Category Archives for Local Association News

2024 Green Bay Area USBC Queens: Erin Kent Claims Victory in Thrilling Championship Match

The 2024 Green Bay Area USBC Queens was a thrilling and competitive event that brought together 39 talented bowlers at Village Lanes in Green Bay on Sunday, February 4th. With challenging lane conditions and fierce competition, the tournament showcased the skill and determination of these remarkable athletes.

After four intense games of qualifying, the stage was set for the exciting match play rounds. Let's take a look at how the tournament unfolded:


Qualifying Results:

  1. Morgan Stary: 909
  2. Briana Cubito: 878
  3. Kim Hoffmann: 846
  4. Michelle Moens: 846
  5. Carrie Garcia: 829
  6. Valerie Verheyen: 821
  7. Madison Adams: 815
  8. Brooklyn Eisner: 799
  9. Beth Polomis: 794
  10. Katlyn Tappy
  11. Erin Kent: 778
  12. Brianna Lavery: 755

In the Match Play Round 1, the competition intensified as bowlers went head-to-head in single matches:

  • Brooklyn Eisner (199) def. Beth Polomis (180)
  • Carrie Garcia (211) def. Brianna Lavery (206)
  • Madison Adams (211) def. Katlyn Tappy (170)
  • Erin Kent (238) def. Valerie Verheyen (196)

The competition remained fierce in Match Play Round 2:

  • Brooklyn Eisner (192) narrowly edged out top qualifier Morgan Stary (189)
  • Carrie Garcia (230) dominated Michelle Moens (164)
  • Madison Adams (215) defeated Briana Cubito (194)
  • Erin Kent (279) displayed a remarkable performance against Kim Hoffmann (152)

As the tournament progressed, the field narrowed down to the semifinals:

  • Carrie Garcia (216) continued her impressive run by defeating Brooklyn Eisner (141)
  • Erin Kent (223) secured her spot in the championship match with a win over Madison Adams (182)

The grand finale featured a showdown between two formidable competitors, Erin Kent and Carrie Garcia, in the Championship Match. It was a moment of true excellence as Erin Kent delivered a stunning performance, scoring 279 to claim victory over Garcia's 190.

Erin Kent's exceptional skills and determination were on full display as she emerged as the champion of the 2024 Green Bay Area USBC Queens, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to triumphant moments in the world of bowling.


Congratulations to all the bowlers who participated in this challenging and exciting tournament, and a special salute to Erin Kent for her outstanding achievement in claiming the title of 2024 Green Bay Area USBC Queens champion!

Scott Weber Clinches 6th Masters Title in Thrilling Green Bay Area USBC Masters 2024 Tournament

Green Bay, WI - The 2024 Green Bay Area USBC Masters proved to be a weekend of intense bowling action, held at the Willow Creek Lanes in Green Bay on Saturday, February 3rd. With a challenging 40-foot lane condition, featuring a middle-to-outside track ratio of 1.53-1 and 30.3 mL of oil, 78 talented bowlers gathered to compete for the prestigious title.


Qualifying Results:After four games of grueling qualifying rounds, the field was narrowed down to the top 16 bowlers who would advance to the match play rounds. Here are the top qualifiers:

  1. Matt Heesaker: 858
  2. Scott Weber: 840
  3. John Vanlangendon: 812
  4. Kent Jacobson: 807
  5. Nate Becher: 805
  6. Rob Warren: 794
  7. Rick Volhard: 793
  8. Randy Wilde: 786
  9. Justin Doxtater: 771
  10. Caitlin Phillips: 769
  11. Russ Smith: 769
  12. Cullen Wilde: 768
  13. Jon Koltz: 767
  14. Matt Orvis: 766
  15. Robert Skog: 759
  16. Jay Nephew: 755

Match Play and Finals:The match play rounds were a true test of skill and strategy, with bowlers competing in two-game matches, where the highest two-game total advanced to the next round. The competition was fierce, with every frame being crucial. In the end, it all came down to the following results:


Quarter-Finals:

  • Jay Nephew (428) def. Justin Doxtater (405)
  • Jon Koltz (405) def. Cullen Wilde (402)
  • Scott Weber (439) def. Rick Volhard (366)
  • Matt Orvis (472) def. Russ Smith (410)

Semi-Finals:

  • Jay Nephew (423) def. Jon Koltz (323)
  • Scott Weber (419) def. Matt Orvis (394)

Championship Match:In the championship match, Scott Weber displayed his exceptional skills and experience by defeating Jay Nephew with a score of 490 to 394, claiming his remarkable 6th Masters Title.


Scott Weber's Legacy:Weber's victory solidifies his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the Green Bay Area USBC Masters history. His dedication to the sport and consistent excellence on the lanes make him a true champion.


Congratulations to Scott Weber and all the participants for making the 2024 Green Bay Area USBC Masters a memorable event!

Exciting Updates for the 2024 Association Team Championships!

Hello, Green Bay Area USBC members!


We're thrilled to announce some exciting changes for this year's Annual Association Team Championships, all thanks to your valuable feedback from our recent survey. Your voices have been heard, and we've worked hard to make this tournament better than ever.


1. Team Size Adjustment:

In response to your input, we're switching to 4-person teams for the 2024 Team Championships. This change aligns with the preferences of most members and reflects the composition of the majority of leagues in our association. We want to ensure that the tournament format is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.


2. Entry Format:

The survey results indicated a preference for an open entry format, and we're making it happen. Instead of qualifying through league play, the tournament will now be open to the first 72 teams that sign up by the entry deadline, with an entry fee of $100 per team ($25 per bowler).


3. Guaranteed 3 Games in Qualifying:

We've listened to your desire for a different format that guarantees teams at least three games on the day of the tournament. To meet this request, each team will bowl 3 games across 3 pairs of lanes during the initial qualifying squads.


4. Advancing to Match Play:

After the 3 games of qualifying, at least 1 in 5 teams from each squad will advance to the match play bracket squad which will take place at approximately 3 p.m., after the conclusion of the 12 p.m. qualifying squad.


5. Match Play Format:

The match play squad will consist of single-game head-to-head matches, with teams from each squad competing against each other on separate sides of the bracket. The final championship match will occur between the 2 squad winners and will also be a single game match.


6. Registration Details:

  • The tournament will be held on March 10, 2024.  Registration opens on January 15, 2024. To ensure an even distribution of teams on each qualifying squad, the tournament director will give squad preference to teams that submit their paid entries first.  Squad times are not guaranteed, the last received entries will be the first entries moved in order to keep the squads at an event number of teams. Entries close on March 1, 2024, or when we reach 72 entries. No late entries will be accepted.
  • Additionally, there will be an optional scratch add-on, with combined results from both qualifying squads using the initial 3-game total.

We believe these changes will enhance your experience and make the tournament more accessible and enjoyable for all members. Stay tuned for more information and the full entry blank and rules, which will be available shortly.

Thank you for being a part of the Green Bay Area USBC. We can't wait to see you at the 2024 Team Championships!

Green Bay open Tournament: A Recap of the Thrilling Results

The Green Bay Area USBC recently hosted the much-anticipated Green Bay Open Tournament, where bowlers from all around came together to compete in two exciting divisions: Handicap and Scratch. The tournament, held at [venue name], witnessed fierce competition, outstanding performances, and a lot of enthusiasm from the participants. Let's take a look at the impressive results from this thrilling event.


Handicap Division: Jennifer Verheyen Takes the Crown

In the Handicap Division, Jennifer Verheyen emerged as the champion, showcasing her exceptional bowling skills. Jennifer's impressive performance earned her the coveted title, and her precision on the lanes was truly commendable. Congratulations to Jennifer on her well-deserved victory!

However, Jennifer was not the only star in this division. Trent Miller secured the 2nd place spot, demonstrating his proficiency in the sport, while Dave LaBar claimed the 3rd place position, showcasing his talent and determination on the lanes. These finalists truly made the eliminator final pair an unforgettable spectacle.


With 19 entries in the Handicap Division, the competition was intense, and it was clear that all participants brought their A-game to the tournament. The level of skill and sportsmanship displayed by the bowlers in this division was remarkable.


Scratch Division: Alex Leeman Dominates the Competition

In the Scratch Division, it was Alex Leeman who stole the show. Alex's incredible bowling prowess led him to victory in this fiercely competitive division. His dedication and precision were evident throughout the tournament, and his performance was nothing short of spectacular. Congratulations to Alex on his outstanding achievement!


But Alex wasn't the only standout bowler in the Scratch Division. Rob Warren secured the 2nd place position, while Jason Becher claimed 3rd place, and Brian Laurent secured the 4th place spot. These finalists showcased remarkable skills, making the eliminator final pair an intense and thrilling spectacle for spectators.

With 30 entries in the Scratch Division, the competition was stiff, and the bowlers delivered some jaw-dropping moments on the lanes. It's clear that the passion for bowling runs deep in this community, and the Green Bay Open Tournament brought out the best in each participant.


We want to extend our sincere congratulations to all the bowlers who participated in the Green Bay Open Tournament. Your dedication, sportsmanship, and outstanding performances made this event a memorable one for everyone involved.


For a detailed look at the full results, please visit the official tournament website at link. You can find comprehensive standings, scores, and additional information about the tournament.


Once again, congratulations to the winners and finalists in both the Handicap and Scratch Divisions. Thank you to all the participants, volunteers, and supporters who made the Green Bay Open Tournament a resounding success. We look forward to seeing you on the lanes again in the future for more thrilling bowling action!

Jennifer Verheyen Handicap Division Champion

Alex Leeman Scratch Division Champion

2022-23 All City Team Annouced

The Green Bay Area USBC board of directors is delighted to announce the return of the All-City Teams, a prestigious recognition for top-performing bowlers. After a hiatus, the board decided to reinstate this honor to provide greater recognition to the outstanding bowlers in the community. Throughout each season, bowlers can earn points through participation in Green Bay Area USBC tournaments, achieving honor scores within their league play, and maintaining high averages throughout the year.


Leading the resurgence of the All-City Team is none other than our male bowler of the year, Jake Ziebarth. Jake has had an extraordinary year, showcasing his remarkable skills on the lanes. His impressive average this season was an astounding 236 recorded in the Homewreckers League at Village Lanes. However, it is in the Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley, during the 3 Man Classic league known for its challenging shot, he initially scored a notable 232, with it being adjusted to 243. Jake's achievements extend beyond his high average, with an impressive record of 3 800-series, 46 700-series, and 7 perfect 300 games during the season. His exceptional performance also saw him finish as the runner-up in the Green Bay Open and a top 16 finish in the Masters Tournament.


Jake Ziebarth will be joined by other exceptional male bowlers on the All-City Team, including Rick Volhard, Jake Johnson, John VanLandengon, and Wally Georgia. These talented individuals will be honored at the upcoming Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet scheduled for November 3rd at the Riverside Ballroom.


For the Women's All City Team, the female bowler of the year title goes to Morgan Stary, who has dominated the bowling scene with her outstanding achievements. Morgan secured the top spot with an impressive highest female average at 232. Her triumphs include a 1st place finish at the Queens Tournament and an outstanding fall season in 2022-2023. In addition to her averages, Morgan also achieved an impressive 39 600-series and 12 700-series.


Morgan Stary will be accompanied by four other talented women at the Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet: Beth Polomis, Valerie Verheyen, Kim Hoffman, and Jeanne Simons.


Recognizing the exceptional talent within the community, the honorable mention teams for both men and women are as follows:


Women's Honorable Mention Team:

Carrie Garcia

Kim Felton

Wendy LaFave

Caitlyn Phillips

Briana Cubito


Men's Honorable Mention Team:

Mike Schmit

Kevin Olsen

Matt Heesaker

Joey Wagester

Justin Doxtater


The Green Bay Area USBC extends its congratulations to all the outstanding bowlers who have earned their place on the All City Teams and the honorable mention teams. This revival of the All City Teams underscores the commitment to celebrating and recognizing excellence in the sport of bowling.

2023 Hall of Fame Inductees Annouced

Green Bay, WI – The Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay is set to be abuzz with excitement on the evening of November 1st as the Green Bay Area USBC (United States Bowling Congress) Hall of Fame prepares to induct two esteemed members who have left an indelible mark on the local bowling scene. This prestigious event promises to be a celebration of dedication, skill, and unwavering passion for the sport of bowling.


Dan Beilfuss: Meritorious Service

One of the evening's honorees, Dan Beilfuss, is a true bowling stalwart whose dedication to the sport spans over half a century. Having been a member of the Association for an impressive 55 years, Dan's journey in the world of bowling has been nothing short of remarkable. His commitment to the Seymour Bowling Association, where he served as Secretary from 1969, continued even after its merger with the Green Bay Association.


Dan's involvement didn't stop there; he has been a dedicated member of various boards, including the Junior board, Men's board, and the merged board. His contributions extend to a wide range of bowling-related activities, from organizing tournaments to handling registrations, scorekeeping, raffle sales, and youth awards banquets. Dan has also been actively involved in delivering veterans baskets for the BVL (Bowlers to Veterans Link).


On the lanes, Dan Beilfuss has demonstrated his prowess as an accomplished bowler. Averaging over 200 for more than two decades at Wally's Seymour Bowl is a testament to his skill and consistency. He's notched up an impressive four perfect 300 games and boasts over 150 series better than 700. Dan was also a crucial member of the 2008-09 Green Bay City Tournament Team champions and a proud member of the 2006-07 Green Bay Press-Gazette All-City team.


His commitment to the sport and his tireless efforts behind the scenes have made Dan Beilfuss a true legend in the Green Bay bowling community.


John Schermetzler: Superior Performance

Another bowling luminary to be honored at the Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet is John Schermetzler, whose remarkable bowling journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Manitowoc, John's journey to Green Bay was driven by his love for the sport, and he quickly made a name for himself on the local scene.

John's Bowlers Advantage Pro Shop team clinched three consecutive Green Bay Major titles, a feat that showcases his remarkable skill and competitive spirit. His consistency is further highlighted by the five times he claimed the second-highest average in the Major. Two other times, he secured the third-highest average, all testament to his unwavering dedication.


One particular night in bowling history stands out – on April 5, 2009, John Schermetzler etched his name in the record books by tying the Willow Creek House record with a mesmerizing series of 269-300-299, totaling an astonishing 868.


John's accolades extend beyond the lanes in Green Bay. He has been crowned the Top 64 tournament champion in 2007 and was also the champion of the 2020-21 Green Bay Senior Masters. An impressive nine times, he earned a spot on the Green Bay Press-Gazette All-City teams, showcasing his consistent excellence.

Throughout his career, John has consistently maintained an average of 230 or higher in the Green Bay Major, including a remarkable high average of 238.7 in 2005-06. He has crossed the elusive 800 barrier seven times, with seven perfect games, two games of 299, and one game of 298. These remarkable accomplishments are a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.


It is important to note that these accomplishments are only a glimpse of John Schermetzler's remarkable career, which extends beyond Green Bay to other bowling arenas.


The Green Bay Area USBC Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet on November 1st will be a night to remember, honoring two extraordinary individuals, Dan Beilfuss and John Schermetzler, who have dedicated their lives to the sport of bowling and left an indelible mark on the Green Bay bowling community. Their legacy will inspire generations of bowlers to come, reminding us all of the passion and dedication it takes to excel in this beloved sport. Congratulations to the inductees for their well-deserved recognition!

GBA USBC Annouces 2023 Scholarship Winners

The Green Bay Area USBC provides scholarships every year to recognize outstanding young bowlers in our association. The scholarships are named after the following individuals, all of whom have had a tremendous impact on youth bowling: Al Salmon, Rose & Maurice Lawyer, and Leo Delvoye.

This year the Youth Committee has awarded two $1,000 scholarships.

 

This year’s scholarship winners are:

Leo Delvoye Memorial Scholarship

Madison Carriveau

Madison is a sophomore at Pulaski High School where she currently holds a 3.79 GPA.  She has participated in the Youth Leagues at Village Lanes since she was just four years old

 

In addition to bowling she participates in Student Council, Leo Club, FFA and Team Teddy.  Her bowling honors include first place finishes in the GBA USBC Youth Invitational, Pepsi Regionals along with first team placement in the Green Bay Area High School Bowling Conference All Conference Team.

Her coach Jerry Polarek shared with the committee that Madison is, “a driven young lady who is always on time and participates in city and state every year.  She is always there to support her teammates, even when she is having a bad day.”

 

Al Salmon Memorial Scholarship

Savanah Athey

Savanah is a senior at Bay Port High School where she holds an impressive 3.586 gpa.  She has participated in the youth leagues at Village Lanes for 11 years.

 

Her bowling honors are plentiful, including being a member of the 2nd Team All Conference for the Green Bay Area High School Bowling Conference and many high game/series honors for the leagues she has participated in.

 

Her coach Jerry Polarek shared that she is a quiet and focused bowler, but is the first to congratulate or offer guidance and support to fellow bowlers, regardless of age.

 

 

The Green Bay Area USBC is proud to award these outstanding bowlers a scholarship to help them pursue their future education. These annual scholarships are in addition to the $5000+ that our association awards through our annual tournaments where youth bowlers of all age groups can compete. 

Ashwaubenon Lanes Team wins Open Team Championships Tournament

The 2023 OpenTeam Championship was held Sunday March 5th at Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley.


129 teams attempted to qualify during league play during the month of January to advance to the 64 team single elimination bracket style event.


The Ashwaubenon Lanes Team from Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley defeated the Rendezvous of Luxemburg team 1033 to 966 in the final match to become this years' champion.


Team members include Mike LaBar, Scott McKinnon, Dave LeGreve, Doug Follet, and Nathan LeGreve.

Oneida 2nd Chance Farms team wins Women’s Team Tournament Title

The 2023 Women's Team Championship was held Sunday March 5th at Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley.


7 teams advanced to the single elimination bracket tournament.


The Oneida 2nd Chance Farms team from Wally's Seymour Bowl defeated the Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley team 899 to 806 in the final match to become this year's champions.


Team members include Sue Rader, Polly Trieber, Georgianna Keahna and Kylene Luepke.

Weber Wins Back to Back Sr. Masters Titles

The Green Bay Area USBC Senior Masters Tournament was held February 26th at Village Lanes, 45 bowlers over the age of 50 competed for the right to be called this year's Sr. Masters Champion.


The tournament consisted of 4 games of qualifying where twins Ron & Randy Wilde led the field with 943 and 916 respectively.


The field was cut to 12 bowlers for match play, with the top 4 qualifiers receiving byes for the single game matches.


Last year's champion Scott Weber rolled through match play on his way to the title match where he defeated Randy Wilde 193 to 182.


The Super Senior Award (first bowler over 60+ outside of the cut) went to John Gales with a 850.


Results summary and the links to the full results are below:


Qualifying Results:

(1) Ron Wilde: 943

(2) Randy Wilde: 916

(3) Kelly Berken: 907

(4) Scott Weber: 906

(5) Mark Derozier: 885

(6) Jeff Lee: 885

(7) Rick Garcia: 884

(8) Kent Jacobson: 882

(9) Jay Nephew: 881

(10) Scott Korth: 860

(11) Jack Siharaj: 854

(12) Troy Felsinger: 853


Match Play

Round 1

(9) Nephew def. (8) Jacobson 299-181

(5) Derozier def. (12) Felsinger 227-163

(11) Siharaj def. (6) Lee 227-225

(7) Garcia def. (10) Korth 205-186


Quarter Finals

(9) Nephew def. (1) Randy Wilde 237-212

(4) Weber def. (5) Derozier 198-188

(3) Berken def. (11) Siharaj 205-170

(2) Randy Wilde def. (7) Garcia 228-188


Semi-Finals

(4) Weber def. (9) Nephew 226-203

(2) Randy Wilde def. (3) Berken 232-225


Championship

(4) Weber def. (2) Randy Wilde 193-182

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