausage (6)
Liz Kuhlkin 279-203-268-228 — 978, Joe VanDerLinden 192-246-186-225 — 849. Totals: 482-460-465-464 — 1,871.
Rogers Motorsports (14)
Kelly Chrzanowski 229-224-211-215 — 879, Tom Rogers 236-181-227-236 — 880. Totals: 506-446-479-492 — 1,923.
———
54 M Racing (16)
Cheyanne Zullo 223-278-264-255 — 1,020, Jeff Kallner 228-243-269-237 — 977. Totals: 478-548-560-519 — 2,105.
Unbreakable Nutrition (4)
Niki Battistoni 258-246-259-212 — 975, Peter Battistoni 237-189-257-208 — 891. Totals: 520-460-541-445 — 1,966.
———
T.J. Bell Environmental (3)
Catie Bell 188-192-200-194 — 774, Mike Kamm 217-206-212-279 — 914. Totals: 453-446-460-521 — 1,880.
Towne Bowling Academy (17)
Marissa Martinek 215-222-211-237 — 885, Steve Wagoner 300-278-224-223 — 1,025. Totals: 550-535-470-495 — 2,050.
Capital District All Star League Standings
(Wins-Losses-Points)
Check out the latest match summaries from the bowling alley!
Team Bassotti vs. DePalma’s Custom Apparel
Team Bassotti (19)
Mike Guidarelli 215-247-248 — 710, Chris Nachtrieb 192-215-167 — 574, John Leone 247-247-278 — 772. Totals: 654-709-693 — 2,056.
DePalma’s Custom Apparel (5)
Gabe Criscuolo 253-213-216 — 682, Absentee 190-190-190 — 570, Earl Lawrence Jr. 227-237-247 — 711. Totals: 670-640-653 — 1,963.
R&M Homes vs. Great Flats Brewing
R&M Homes (3)
Mike Smith 188-227-213 — 628, Vacant 200-200-200 — 600, Kim Swiatocha 222-205-160 — 587. Totals: 610-632-573 — 1,815.
Great Flats Brewing (21)
Bill Carl 189-223-189 — 601, Bill Rucinski Sr. 203-247-234 — 684, Pete Konrad 246-238-221 — 705. Totals: 638-708-644 — 1,990.
Sacandaga Service Station vs. Deitz Inc.
Sacandaga Service Station (12)
Kevin Benedetto 258-209-201 — 668, Scott Stoliker 203-193-210 — 606, Curt Benedetto Jr. 236-279-204 — 719. Totals: 697-681-615 — 1,993.
Deitz Inc. (12)
Tim Bush 227-224-247 — 698, Connor Stoliker 214-152-174 — 540, Aiden Deitz 257-202-212 — 671. Totals: 698-578-633 — 1,909.
NexGen Golf vs. Sportsman’s Bowl
NexGen Golf (10)
Curt Bendetto Sr. 207-214-183 — 604, Marissa Martinek 221-203-199 — 623, Kalynn Carl 215-223-194 — 632. Totals: 643-649-576 — 1,859.
Sportsman’s Bowl (14)
Jodi Musto 224-179-214 — 617, Andrew Reinitz 164-194-210 — 568, Christian Chiarito 236-226-235 — 697. Totals: 624-599-659 — 1,882.
Lean Machine Vending vs. Precision Floors
Lean Machine Vending (6)
Chad Christenson 171-179-219 — 569, Ursula Pasquerella 233-135-198 — 566, Joe Daurizio 279-187-191 — 657. Totals: 683-501-608 — 1,792.
Precision Floors (18)
Bill Dunn 214-221-175 — 610, Terry Ray 246-179-236 — 661, Tom Siatkowski 191-217-232 — 640. Totals: 651-617-643 — 1,911.
Disagree It’s unfortunate that Napier is dealing with a rotator cuff injury, but with the right treatment and rehabilitation, he can definitely make a strong recovery. Wishing him a speedy return to the game!
Disagree – He should consider seeking a second opinion to explore all possible treatment options.
Agree – Wishing Napier a successful rehabilitation journey and a speedy return to the game! #ComebackStrong