Author: siusbc

Sometimes, the most meaningful calls aren’t the ones you expect… They’re the ones that validate a lifetime of quiet dedication, early mornings, late nights, and a love for a game that never wavered.

For Robert Butler, Jr., that call has arrived.

The Staten Island USBC is proud to announce Butler will be inducted into the Staten Island USBC Hall of Fame for Superior Performance, becoming the 52nd individual to receive the nod for the Association’s highest honor, and just the 13th inductee since the Staten Island USBC became officially established in 2006.

Election into the Hall of Fame represents more than numbers.  It’s a recognition reserved for those who have not only excelled on the lanes, but who have helped shape the culture of bowling in the Staten Island community.

And Butler’s story is just that.

A lifelong bowler who has been involved in the sport since the age of six, Butler was introduced to bowling by his parents while they bowled at Bowling on the Green.  What started as afternoons spent at the lanes quickly turned into a lifelong passion that would shape decades of accomplishment, friendships, and memories.

“For me, bowling was always more than a game,” Butler reflected.  “When I started bowling as a kid, I fell in love with the sport.  I was happiest when I was bowling in my afternoon league at Bowling on the Green.

“I never thought about being in a Hall of Fame.  And now to be voted in by my fellow bowlers who have bowled with me and against me, it’s a great honor that the voters think that highly of my bowling ability.”

Over the years, Butler didn’t just participate in the game, he excelled at it.

For the last 23 consecutive seasons, he has maintained an average above 200, highlighted by a 228 league average during the 2012–2013 season.  His resume reads like a highlight reel: 16 perfect games, a high series of 827, with continued participation today across three leagues.

But beyond the numbers, it’s his consistency, competitiveness, and love for the sport that define him.

Butler is a four-time Staten Island USBC titleholder, including capturing the prestigious SIUSBC Masters Championship in 2023, an event where he has reached the tournament finals six times.  His successes also include SIUSBC Men’s Championship Doubles titles in 2007 and 2024, and an Open Doubles Championship in 2018. earned alongside his wife, Hillary, making it a true family milestone.

Butler has remained a constant presence in Staten Island’s tournament scene, with multiple finals appearances in the Staten Island Singles Classic and New Year Singles Classic, including the latest runner-up finish in the 2024 New Year Singles Classic.

Butler’s influence extends well beyond the score sheet.  He dedicates his time as a league officer for two leagues, serving as both Secretary and Statistician.  In those roles, he does far more than take a deep dive into the numbers, he runs the leagues from start to finish, organizes side pots, and keeps bowlers engaged through social media, often highlighting achievements and recognizing fellow bowlers. 

“This honor is so much more than achievements, it’s about legacy,” Daniel Moffit, Staten Island USBC President, said. “Robert represents what this Hall of Fame stands for.  His sustained excellence, competitive spirit, and respect for the game have made a lasting impact on bowling here on Staten Island.  We are proud to recognize him among the very best.”

The Staten Island USBC Hall of Fame, established in 2006, continues the tradition of honoring greatness previously recognized by its predecessor organizations, the Staten Island Women’s Bowling Association and the New York Bowling Association.

Butler will officially be inducted as part of the 20th Annual Staten Island USBC Champions & Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, to be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at LiGreci’s Staaten.

The evening will celebrate and honor tournament champions from the past season and feature several special award presentations, including the Contributions to Bowling Award, League Officer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and recognition of the 2024–25 Season High Average Award recipients.

For Butler, this moment is not just about a career, it’s about a journey on the lanes.  One built frame by frame, season by season, alongside teammates, competitors, and family.  And now, his name will forever be enshrined among Staten Island’s finest.

For more information on Staten Island USBC and its Hall of Fame, visit siusbc.org.

There’s something special about this time of year at Rab’s Country Lanes, and if you’ve been around Staten Island bowling long enough, you know exactly what we mean.

The 21st Annual Men’s Championship Tournament and the 78th Annual Women’s Championship Tournament officially kick off on February 21st and run straight through March 8th, with squads offered Saturdays, Sundays, and Friday mornings!

These championships are more than just tournaments, they’re tradition. They bring together bowlers of all average abilities, generations of competitors, longtime teammates, and new ones forming for the first time. It’s about competition, camaraderie, and chasing that goal we all share: winning a title, or at the very least, putting together a great time on the lanes.

We encourage all Staten Island USBC adult members to get your teams together, pick your squad, and be part of what makes these championships so special! We look forward to seeing you on the lanes!

The Staten Island USBC Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was officially inducted on Friday evening, May 23rd, during the annual Championship & Hall of Fame Awards Dinner at LiGreci’s Staaten.  This year, two longtime contributors to the Staten Island bowling community, Joanne Soto and Anne Marie Rubilotta, received the organization’s highest honor.

Joanne Soto was inducted for Meritorious Service, recognizing more than two decades of work on behalf of Staten Island’s league bowlers.  A bowler since childhood, Joanne returned to the sport in her twenties and never looked back.  She’s served as the league secretary of the Friday Night Mixed Quartets at Rab’s Country Lanes for 22 years and held the role of Association Manager twice; first from 2007 to 2015 and again since 2022.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the local association, Joanne has volunteered her time on several committees, including Hall of Fame, Tournaments, Lane Inspection, and more.  Joanne’s commitment to ensuring our bowlers are recognized and that events run smoothly has had a major impact behind the scenes.

Anne Marie Rubilotta was inducted for Superior Performance, a recognition of over 20 years of competitive consistency and achievements on the lanes.  She’s averaged over 200 in league play for two decades and has four perfect 300 games to her credit.  Her high series is 798, and she’s come close with two 299 games as well.

In 2017, Anne Marie posted the highest women’s average in the SIUSBC at 217.  Most notably, she made Staten Island history as the first woman to bowl a perfect game in the 63-year history of the Staten Island USBC Women’s Championship Tournament.  A former board member and multiple Staten Island USBC Women’s Championship Tournament title holder, Anne Marie’s achievements speak for themselves.

“Joanne and Anne Marie represent the very best of Staten Island bowling,” said Jim Episcopia, President of the Staten Island USBC.  “Joanne’s work behind the scenes has kept our association moving forward, and Anne Marie’s success on the lanes speaks for itself.  It’s a well-deserved honor for both of them, and we’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments.”

The evening also included recognition of tournament champions from the past season and several special award presentations:

• Service to Bowling Award: Jim Labetti, Jr.
• League Officers of the Year: Trish Kelly, Joanne Quinn, and Anne Piazza
• 2023–24 Season High Average Awards: Kelly Dorsey (226) and Sean McAuliffe (241)

The Staten Island USBC Hall of Fame was formed in 2006.  All members inducted in 2005 and earlier were inducted by the predecessor organizations of the Staten Island USBC, the Staten Island Women’s Bowling Association and the New York Bowling Association.  The Hall of Fame is governed by the Staten Island USBC Hall of Fame Committee and consists of two categories, Meritorious Service and Superior Performance.

Click here to learn more about the 2025 Championship Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner.

We’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Staten Island USBC team: Pins & Wins!

This new interactive quarterly newsletter is your go-to source for all the latest happenings on and off the lanes. Packed with highlights, stories, and updates from the Staten Island bowling community, Pins & Wins aims to keep you informed and inspired throughout the year.

From standout performances and upcoming tournaments to league and member spotlights and fun tips to up your game, there’s something for everyone. And here’s the best part – we want you to be part of the story!

Got a great bowling story to share? Know someone who deserves recognition? Have tips, photos, or insights that can spark interest? Send them our way! Your submissions will only enhance future issues of Pins & Wins! Email us: siusbc@gmail.com

Click Here to read Pins & Wins

By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

They may start banning Tim McAuliffe Jr. from competing in the Staten Island Masters!

The Staten Island Bowling Hall of Famer captured his unprecedented third Masters event Saturday in the toughest way, rolling a tourney-record 17 games, including having to knock off defending Masters champ Jeff Scire twice in the championship round to pull out the victory at Rab’s Country Lanes.

“Winning this tournament for a third time is awesome because the conditions are so demanding,” said McAuliffe, who took home the $1,500 top prize in the 16th annual event, which is bowled on grueling conditions. “200 is always a good score in this event.”

After dropping his first game in the playoffs, McAuliffe found himself in a do-or-die situation the rest of the event. But he didn’t lose again and wound up beating Scire, 222-178, in the championship game.

“Besting a fellow Hall of Famer like Jeff is a true challenge,” said McAuliffe. “I knew it would take my strongest bowling to come out on top.”

After coming up short in the first five-game qualifier, McAuliffe tried again and qualified fourth after shooting games of 204, 154, 225, 190 and 220 for a 993 pinfall.

After losing his opening head-to-head match play game in the double-elimination finals to Scire (198-163), McAuliffe toppled his next four opponents in the losers’ bracket to get back to the championship round, where he had to knock off unbeaten Scire twice.

“The 17 games were easier yesterday; I’m sore today,” said McAuliffe, the Susan Wagner HS boys’ bowling coach, with a laugh. “The toughest part is repeating shots on such a difficult condition with little room for error. In the moment, my focus was each frame but in hindsight it must be the most I’ve ever bowled in one day. And on that shot, it’s even more work mentally and physically than your average league shot. It took me back to my college days for sure.”

“He bowled 15 games already when it came to me and had to beat me twice and he did just that. Not sure if I would have won if I was on my game anyway. He was locked in! The man was on his mission. Tip my hat to the best there is.”

McAuliffe likened his victory Saturday to that of his marathon-running wife, Francesca, who just completed the World Marathon Majors — a series of six races — despite being a Type 1 Diabetic.

“I took a page out of my wife’s book. I won a marathon yesterday,” said McAuliffe.

Click here for the full results