Tom Ryan Powers Through to Secure “Pour Donny”
MBA CHAPTER - STATEN ISLAND
Pins be flyin
Another February and members gathered on the lanes to remember Theodore Donald Kerbatsos in loving memory through his favorite pastime - bowling.
The day started off with a wild reveal, as Keri Sheheen, who has been on fire this season, pulled out her bowling ball only to find a major crack down the middle. Rumors spread wildly that it was the work of her husband, Carl Gallagher, after this year’s Caucasian Open drama where Sheheen was forced to choose between him and Kevin Rogers. When Gallagher was scooped up by another team and Sheheen led her team to victory, it seemed all was forgiven but the cracked bowling ball begs to differ - might there be unfinished business?
Suspicious, no?
But there was no time to figure it out now, with three games for the final regular season to complete - the event kicked off (under Knock Em Back Masters league artwork….again). Members were desperate to throw their best games of the season and secure a spot in March’s playoff bracket. Paul Drozek came out strong, throwing a 192 in his first game. But with Tom Ryan (177) and Andrew Romanello (166) hot on his heels, he’d have to showcase stamina in the games ahead.
Kelley Pacifico, season rookie, secured a big cheer in game one by joining the Turkey Club. “I almost didn’t come back after the first event, if I’m being honest…but I knew, I just knew I needed to get this pin.” And get pins she did. Pins we’re flying at the event, more ending up in the gutter than any other MBA event, keeping Rab’s staff busy as they jogged up the lanes repeatedly to move the obstacles for the more serious competitors through the tournament.
A happy (repeat) event attendee
But three games is a long day, and ultimately most players tired out despite their best attempts to stay in the game. Leigh Fran tried greasing fingers using fresh french fries in hopes of achieving a smoother release on her throws. Joe Piergivanni tried the more conventional “greasing palms” by bribing league officials to fudge the books (who swear they did not accept and he earned that 130 in game three all on his own).
In the end, Tom Ryan defied the odds, gaining steam as the day went on, following his 177 in game one with a 190 in game two and a season high score scratch (league wide) of 209 in game three, securing the victory with a 192 average.
Tom Ryan, and Paul Drozek, #fitcheck
Other notables for the event included:
A three way tie for most gutters for this event but, ultimately, the hardware went to Vincent Fabiani with the least amount of strikes. While Fabiani snuck out before being awarded, League Officials have kept it safe to deliver at the final event of the season.
Checking in on Keri Sheheen, she ended the day with a strong 151 average. Would she have performed better with her own equipment? Perhaps but the average still launched her into the top 8 on the league leaderboard and she takes 4th seed to compete in the Roy L Munson Chapter Championship.
Dan Fran #cupcheck