Ries leads Pasco contingent in state wheelchair tourney

The competition runs Friday through Sunday at Lane-Glo North Lanes.

By KEVIN KELLY

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 27, 2000

Nineteen years ago, bowling was a way for Jim Ries to exercise and meet new friends.

This weekend, the Port Richey resident hopes his involvement in the sport pays off even more.

Ries will be one of 32 bowlers participating in the Florida State Wheelchair Championships Friday through Sunday at Lane-Glo North Lanes.

"You see a lot of friends and you don't care whether you win or lose," said Ries, who also is the tournament co-director. "Hopefully, I can win some money."

The tournament is split into three divisions -- A, B and Scratch -- with the first-place finisher in each pocketing $245.

Doubles competition begins at noon Friday. Saturday and Sunday singles action also starts at noon. The top five finishers in the A Division on Saturday will transfer to the Scratch Division on Sunday. Bowlers roll six games each day.

"Oh yeah, there's a lot of respect, a lot of prestige (that goes with winning) and it's a fun time," Ries said.

Roger Templer of Melbourne is the top bowler in the A Division with a 189 average while Jim Sullivan of Largo is the defending A Division champion.

Sullivan is a two-time American Wheelchair Bowling Association national champion and has won numerous state titles across the country. He recently won a tournament in Virginia Beach, Va.

Five bowlers from Pasco County are in the field: William Honeywell of Port Richey, Jeff Lucier of Holiday, Jeff Gall of New Port Richey, George Robshaw of New Port Richey and Ries.

"It's a lot of fun," Lane-Glo operator Pete Graffagnino said. "They're a good bunch of guys."

HIGHLIGHTS: Chuck Vogelman hit the $138 Charity Strike Jackpot on April 19 at Hudson Bowl. A regular bowler in the Wednesday Business Mixed League and the Wednesday Men's NFL League, Vogelman has joined an additional men's trio league called the Beacon Woods Men's League on Mondays. On April 10, he shot a 740 series.

Ron Page shot a career-high 299 in the Thursday Scratch Trio League on April 13 at Hudson Bowl.

RECOGNITION: The Lane-Glo Bowling Centers and Unity Lanes, along with the Pasco County School Board, will host the 13th annual Project Turnaround banquet for elementary, middle and high school students on May 11 and 18. Fifty-one students will be recognized.

Project Turnaround helps recognize the top student of every county school who has done the best job in turning his or her life around this school year, and the teachers and other adults who helped the student's efforts and attitude toward a more positive and rewarding future. The banquets -- May 11 for middle/high schools, May 18 for elementary schools -- will be from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey.

"It's a really nice program," Lane-Glo operator Pete Graffagnino said. "Some of the children that are recognized, you hear some of these stories and somebody got to them. Now all of a sudden, from being kids that didn't show up and had failing grades they're straight-A students and have plans for college."

ONGOING: From now until May 29, Hudson Bowl will be running its Super-Saver Special. Games will be 94 cents plus tax at the following times: Monday-Thursday from 3-5:30 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bowlers will be given other coupons for Cosmic Bowl, Senior Day and other special programs at Hudson Bowl during this time.

COMING UP: Hudson Bowl will play host to a Mother's Day Tournament at 2 p.m. May 14. Cost is $13 per bowler if paid by May 12. Walk-ups are $15. The first 50 entries will receive a free carnation. First place will be $100.

For the dads, Hudson Bowl will hold a Father's Day Tournament at 2 p.m. June 18. The entry fee is $14 in advance and $16 the day of the tournament.

For more information, call (727) 863-5481.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.