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In a celebration of dedication and achievement, Rosemary Quattrocchi, affectionately known as “Roe,” has been inducted into the Staten Island USBC Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service, marking her as the 10th individual to receive the call for induction. The honor recognizes her exceptional contributions to the Staten Island bowling community, where she has been a beloved and influential figure for over half a century.

Roe’s journey in bowling began in 1961 at New Dorp High School. Her passion for the sport quickly blossomed, and she has continued to bowl actively. Her initial involvement on the volunteer and administrative side of bowling started with coaching youth bowlers in the 1980s at Victory and Sunset Lanes. Over the years, her involvement transcended the lanes as she took on various administrative roles, working to help shape the future of bowling on Staten Island.

Since 2000, Roe has been a steadfast member of the Board of Directors for the Staten Island Women’s Bowling Association (SIWBA) and the Staten Island USBC. Her contributions have been multifaceted, serving on and chairing numerous committees and holding pivotal positions such as Secretary and Sergeant-at-Arms. Additionally, her commitment extended to league operations where she has fulfilled every possible role, including President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Statistician.

Roe’s service is matched by her prowess as a bowler. She has claimed several Staten Island WBA and USBC Women’s Championships Titles, her first in 1985, establishing her as a formidable competitor. Her legacy includes being the first woman to break barriers by joining a men’s league at the former Victory Lanes, a testament to her skill and determination. She also represented Victory Lanes in the renowned Staten Island Bowling Proprietors Travel League.

The induction took place as part of the 19th Annual Staten Island USBC Adult Championship Awards Dinner, where tournament champions from the previous season were recognized along with others for their service to the organization and organized bowling on Staten Island.

“Roe’s dedication to our organization is unparalleled,” said Jim Episcopia, Staten Island USBC President. “Her leadership, passion, and achievements have not only inspired countless bowlers but have also significantly contributed to the growth and success of bowling on Staten Island.”

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.

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

The Staten Island bowling community and beyond mourn the loss of a true legend, Raymond Laursen.  Ray’s passing leaves a profound void, but his legacy of professionalism, generosity, enthusiasm for life, and love for the sport will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who knew him.

Ray’s journey in the world of bowling began at the age of 13, igniting a passion that would shape his life’s work.  In 1979, he made his investment in the sport by becoming the owner of the Colonial Lanes Pro Shop.  A year later, he expanded his enterprise which will become Country Pro Shop & Custom Awards Center, located within Rab’s Country Lanes, where he continued to leave his mark on the sport.

As a Silver Level USBC Certified Coach, Ray dedicated himself to the development of bowlers of all ages, volunteering his time to coach high school bowling teams.  His commitment to nurturing the next generation of bowlers exemplified his dedication to the sport’s future.

Ray’s contributions extended beyond coaching; he was a charter member of the International Bowling Pro Shop & Instructors Association (IBPSIA), completing their Technical Certification Program in 1997. I n recognition of his invaluable contributions to the Bowling Industry, Ray was honored with IBPSIA’s President’s Award in 2015.

Instrumental in the establishment of the Staten Island USBC, Ray played a pivotal role in its formation, serving on the Transition Committee and subsequently on the Board of Directors since its inception in 2005.  He lent his expertise to various committees, including the Tournament, Hall of Fame & Awards, and Youth Committees.

Ray’s dedication to his community was unwavering; he served as President of the Buck’s Business Network and as a Board Member of the Rab Wilkinson Foundation, where he spearheaded the creation of the Annual Rab Wilkinson Memorial Strokes for Strikes Golf Outing, benefiting the community and scholarships for young athletes.  Ray incorporated charity into his business model, as he believed in giving back as much as one can.

Throughout his lifetime, Ray’s impact was duly recognized.  He was inducted into the Staten Island USBC Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service in 2017 and was inducted as part of the inaugural class of the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame for both Superior Performance and Meritorious Service.  Additionally, he received their prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, the Ben McNevich Memorial Award.

Ray has also been recognized by numerous organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Joe Ryan Memorial Committee, NY1, and the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame for his dedication not only to the sport, the next generation, and the Staten Island community.

Described by SIUSBC President Jim Episcopia as the “consummate prankster,” Ray’s sense of humor brought joy and laughter to all those around him.  “Whether he was extending a helping hand or simply sharing a smile, Ray’s kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and we will remember his passion, generosity and unwavering commitment to bowling.”

The Ray Laursen Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the next generation of keglers. For details and to donate: visit rabsway.org.

The 15th Annual Staten Island USBC Clash of Champions concluded with Joseph Carrieri emerging as the victor after thrilling matches among the best bowlers from the 2022-23 season’s Youth and Adult Championship Tournaments.

The “Clash”, hosted by Rab’s Country Lanes showcased exceptional youth and adult talent.  The event brought together the previous seasons’ All Events Champions to vie for the title, the coveted trophy, and a $250 cash prize (awarded in scholarship funds if won by a youth bowler).

The youth division featured Megan Brady, Chelsea Pabey, Joseph Guarnieri, and Aaron Perry, while the adult division boasted Elizabeth Gottlieb, Kelly Dorsey, Joseph Carrieri, and Shawn Kender.  With a one-game handicap applied in each round, the competitors engaged in one-game roll-off in their respective divisions, until the finale, where the reigning adult will compete against the reigning youth.

In the first round, Kelly Dorsey defeated Elizabeth Gottlieb with a score of 236 (237) to 170 (220), while Joseph Carrieri triumphed over Shawn Kender with a score of 200 (215) to 172 (162).  Chelsea Pabey secured a victory over Megan Brady with a score of 155 (249) to 169 (226), and Joseph Guarnieri put on a striking show in defeating Aaron Perry with a score of 249 (253) to 169 (221).

In round two, Joseph Guarnieri continued his dominant performance by defeating Chelsea Pabey with a score of 269 (273) to 164 (258), while Joseph Carrieri maintained his momentum with a nail-biting win over Kelly Dorsey with a score of 228 (243) to 237 (238).

The finals brought together Joseph Carrieri and Joseph Guarnieri.  In a closely contested match, Carrieri emerged victorious with a score of 208 (223) to Guarnieri’s 213 (217), securing the title.

For his outstanding performance, Joseph Carrieri earned the $250 cash prize, while Joseph Guarnieri will receive a $100 scholarship for his commendable runner-up finish.

By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com | silive.com
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Click here for tournament results and information

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.”

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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

In 2023, Staten Island’s longest running bowling tournament will celebrate its 75th Diamond Anniversary.  The first championships were contested in 1949 at Coliseum Bowling Center (Port Richmond).  The tournament featured 58 teams of five women bowlers and 84 doubles & singles entries.

The event was formed by a group of trailblazers, leaders of the Staten Island Woman’s Bowling Association (S.I.W.B.A.) who wanted to provide opportunities for the women bowlers of Staten Island.  As President Mildred E. Hanisch said in her event greetings “To many of us, the tournament represents a milestone of progress in Staten Island bowling.  For years, Staten Island was at a standstill in organization of bowling but now, after a great deal of effort, time, and perseverance, we have our own association.”

The event was part of their effort to create their own association and be chartered by the Women’s International Bowling Congress (W.I.B.C.), now known as the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).

In 1949, two-hundred and ten women bowlers on Staten Island petitioned the W.I.B.C. for a charter, which was eventually granted in November of that year.

These women worked tirelessly to promote the association, its leagues, and its new Championship Tournament by recruiting new members, and soon the event was thriving.  The association grew from 232 members bowling in 19 leagues to 963 members in 40 leagues by 1951.  The tournament also saw continued growth to 74 teams and 144 doubles & singles entries by its third championships in that same year.

Fast forward to today, and the event is still going strong.  On February 18th, the tournament will kick off at Rab’s Country Lanes, where bowlers from all over Staten Island will come together to compete for the coveted titles.

Nazareth Laursen, SIUSBC Director, longtime competitor, and Manager of Rab’s Country Lanes said “I can remember bowling in my first event in the late 70s, competing against the best of the best. Knowing if I wanted any chance at winning, I would have to out-bowl some incredible women bowlers. This tournament has been a showcase of the passion, skill, and camaraderie that exists within our sport.”

In 2022, Nazareth slid into second on the Championships all-time records list for the most titles won (Singles, Doubles, Team, and All Events) with 18 titles since her first in 1989 (2 Singles, 3 Doubles, 10 Team, and 3 All Events.)  Peggy Maguire Garbarino holds the record at 26 titles.

The Championships are run side-by-side of the SIUSBC Men’s Championship Tournament and continues to feature its signature events; Team, Doubles, and Singles, over the course of 8 days and three weekends of intense competition, as well as a variety of fun activities to commemorate the tournament’s rich history.

“The Associations founders would be proud to see that the tradition is alive and well. From a small group of women with a passion for bowling, the event has grown into a thriving community of strong, talented women who continue to break down barriers and pave the way for future generations”

– Staten Island USBC President Jim Episcopia.

The opening ceremonies, which will include a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, special guests, and more, takes place on Saturday, Feb. 18, starting at noon at Rab’s.

So come out and join the celebration, as we honor 75 years of women’s bowling on Staten Island!

Bowlers may visit SIUSBC.org to register and for additional information.