Age not a factor when it comes to pin enjoyment

Bob Lovell Jr. of Poland hit the e-waves recently to disseminate a little bowling background.

Sitting in front of his high-definition digital gizmo, the 50-year-old cranked up the keyboard and punched out a touching tale.

It’s entitled, “Bowling: The Game for Ages.”

Lovell wrote: “My family loves the game of bowling. My parents introduced me to the game when I had to throw the ball with two hands at Lincoln Lanes. My mother put my two brothers, my sister and me in our first junior league at McGuffey Lanes. We bowled with the likes of Joe Nuzzo and Danny Guerrieri and many others who are still good.

“My two brothers [Frank and Bill] bowl three-to-five days a week and hold averages in the 220s. I held a 216 last year but only have time to bowl one day a week. All of us are on Holiday Bowl’s wall for 300 games. My nephew [Bill Jr.] added his name this year.

“Bowling is truly the game for all ages. We lost our mother five years ago at the age of 62. Instead of sitting at home alone, my father decided to bowl again after a 30-year absence. Last year, he bowled in three leagues. This year, at age 72, he bowls in two leagues and practices one to two days a week. He is in the Wednesday 9-pin no-tap league in which he has two 300s and the Friday Seniors in which he holds a 188 average. He constantly reads bowling magazines and talks about improving.

“My brothers and I frequently go to watch. The range of ages is amazing. There is Lou Zuccaro (96), Rose Ridarsky (95), Gene Guarnieri (95) and Joe Canatelli (86) and all enjoy bowling. Then there are the well-known seniors who frequent Holiday if not for bowling, then just for coffee and conversation: Patsy Valentino, Joe Pollifrone, Nick Amendola, Mario Romito, Al Torres, Frank Mediate and Russ Anania.

“Russ has had a great year. At 78, he’s not slowing down. He purchased a red cherry Vibe bowling ball and it’s paid off. In Friday Seniors [Feb. 22], Russ shot a 300. The next day, in the Senior masters tournament (super senior division), he shot another 300. He also shot a 300 and a 299 this year at Boardman Lanes in the senior league there. Hats off to you, Russ Anania. Great job!

“As I said, bowling is a game not just withstanding time, but a game for people of all ages. At 50, I have something to look forward to. Look what Russ accomplished at 78, and the year is not over.”

By the way, Bob’s son, Chris, is near the end of his freshman year at Baldwin-Wallace after successful season as Poland High’s quarterback and point guard.

Dan Fishel’s 814 paced Hively’s Sportsman at Amron on St. Patrick’s Day. Fishel’s high game was 280.

In a four game series in Double “S” Construction Trio at Amron March 12, Fishel had 802 for three games and 1,016 for four.

Teri Haefke’s 249-279-278 — 806 led Wedgewood Ladies Trio on March 25 before she slipped to 177 — still finishing with the night’s four-game high of 983.

Also at Amron on March 11, Julie Tufaro’s 288-776 led Yurchyk & Davis Doubles.

Bell-Wick proprietor Francis Zitnik had 300-758 in Kelley-Robb Funeral Home Classic on March 20, while Paul Givens rolled 213-300-207 - 720 in Doughton Businessmen at Bell-Wick on March 12.

Vince Russo didn’t have the highest set in the Parker League on March 22, but he did have a perfect game to complement his 685.

DeCinda Taylor’s 290-759 was a highlight of Thursday Night Matchplay action at Amron on March 13.

Tim Graham’s 300 led off a 722 set in Tri-County Classic at Holiday on March 11, while Joe Zappia’s 299-715 paced Holiday’s Friday Seniors on March 7.

J.D. Bossone rolled 300 before slipping to 194, then 213 for 707 in Armando Saab Classic at West Side on March 17.

Eric Grischow’s 725 topped Boardman Juniors at Boardman Lanes on March 22.

XJohn Bassetti writes about bowling for The Vindicator. Write to him at bassetti@vindy.com.