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Getting to the bottom of duckpin issue

About two months ago, I received a note in the mail from Albert Pepin, of New Bedford, who has been bowling duckpins for many years at Bowlmor Lanes in Mattapoisett.

Enclosed with the note was a clipping from the Winners and Losers column of the Wall Street Journal (the date of the column was unknown).

The column said, "Hurling at the Waterbury, Conn. lanes, Dave Marsh sets a Connecticut duckpin bowling record with a three-game total of 634."

An avid bowler, Pepin was curious what Marsh bowled each game and asked me to please find out.

Pepin said he would keep checking the paper for my answer.

I called the National Duckpin Bowling Association in Baltimore, who referred me to Theresa Belniak, president of the Connecticut Duckpin Bowlers Association.

After many, many phone calls to her residence (she must have as busy a schedule as I have), I finally talked to her person-to-person.

She was very gracious and answered my questions without hesitation.

Marsh's Connecticut record series of 634 included games of 240, 232 and 162. He had a 140 average at the time he bowled the series, so his first game of that league outing was 100 pins over his average.

Belniak went on to say that the all-time duckpin record series is 655, so Marsh was 21 pins shy of the national record pace.

I learned other things from my conversation with her, as well.

Duckpin bowling is mostly located on the eastern seaboard. The centers are located as far north as Maine and as far south as North Carolina, with the most centers located in the Baltimore area. The duckpin center furthest west is in Indianapolis.

"There was one in Milwaukee," Belniak said, "but it closed recently."

Unfortunately, bowling's popularity is declining, especially duckpin bowling.

Belniak shared her theory of bowling's downslide.

"When we were kids," she said, "there wasn't a whole lot to do, so we all went bowling. Now there is so much for the kids to do. T-ball, soccer, video games, computers and other sports take up so much of their time there's not much time left for bowling any more."

I hope that answers Pepin's question. Thank you for your interest in bowling.

Tip of the week

Bending too far forward at the foul line is not a good ending position for your approach.

When your shoulders get out in front of your sliding knee, you lose leverage. With your weight so far forward, you're in a position to lose your balance easily.

If you are in this position and try not to pull up yet try to put a lot of lift on the ball, you're bound to be inconsistent because of the unbalanced position your body is in.

Try to get your shoulders to finish directly above your sliding knee. That way you'll be in a more balanced position and will be able to use your arm and shoulder to help the fingers lift the ball.

Upcoming events

The Southcoast High School Varsity Bowling League begins on Nov. 4 from 3:15 to 5 p.m. at Wonder Bowl. The league will meet each Tuesday and the weekly fee is $4.05 per student. All area high school students are eligible to compete.

A monthly No-Tap Tournament begins at Wonder Bowl on Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $15 per bowler. Membership is $10 per year. Call the lanes at 993-1746 for information.

Southeastern Mass. Bowling Association (SMBA) has its annual Senior Tournament at AMF Holiday Lanes in Somerset on Nov. 21 and 28. Entry fee is $20 per bowler and entries close on Nov. 13.

A Tri-State Bowlers Tournament is Nov. 8 at Norwich Ten Pin in Norwich, Conn. For information, call tournament director, Steve Moses, at (401) 739-5795.

Highlights

Dennis Gallant, in the Hughes & Carey Century 21 League at Holiday Lanes in Westport, recently bowled his first 700 series, a 718. Included in his career-high series was a 268 game.

Matthew DeMello, in the Acushnet Mixed League at Holiday Lanes in Westport, bowled a 656 series that was 185 pins over his series average. He earned the American Bowling Congress (ABC) 150-pins-over-series average award. Included in that series was a 279 game that was 122 pins over his average.

In the same league, two women earned the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC) 125-pins-over-series average award. Lori Walker bowled a 565 series that was 130 pins over her average and included a 200 game.

Also, Bridgette Martel bowled a 563 series that was 152 pins over her series average. She bowled a 224 game in that series.

Glenn Spindola, in the Jolly Rollers League at Wonder Bowl, bowled a 745 series that was 172 pins over his series average. He earned ABC's 150-pins-over-series average award with games of 223, 244 and 278.

Linda Riendeau, of Taunton, was 3rd in the scratch division of the Massachusetts Women's Bowling Association (MWBA) 500 Club Tournament at AMF Airway Lanes in Springfield on Oct. 17-18.

Other scores were: Bowlor Lanes Acushnet League -- Mike Raphael, 168/424; Piv Moniz, 151/405; Jim Texeira, 187/467; Jerry McNamara, 401; Henry Hartley, 156/415; Lou McKay, 150/417; Lou McKay, 150/417; Tom Jackivicz, 423; Robert Hebert, 153; Tom Tavares, 151; Bob Pimental, 160; Paul Barratt, 160/449; Dick Banat, 153/452; Tony Cincotta, 159/419. Carmelites -- J. Gonsalves, 153/392; Ken Stickney, 146; Dick Dias, 149; Tom Tavares, 149. Fairhaven Square & Compass -- Larry Harney, 138/389; Stan Gorczyca, 144. Friday Couples -- Cece Barratt, 135/382; Diane Alves, 133; John Alves, 137; Pete Carlese, 142; Joel Wales, 140; Henry Hartley, 151/404; Lance Calise, 132. Jolly Seniors -- George St. Pierre, 158/370; Manny Arruida, 154/363; John Hayes, 343; Roger Beaulieu, 360; Lee Forand, 362; Bob Muir, 138/378; Normand Forand, 343; Ron Swistak, 158/403; Ellie Kershaw, 344. Maconchu Club -- Len Randall, 134; Mel Fish, 133; Bronc Caswell, 146/410; Bruce Yeaton, 142; Sandy Perkins, 173; Bill Calise, 132, 135; Bud Ellis, 139; Ellsworth Cunningham, 135; Bill Armitage, 138. Mattapoisett Seniors -- Potter Trainer, 137; Bob Dexter, 138; Robert Morgado, 134; Ken Stickney, 145/416. Mattapoisett Town League -- Tom O'Leary, 173/434; Dave Alves, 145; Frank DiGregorio, 144/385; Jim Medeiros, 163/386; Joe Lewis, 146/384; Gary Amaral, 157/399. Mattapoisett Women's Club -- Lois Murray, 140; Clare Doyle, 135. Nonquit Seniors -- D. Nissen, 157/394; B. Gray, 137; Sue Sylvia, 348. Rochester League -- J. Kelley, 141; J. Watters, 145/406; J. Hammond, 170/427; Walt Shepard, 141/385; Dave Lizotte, 164/439; Joel Wales, 142; Henry Hartley, 180/461. Sunday Mixed -- Chris Rodriques, 134; Tom Tavares, 143; Cathy West, 155/412; Keith Rodriques, 131; Dawn Vilandry, 137; Allen Medeiros, 138; John Ross, 139; Lance Calise, 134; Nichole Churchill, 139; Bill LaPointe, 145/409; Dick Churchill, 131; Neil Macedo, 164/419; Sandy Edgell, 131. Thursday Ladies -- Ellen Downing, 134; Martha Burbank, 130; Paula Moore, 148. Tuesday Girls -- Carmella Tarte, 132; Jan Wilbur, 130. AMF Taunton Lanes NAAITL -- Gordy Chabot, 221; Barbara Lawson, 212/511; Vicki Prevost, 525. Holiday Lanes, Westport Acushnet Mixed -- Moe Dean, 248/641; 246; Matthew Dean, 216; Keith Choquette, 225; Todd Pereira, 211; David Allard, 232; Luis Franco, 224; 236; Phillip Emard, 224; Don Gurney, 223; 221; 235; Dennis Gallant, 232; Adam Hession, 215; Darlene Cardoza, 212; Brian Alves, 213; Chris Mitchell, 212; Timothy Cox, 211; Peter Mitchell, 202; Mike Kearney, 225; 221; Jane Tobertga, 210; Tina Cox, 203; Mike Silvia, 240; Joe Charron, 200; Ron Picard, 230, 248/659; Lori Walker, 200/565; Linda MacKenzie, 208/550; 204/553; 201. Country Club -- Phil Piva, 223; Craig Souza, 222; Dot Olsen, 202; Mark Perry, 220; Diane McAuliffe, 215; Bob Macedo, 219; Shaun Almeida, 225; Bill Cabral, 220; Wendy Lygren, 204/576; Joe Medeiros, 278/672; Barbara Lassiter, 204/546; Jay Mello, 223; Lisa Briggs, 202/596; Maria Freitas, 216; Gina Melo, 233; Jim Calnan, 200; Duke Perry, 226; Don Perry, 245, 245, 246/736; Rick Martin, 244/694; John Jasent, 236; Bruce Teixeira, 227. Goodtime Friday -- Al Fontaine, 225; Art Dias, 222; Roland LePage, 215; Dave Raposo, 221; 244; Bruce Morin, 219; Wayne Venancio, 225; 247; Steve Beaulieu, 209; Dennis Sylvia, 223; Ken Johnson, 226, 235/662; Lee Patricio, 212, 231; Ray Correia, 225; Rick Beaulieu, 248; Bob Proulx, 210; George Costa, 230; Joe Mello, 214; Pete Deneault, 200; Jerry Doyle, 203; John Grace, 220, 221/642; George Rocha, 227; Romeo Desmarais, 219; Dan Coute, 267; Wayne Raedel, 225 Holiday 4 X 2 -- Mike Bristow, 246/881; Tony Avylla, 259; Tom McConnell, 257/869; 231; Diane Raposa, 220; Jon Norton, 252/866; 238/916; Tom Sears, 247/916; 235; Gary Couture, 259/880; Alex Aguiar, 268, 258/1,008; 253/905; Jeff Chace, 258/901; 238/854; Mike Cordeiro, 242; 257/928; Jim Barnes, 242; 237; Dave Lassiter, 287/907; 276/911; Mike Silva, 232; 235; Dean Schmidlin, 255; 227; Gayle Koczera, 244; Vinnie Furtado, 257, 278/963; Ed Gagnon, 245, 259/911; Joe Rosa, 246; Herb Millet, 264, 258/993; O. J. Leite, 243; Bob Cormier, 244; Cheryl Millet, 245; 239; Chris Felix, 220; Brian Felix, 241; 268; Clay Cornell, 237; Eric Borges, 236/863; Hughes & Carey Century 21 -- Steve Hunt, 246; Rob McGuire, 218; Bill Santos, 224; Bob Millette, 239; Barry Pelletier, 221; Jim Abdelnour, 233; Dean Schmidlin, 225; Ron Froias, 213; Paul Medeiros, 213; Paul Arruda, 220; Dave Lassiter, 209; Laura Mortagua, 209; George Dansereau Jr., 207; Ernie Gentilli, 208; Jack Scott, 202; Leo Roderick, 201; Sil Carreiro, 201. Junior Program -- Bantams: Zachary Higginbottom, 101; Preps: Nick Athaide, 156; Shane Paiva, 150; Juniors/Majors/Seniors: Alex Raedel, 202; Kraig Collins, 201, 248/628; Allison Letendre, 212, 245/655; Kyle Potvin, 235. Sunrisers Industrial -- Marc Fournier, 299, 224/704; George Costa, 247; Wayne Raedel, 256, 247/716; Al Fontaine, 223/645; George Ambrose, 224. Wonder Bowl Alberox -- Bruce Burton, 231; Barry Arruda, 205, 206; Ray Colvin, 214; George Siler, 212, 245; Pete Pelletier, 249; Jon Pimental, 216; Randy Bryden, 234. Automotive -- John Amado Jr., 234; Ron Bergeron, 224; Brad Blanchette, 228; Mike Cassidy, 244; ron Dupont, 245; Ozzie Oswald, 236; Fred Wendling, 236; Mike Wendling, 223, 221/658. Center League -- Gary Felix, 257, 225/643; Don Mello, 254; Dave Dupuis, 258, 268/720; George Roy, 233; Pat Chasse, 223, 246; Dale Carroll, 237; Mike Baptista, 226, 230; Paul Gagnier, 222; Clem Amaral, 244, 252/714; Richard Gemma, 246; Eric Sorell, 257; Joseph Pacheco, 248, 234/675; Bruce Garnett, 243; Ray Sasseville, 204; Alan Costa, 222; Ryan Souza, 235; Chris Costa, 240; Ken Johnson, 234, 238/675; Eric Gomes, 234; Ernie Bourque, 210; Bob Faria, 224; Leon Gauthier, 215; Greg Cardoza, 234; Ray Colvin, 222; Bob Britto, 237; Scott King, 2 37; Jack Spinner, 234; Eric Heroux, 236; Greg Lord, 202; Luis Franco, 231, 226; Scott Drovin, 267, 228/663; Chris Ponte, 223; Tony Avylla, 231, 237/656; Roland Grenier, 202; Ken Medeiros, 248; Dennis Mello, 200; Normand Perry, 224; Joey Cabral, 233; Chris Anderson, 222. Charlie's Angels -- Joyce Ramos, 200; Germaine Damm, 511; Diane Finger, 202; Marie Perry, 535. Double Trouble -- Cindy Swift, 523; Barbara Anderson, 505; Gail Greenwood, 513; Joan Dean, 512; Dawn Brocklehurst, 244. Dynamic Seniors -- Tony Duarte, 504; Mary Simon, 520; Al Gloen, 201/509. Early Birds Junior League -- Bantams: Jonathan Silva, 100, 109/301; Kyle Miranda, 100; Cortney Rebello, 100; Preps: Marc Michaud, 153, 159/433. Friday Nite Ladies Classic -- Carol Rose, 211; Cindy Ferreira, 202, 201; Jen Furtado, 201; Sharon Swistak, 205; Rosanna Tetreault, 195; Tina Dupere, 201, 217/609. Holiday Mixed Drinks -- Wesley Kay, 268/663; Steve King, 233; Nicole Turcotte, 220; Karen Correia, 225. Jolly Rollers -- Carole Reis, 502; Gail Glossop, 528. Junior A.M. Program -- Bantams: Christopher Dos Santos, 132, 136/386; Ryan McCarthy, 109; Andrew Corrigan, 102; Elizabeth Silva, 162, 132/387; Preps: Mike Simas, 224/498; Tim Camara, 152, 184/470; James Beaulieu, 172, 168/500; Matthew Yankowitz, 150; Juniors/Majors/Seniors: Gabe Miranda, 214, 233/640; Adam Younger, 220, 219/611; Donald Martin, 216/533; Adam Desmarais, 215/550; Brad Raphael, 213; Jonathan Caton, 210; Eric Morin, 210; Nick Vasques, 205; Kolby Aguiar, 198; Mike Furtado, 194; Daniel Gauthier, 199, 193/557; Mike Furtado, 194; Nicholas Deana, 190; Adam Bergevin, 191; Shaun Carroll, 190; Clayton Jenkins, 184; Matthew Calvao, 176, 171; Michelle Pimental, 224; Julie Marks, 203, 223/594; Amy Robinson, 214, 211/597; Jessica Rego, 197; Erin Pimental, 193; Corey Pittsley, 181, 175/506. Junior P.M. Program -- Guttersweepers: Ty Morin, 104, 126; Kyle Feldmann, 107, 104, 101/312; Matt Ditata, 105; Strikers: Eric Avilla, 186, 182/521; Eric Hunt, 178; Tommy Acevedo Jr., 173, 189/481; Jessica Anderson, 171; Hannah Niles, 149; High Rollers: Shane Cabral, 183/518; Steve Malonson, 209; Joey O'Brien, 201/545; Ryan Mendonca, 198; Jason Arruda, 197; Tabitha Conterno, 194; Diane Oliveira, 171; Josh Woodis, 184, 188/529. Lady Bugs -- Janet Hogan, 234/505; Ruth Correa, 550; Pat LaFountain, 200/528; Shirley Alves, 204/585; Loretta Renaut, 200/504. Monday Night Mixed -- Carlos Alcaidin, 216, 204; Steve Camara, 237, 226/656; Bruce Kimball, 212; Donald Perry, 222; Bob Perry, 212; Rachel Westgate, 200; Cheryl McCra, 202/514; Tom Boudreau, 214; George DaCosta, 203; Joe Botelho, 203; Tony Avylla, 215; Bob Cormier, 203; Paul Boudreau, 203, 224; Bill McMullen, 207; Gail Hartley, 202; Nikki Cardoso, 208/592; Clay Cornell, 221; Jackie Macedo, 524; Monique Emond, 216, 204/616; Richard Diggs, 204. NFL Seniors -- Joe Sears, 258, 201/621; Joe Cova, 211; Frank Joseph, 210; Art Picard, 213; Zip Pothier, 203; Joe Teixeira, 210, 236/636; Paul Demers, 200; Manny Rezendes, 233; John DeSantis, 201; Mel Mello, 216; Ron Carroll, 204; Walt Dixon, 233; Bob Loureiro, 215, 204; Ed Rivard, 213; Todd Dumas, 204; Joe Weaver, 207. New Bedford Doubles -- JoAnn Gurney, 202; Rose Tomczewski, 237/583; Jay Murphy-Hebert, 204/534; Rita Ansay, 207/568. New Bedford Women's City League -- Diane Baker, 506; Diane Gracie, 524; Marlene Potkay, 500; Claudette Swain, 521; Janice Aguiar, 502; Dolly MacMillen, 205/589; Bobbie Everett;, 200/554; Linda MacKenzie, 553; Lisa Dean, 223/557; Rosemary Herman, 515; Betty Stebenne, 514; Cathy Pelletier, 541; Barbara Correia, 203; Gloria Lanouette, 506. Peaches & Cream -- Debbie Camara, 223/580; Marlene Coutu, 221/563; Irene Pittsley, 211/506; Monique Emond, 207/521; Tammy Piazza, 534; Doris Garcia, 507; Mary Simon, 520. Shining Stars -- Chris Begin, 102/249; Tanya Chmielewski, 116/321; Pamela Dupont, 149/363; Susan Furtado, 103/233; Jason Hanks, 88/217; George Motta, 170/443; Jason Raphael, 83/207; Alaina Rezendes, 98/235; Melissa Rodricks, 196; Michael Sasseville, 165/463; Richard Sziegler, 79/219. Sunday Goodtime Bowlers -- Randy Bryden, 215, 215; Sean Conway, 235; Jim DeMedeiros, 510; Michelle Desrochers, 510; Jennifer Dion, 540; Joan Dugan, 503; Nickie Emond, 591; Joseph Fiano Sr., 224, 222; Bill Gauthier, 233; Darren Gauthier, 224; Diane Gonsalves, 204; Bengie Greaves, 207; George Henriques, 242; Karen Henriques, 215/555; Jim Henry, 255; Skip Martel, 215; Arthur Peirce, 222, 223/658; Donna Rogers, 223; Dick Russek, 243; Joe Soares, 248; Jack Spinner, 266/686; Tony Vieira, 203, 203. Sunday Night Leftovers -- Dawn Brocklehurst, 203; Joan Dean, 211/517; Ann Dessert, 528; Bill Hurd, 233; Andy Irwin, 222; Mike Mortagua, 208; Jerry Niles, 204, 213; Chris Orlowski, 201, 224; Wally Wilson, 257. Tuesday Nite Lords & Ladies -- David Horseman, 241, 207, 235/683; Robert Perry, 226; Robert Moura, 220; Joseph Nunes, 209; Marita Vejar, 202/523; Marian Richard, 502. Twilight League -- John Bourassa, 277/663; Bruce Garnett, 258/683; Mike Monast, 245/655; Pete Silvia, 216, 244/636; Lucien Bourbeau, 234; John Amado, 225, 233/671; Danny O'Brien, 232; Ed Seed, 227, 204; John Jasent, 225, 203; Dave Hunter, 201, 224; Jeff Rivard, 222; Dave Forget, 222; Wally Wilson, 215; John Acevedo, 213; Steve Luce, 213, 207, 210/630; Norm Mendes, 213; Bob Maurice, 207; O. C. Barber, 207; Paul Coutinho, 204; Joe Nadeau, 203. Wednesday Morning Wonders -- Sue Rudnick, 209/586; Joyce Lelievre, 204/532; Marilyn alves, 200/523; Vivian Graham, 208; Diane DeMello, 203. Wednesday Senior Mixed -- Paul Boutin, 201; Joe Weaver, 222; Phyllis Golen, 513; Terri H eyes, 507; Steve Baldyga, 200; Art Blais, 211; Walt Dixon, 203; Don Marginson, 204, 205; Larry LeTourneau, 209; Lou Kaeterle, 202; Lenny Travers, 222; Ron Dupont, 227; Bob Florent, 246/629; Andy Trahan, 202, 20; Lionel Bachand, 204; Joe Cova, 219; Don Lavoie, 256; Henry Simon, 209; Larry Barcellos, 207. Wonder Bowl Junior Classic -- Roger Masson, 253/615; Gabe Moura, 213; Brad Goodman, 201, 205, 226/632; Amy Robinson, 212; Amanda Rivera, 204; Chris Robinson, 201; Adam Desmarais, 208. Wonder Twilight -- Mike Constant, 267/697; Ray Sasseville, 266/695; Wayne Rebello, 247/671; Ed Rose, 216; Steve Pinto, 218; Lou Kaeterle, 230; Mike Baptista, 236; Sven Kristofferson, 232; Rick Oliveira, 226; Ed Mulvey, 226; Dale Pickett, 225; Mike Dupuis, 225; Alan Fisher, 217; Joe Pacheco, 214; Frank Joseph, 214; Tony Alfonso, 214; Jay Schmidt, 213; Alex Aguiar, 212. Senior Tournament (Oct. 23) -- 1st, Ron Dupont, 711; 2nd, M. Mello, 670; 3rd, D. Salgado, 651; 4th, C. Tavares, 645; 5th, L. Gauthier, 644; 6th, J. Botelho, 638; 7th, E. Boyer, 637; 8th, T. Heyes, 627; 9th, H. Crowther, 626; 10th, A. Labonte, 622.

Vicki Prevost is a correspondent for The Standard-Times. She can be reached by e-mail at sports@s-t.com , by fax at (508) 997-7491 or by mail at Pin Tales c/o Sports Dept., 25 Elm St., New Bedford, MA, 02740.