Greater Schuylkill USBC

The 19th Annual GSUSBC Open Championships

Get ready to lace up your bowling shoes and aim for that perfect strike because the 19th Annual Open Championships are coming to Greater Schuylkill from March 22nd to March 24th, 2024! Hosted by the Greater Schuylkill USBC, this tournament promises three days of exciting competition and camaraderie for bowlers of all skill levels.

Event Details:

When: March 22nd—March 24th, 2024
Where: Strike Zone Alleys, Pottsville, PA
Events: Singles, Doubles, Team
Entry Fee: $20 per event
Divisions: Scratch & Handicap
Prize Fund: $2,100 added
Sidepots: Brackets, High Game Pot, Eliminator
Raffles: 50/50, Lucky Strike, Ball Raffle
Eligibility: Not a member of the Greater Schuylkill USBC? Any sanctioned bowler is eligible to compete.
Registration: Entry forms can be turned in at Strike Zone Alleys, or bowlers can register online at: https://forms.gle/7JWLkdFkDyNf3S2W7

What to Expect: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Open Championship offers a fun and competitive environment for bowlers of all backgrounds. With singles, doubles, and team events, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with both scratch and handicap divisions, bowlers can compete on a level playing field.

Added Excitement: To add to the thrill of the competition, the tournament features sidepots such as brackets, high game pot, and eliminator, giving bowlers additional chances to win big. And don’t miss out on the raffles, including the 50/50, Lucky Strike, and Ball Raffle, where luck could be on your side!

How to Participate: To join in on the action, simply sign up for the events you wish to compete in and pay the entry fee at the event. Even if you’re not a member of the Greater Schuylkill USBC, as long as you’re a sanctioned bowler, you’re eligible to compete. Be sure to check the rules for complete eligibility details.

A Tradition of Excellence: Now in its 19th year, the Open Championship has become a staple in the Greater Schuylkill bowling community. Each year, bowlers from inside and outside of Schuylkill county come together to showcase their skills, forge new friendships, and create lasting memories.

Don’t Miss Out: Mark your calendars for March 22nd to March 24th, 2024, and be a part of this exciting bowling extravaganza. Whether you’re aiming for the top prize or simply looking to have a great time, the 19th Annual Open Championship is an event you won’t want to miss!

Announcing: 3rd Annual Gus Jacob Memorial Youth Tournament

2024 GSUSBC Strike Zone Alleys House Championship Results

Congratulation to our 2024 Strike Zone Alleys House Champion TJ Trout. TJ (Men’s Division Champion) defeated Samantha Lehman (Women’s Division Champion), Shawn Blankenhorn (Handicap Division Champion), and Rob Jennings (Senior Division Champion) in a one game final match.

The final match can be seen here: https://fb.watch/qjpbetYCUf/

Men’s Division:

In the stepladder finals, Jacob Gilbert had a strong performance, consistently scoring well against his opponents. He started by defeating Josh Samuelson with a score of 244 to 225. Gilbert continued his winning streak by defeating Martinho Galante with a score of 223 to 147. In the next match, Gilbert faced Paul Iommi and secured another victory with a score of 216 to 185. However, Gilbert’s streak was broken when he faced TJ Trout, who won the final match with a score of 246 to 204, ending Gilbert’s impressive run in the stepladder finals.

Women’s Division:

In the stepladder finals, Alexandra Larish, the top seed and leader in qualifying, faced strong competition. Wendy Cunningham started with wins against Erin Newton (191-185) and Brianne Galante (188-151). However, Samantha Lehman proved to be the dominant player, defeating Cunningham 225-150. Lehman continued her impressive performance by defeating Alexandra Larish 221-201, ultimately winning the stepladder finals.

Senior Division:

In the stepladder finals, Fran Doyle started strong by defeating Harry Brown Sr with a score of 226 to 208. However, Brian Buehl then took control, defeating Fran Doyle with a score of 247 to 181, and Daniel Fitzgerald with a score of 224 to 144.

In the final match, Rob Jennings, last year’s senior champion, faced Brian Buehl. It was a closely contested match, but Jennings managed to secure victory with a score of 201 to 200, becoming the champion of the stepladder finals.

Handicap Division:

In the stepladder finals for the Handicap division, Matthew Beam started strong by defeating Riley Moran with a score of 217 to 211. However, Ed Colna then took over, defeating Beam with a score of 242 to 223, and later securing a victory against Brody Kline with a score of 247 to 216.

In the final match, Shawn Blankenhorn faced Ed Colna. Despite Colna’s earlier wins, Blankenhorn emerged victorious with a score of 254 to 224, becoming the champion of the Handicap division.

Complete Qualifying & Stepladder Results:

3rd Annual Thanksgiving Eve Tournament

Congratulations to Kyle Weaver for winning Strike Zone Alleys 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Eve Tournament. Kyle Weaver and TJ Trout advanced over Alex Whitney and Kevin Killian in the Quarterfinals. Kyle then bested 2022 champion TJ Trout 210-195 in the Semi-Finals. Kyle then beat 2021 champion Steve Hagy in the final match to become the 2023 champion

Thanks to all 67 bowlers which made this event a success – and congratulations to all of the winners (below). Hope to see everyone back at next year’s event on November 27th, 2024.

1st: Kyle Weaver $500

2nd: Steve Hagy $300

3rd: TJ Trout $250

4th: Kevin Killian $200

5th: Alexander Whitney $150

6th: Mark Mull $105

7th: Keith Monderewicz & Ed Colna (Tie) $85

9th: Owen Houser $75

10th: Howie King $70

11th: Butch Boger $65

12th: Travis Daley $60

13th: Ryan Culbert $55

14th: Daniel Fitzgerald $50

6th Annual No Tap Doubles Results

Congratulations to this year’s Scratch Champions: Cameron Carl & David Stratchko (2721), as well as this year’s Handicap Champions: TJ Trout & Robert Jennings (2707). Participants bowled five games of No-Tap on the Elm Street oil pattern. The following bowlers had 300 games: TJ Trout (4), David Stratchko (3), Cameron Carl, Dan Fitzgerald, and James Larish Jr. Thank you to all 48 bowlers that competed in this year’s tournament.

1st Annual Joseph Gronski Memorial Tournament Results

Congratulations to all the incredible youth bowlers who participated in the 1st Annual Joseph Gronski Memorial Tournament! Your hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship shone brightly throughout the competition. Joseph’s legacy was honored beautifully through your passion and talent. Well done, everyone!

2023 GSUSBC Hall of Fame Induction

This year the Greater Schuylkill USBC inducted three new members into its Hall of Fame.

Keith Zimmerman
Our first new member Keith Zimmerman has been inducted for longevity in the association. Keith is currently 64 years old and lives in St Clair, PA. Most of you have met Keith in one (or many) of your leagues. Keith has been an association member for over 45 years, during which he participated in over 60 different leagues.
Keith has participated in the PA State Open Championship tournament for 25 years, as well as five years at the PA State Senior Championship.
Keith has come close to perfection with a 278 game, and is just one pin short of a 700 with a
699 series. His estimated lifetime average is 170, with his highest season average being 191 during the 2008-2009 season.
We thank Keith for his participation in bowling throughout the years and wish him good luck in
future seasons.

Sandra Fitzgerald
Our next new member, Sandra Fitzgerald, has been inducted for service to the association.
Sandra is currently 64 years old and lives in Schuylkill Haven, PA. Sandra, and her husband
Daniel (also a Hall of Fame Member), have 2 children, and 4 grandchildren.
Sandra comes from and contributed to a lineage of bowlers. Her parents and grandparents
bowled, as well as both daughters and eldest grandson.
Sandra was the youth director at Plaza Lanes. She has been with Strike Zone Alleys for the
past 40 years. She has over 40 years of experience as a youth league secretary.
Sandra coached the first all-girls team in the area that qualified for the youth state tournament.
Her youngest daughter Erika was a member of that team.
In addition to her service to the sport, Sandra also participated in many leagues and
tournaments. Sandra started junior bowling in her sixth grade year at Westwood Lanes in 1965.
As a youth bowler, her team competed nationally and finished in second place.
She has participated in the PA State Open Championship twice, the PA State Women’s
Championship ten times, the PA State Mixed Championship three years, and the USBC Open
Championship (Nationals) one time.
Sandra was a member of the PA State Women’s Association 600 Club.
Her highest league average was 168, during the 2008-2009 season.
We appreciate the many years of service and are delighted to have Sandra be a member of the
Greater Schuylkill USBC Hall of Fame.

Eric Hosler
Our final new member, Eric Hosler, has been inducted for his achievement in the Greater Schuylkill USBC. Eric is 42, and resides in Pine Grove, PA. He and his wife Justine have three children. Eric started bowling as a youth bowler at Plaza Lanes. He has been an association member for over 25 years, serving as an association director for five of those years.
He has participated in over twenty Great Schuylkill USBC tournaments, 15 Pennsylvania State
Open Championships, 1 PA State Mixed Championship, and 12 years at the USBC Open Championships.
Eric has participated in 81 leagues and bowled over 5800 games since the 2000-2001 season.
Eric’s estimated lifetime average is a 214 – with a high average of 229 in the Sportsman league during the 2011-2012 season.
Eric has more 700 series than can be counted, 11 300 games, and 3 800 series – with a high of
815 bowled on November 3rd, 2008. Eric averaged 229 in the Sportsman league during the 2011-2012 season.
We are pleased to have Eric included with the other great bowlers already inducted in the
Greater Schuylkill Hall of Fame.

2022-2023 GSUSBC League Bowler Appreciation Tournament

In the inaugural year of the tournament, held at Strike Zone Alleys, Devin McShaw showcased exceptional bowling prowess, securing victories over each opponent to advance through the stepladder finals. His journey began with a win over Kathy Mackelvey, with a score of 241-197. Kathy finished in 6th place and earned $100. McShaw then faced Adam Goodman in a closely contested match, prevailing with a score of 207-204. Adam finished in 5th place and won $200.

McShaw continued his impressive performance by defeating Kacy Moll 233-224, who finished 4th and won $300. In the following match, McShaw bested Kathy Tompkins 257-225, with Kathy finishing 3rd and earning $400.

However, McShaw’s winning streak was halted by Keith Monderewicz in a thrilling match, with Monderewicz emerging as the champion with a score of 247-241. McShaw finished in 2nd place and received $500, while Monderewicz claimed the top prize of $1000.

Congratulations to all the bowlers who participated in the inaugural League Bower Appreciation Tournament at Strike Zone Alleys! Your passion and skill made the event truly exciting and memorable. Special commendations to Devin McShaw, Kathy Mackelvey, Adam Goodman, Kacy Moll, Kathy Tompkins, and Keith Monderewicz for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship throughout the competition. Your dedication to the sport of bowling is truly commendable, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!

2nd Annual Baker Team Tournament Results

Congratulations to The Misfits (Keith Strouse, Wendy Cunningham, Mark Mull, Jeff Snyder, and Howard King) for winning the 2nd Annual Baker Team Tournament. The Misfits led qualifying, prevailed over Keystone IT #2 in the semifinals, and took home the title against Shirk’s Pro Shop in the finals.

A thank you to all fourth bowlers who competed. We hope to see all again next year!