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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

Get ready for the Staten Island USBC 16th Annual Masters Championship Tournament, happening on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Rab’s Country Lanes!

Bowlers will compete in two qualifying squads at 10 AM and 1 PM, with the top performers advancing to the Finals at 4 PM.

The Staten Island USBC Board of Directors are excited to announce a guaranteed top prize of $1,500 for the 2024 Champion, who will also receive the Ray Laursen Memorial Award.

Open to all Staten Island USBC members. Pre-registration is encouraged to secure your spot.

Click here to learn more!