JOHN BASSETTI | Bowling YSU club expands its horizons

Airships and sonet rings.
Such far-flung plans and promises for the Mahoning Valley in recent decades never got off the ground.
But the latest wild idea may fly, and for reasons other than economic or political.
Just ask Lauren Bachinger, a well-grounded Youngstown State University student whose pro-Youngstown push is for a stronger bowling club -- at Youngstown State University.
"We hope that by developing a collegiate team, not only will we be able to further enhance local programs for our junior and high school members, but it may encourage them to stay in the Mahoning Valley, as opposed to attending college out of town to participate in a bowling program elsewhere."
Bachinger, the club team's president, became involved in the movement after attending, then returning from the University of Cincinnati.
The team is governed by the club sports program at YSU and registered with College Bowling USA. As a member of the American Heartland Conference, YSU hopes to participate in the Brunswick Coca-Cola Classic in January.
Rookie year
In its first year in 2003-2004, the YSU club team qualified to compete in the sectionals. This year, again, YSU will have two teams and hopes to compete in 12 tournaments.
Since funding is limited, Bachinger is soliciting donations for the bowling team.
The entry fee for tournaments ranges between $200-$300. Lodging averages $70 a night and, at most tournaments, the team reserves five rooms for two nights. Renting two travel vans costs approximately $300. Combined, Bachinger estimates that a per-tournament expense to be $1,200, not including gas and food.
The club team has already raised enough money for new uniforms and sanction and certification fees.
Jack Rigney, director of club sports, said that funding for the team through the school depends on the success of formal requests.
"It's a club sport like any student organization which has the ability to put a proposal before student government to request funding," Rigney said. "There is no line-item allocated for clubs sports."
Teaches responsibility
The ice hockey club, for example, has a member fee to defray the cost of ice rink rental, but it also submits a request for funding to student government.
"As a recognized student organization, they can put together a proposal. For the most part, students take the responsibility."
As in the bowling team's case, student responsibility is part of the educational process.
"For the students involved," Rigney said, "it develops leadership abilities and teamwork by reaching objectives."
Bob Bachinger is head coach, Su Bachinger is assistant coach and Joe Nuzzo is advisor. Team members are: Dave Ellis, club vice-president; B.J. Karnofel, treasurer; Chris Bletso, secretary; Brock Perfilio, Matt Mikula, Bill Theis, Jeff Perrine, Adam Stall, Richard Gierlach, Nick Gabrick, Brett Brunkenhoefer, Eddie Morales, Mike Copploe, Joe Ray, Bill Ballack, Dana Bachinger and Jewel McGowan.
Checks may be made payable to YSU Bowling Club and mailed to: YSU, One University Plaza, Youngstown 44555-0001; Attn.: Jack Rigney, Club Sports.
For more information, call (330) 792-5177.
Local
From A-Plus secretary Chuck Welch, something to note: The PBA will be at Freeway Lanes in Wickliffe, Nov. 10-14 for the Uniroyal Tire Classic. The finals will be on ESPN on Sunday. The PBA will be conducting a Pro-Am at three Freeway Centers, including Freeway Lanes of Warren on Parkman Road on Nov. 13.
For more, contact Freeway-Warren or visit the PBA.com. Some pros scheduled to be in Warren are Walter Ray Williams Jr., Robert Smith, Jason Couch and Steve Jaros.
Donna Hess' 704 paced Hivelys Sassy Classy Ladies at Amron on Sept. 28 and P.J. Katsaras had 290 to lead Wedgewood Juniors/Majors on Oct. 2.
Jan Dunn's third-game 173 negated her chances for a 172 triplicate in Ron Haus Mix Matchers at Amron on Oct. 1.
Back in the Holiday Ladies League after few years' hiatus from bowling, Sarah Torres rolled a 267 game.
bassetti@vindy.com