Businessmen’s League finishes its 50th season

Staff report

BOARDMAN

On May 6, 1960, Ed Theis and the late Richard “Dick” Wilson opened the doors of Boardman Lanes as the Mahoning Valley’s first ultra-modern suburban pin palace.

During the summer of 1962, a group of Boardman merchants assembled and organized the Boardman Businessmen’s bowling league.

Initial sponsors were: American Legion Post 565, Boardman Lanes, Boardman Youth Baseball, Dom and Jerry’s Barber Shop, McDonald’s Michael’s Service, Neumann Dry Cleaners, Pleasant Grove Market, Sandberg Tailors, Smith-Cailor Insurance, Theis Brothers and Thompson Funeral Home.

Ed Theis captain the origimal Theis Brothers team, which included his brothers, Bill, Bob, Howard and Ron. Dick Wilson’s commitment to the fledgling league was sponsorship of the Boardman Lanes team.

In September 1963, Prout Boiler, Heating and Welding joined the league and chalked up 13 championships and seven runner-up finishes. Two of Prout’s charter members, Pete Chick Jr. and Bill DeCicco, still participate in the 12-team Tuesday evening league, which recently concluded its 50th season.

The Businessmen’s league continues to maintain a Theis-Wilson connection. Ed’s brother, Ron, has since joined the Prout team, which also includes his grandson Anthony Mastrangelo. Ron Chick, Mark Bleggi and longtime Greater Youngstown Bowling Association trustee Russ Turner are also members of the team. Dick’s son, Richie — the current Boardman Lanes co-proprietor, along with Ed’s son Rob — serves as the league’s president. Other league officers are vice-president Mark Beil and secretary-treasurer Norm Dibkey.

Despite the league’s half-century of history, it’s ironic that 2011-2012 champion Jack’s Auto Body is only in its inaugural season. At the recent year-end roll-offs, the rookie team comprised of Brian Arthur, Bob Cochran, Tim DiTosto, Tony Sciarra and Phil Trgovac out-rolled T.W. Pet Centers, 3333 to 3079, to claim the 50th league championship.

Jason Bird, Jason Cupan, Matt Dotson, Dick Evans Jr., Rich Evans and Rick Spokane composed the veteran T.W. Pet team, which previously included family patriarch, the late Dick Evans Sr. Jack’s Auto substitutes are Brandon Heard, Chuck Lines and Mark Trgovac.

Cochran paced Jack’s with a 684 series, which included a 246 game, while DiTosto and Phil Trgovac added 655 and 662 sets, respectively. Rich Evans’ 269-663 and Jason Bird’s 619 led T.W. Pet Centers.

Straub Insurance and defending champion Waste-Tech Ltd., were third and fourth, respectively. Waste-Tech’s Bill Artz won high average for a second consecutive season with a 217. Runner-up Jim Wellington edged out third-place Mike Dohar, 212.83 to 212.63.

A season ago, Artz’ 209 shaved runner-up Rich Evans’ 208.9.

The 2011-2012 season was highlighted by John Tarica’s 300, the 26th since the league’s founding.

Most improved bowler was shared by Bill Wittman (182 to 207) and Bird (171 to 196).

For only the ninth time in the Businessmen’s League history, the 7-10 split was converted, this time by Angelo Bianco.

Rick Spokane received the league’s 26th Pete Chick Sr. Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship and fellowship.