By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com | silive.com
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After falling short in the tournament’s first 11 years, Jeff Scire captured his second Staten Island United States Bowling Congress Masters event in three years Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes.
The 50-year-old, Woodrow resident beat Tom Wilkinson, 160-157, in the title game of the 15th annual event to take home the top prize of $1,100 as well as bragging rights.
“I wanted to win this more than anything,” said Scire. “Winning this tournament is a major accomplishment. It’s a tough pattern with a tough field a bowlers. It’s a mental tough and draining tournament. I’m happy I was able to make the strikes and spares when I needed to. Spares are key and I’m happy I was able to execute when I needed to. I’m really proud of how I bowled.”
Scire said the event is the toughest of all the Island events because of the tough lane conditions.
“It’s not something that we bowl on every day,” he said. “This was also the toughest pattern I’ve ever bowled on. You have to go out there and make good shots and make your spares. These patterns really make you appreciate the pros who bowl on this all the time and how great those pros are.”
Scire, the sixth seed after qualifying with five-game series of 1,001, showcased his prowess throughout the competition. He needed to knock over at least seven pins after sparing a 7-count in the 10th frame of the title game. Scire struck for the win.
In the finals round, keglers competed in a single-game, double-elimination bracket.
“We witnessed an incredible display of skill and determination on the lanes,” said Jim Episcopia, Staten Island USBC President and Tournament Director. “Jeff’s triumphant journey to claim his second Masters title exemplifies his passion and competitive spirit. Congratulations to Jeff and all the participants for making this tournament a true celebration of the sport we all cherish.”
Although the finale went down to the wire, Scire said his toughest match was against Justin Arenas, a 14-year-old phenom in round two of the finals.
“He was making good shots and making his spares and I was struggling the first nine frames,” he said. “He had me the entire game and forced me to throw a double. He put a lot of pressure on me. I think he’s going to be a great competitor and I look forward to seeing him in more tournaments.”
NOTES: For the third consecutive year, Tim McAuliffe Jr. earned himself the $200 first-squad leader bonus … The event was contested on the 2023 USBC Masters lane pattern … All Staten Island USBC Association tournament champions will be honored at the Championship Awards & Hall-of-Fame Dinner Dance to be held May 24, 2024 at LiGreci’s Staaten … The previous champs of the tourney are Frank Wilkinson (2009); Jeff Kubasak (2010); Lou Gaudio, Jr. (2011); Tim McAuliffe, Jr. (2012 & 2013); Sean McAuliffe (2014); Michael Endress, Jr. (2015); Anthony Terzakos (2016); Gary Ricci, Jr. (2017); Kevin Rourke (2018); Anthony Everts (2019); Jeff Sciré (2020); Jeffrey Martin (2021); Robert Butler, Jr. (2022).
Standings going into the finals
1 Tom Wilkinson 1,080
2 Anthony Arias 1,039
3 Tim McAuliffe, Jr. 1,028
4 Sean McAuliffe 1,005
5 Robert Butler, Jr. 908 – 2022 Champion automatically seeded
6 Jeff Scire 1,001
7 Justin Arenas 938
8 Michael Ellis 934
Final Results
Champion Jeff Scire $1,100
2 Tom Wilkinson $560
3 Robert Butler, Jr $280
4 Justin Arenas $201 – Converted to Scholarship Money
5 Tim McAuliffe, Jr. $160
6 Sean McAuliffe $160
7 Anthony Arias $150
8 Michael Ellis $150
Summary of Finals
Round 1
Tom Wilkinson def. Michael Ellis 167 to 162
Robert Butler, Jr. def. Sean McAuliffe 167 to 152
Justin Arenas def. Anthony Arias 222 to 167
Jeff Scire def. Tim McAuliffe, Jr. 208 to 203
Round 2
Robert Butler, Jr. def. Tom Wilkinson 203 to 174
Jeff Scire def. Justin Arenas 176 to 148
Sean McAuliffe def. Michael Ellis 255 to 146
Tim McAuliffe, Jr. def. Anthony Arias 207 to 154
Round 3
Justin Arenas def. Sean McAuliffe 174 to 165
Tom Wilkinson def. Tim McAuliffe, Jr. 195 to 171
Round 4
Jeff Scire def. Robert Butler, Jr. 201 to 174
Tom Wilkinson tied Justin Arenas 170 to 170
Tom Wilkinson def. Justin Arenas 40 to 29 | 9th & 10th Frame Roll-off
Round 5
Tom Wilkinson def. Robert Butler, Jr. 180 to 176
FINALS
Jeff Scire def. Tom Wilkinson 160 to 157
The Finals by the numbers
High Game Sean McAuliffe – 255
Low Game Michael Ellis – 146
Competitors 8
Total Pins rolled 5,004
Average Score 178
200+ Games 7