Curry turns in another outstanding senior feat

Frank Curry, 72, of York is bowling like someone who has discovered the Fountain of Youth.

Curry recently rolled back-to-back 300s after starting with a 196 game at East Lincoln Lanes. He became the first county senior bowler to accomplish the feat.

Earlier this season, he sandwiched a 174 game between two perfect games at East Lincoln Lanes. He has tallied six perfect games this season, while averaging around 215.

“This entire season has amazed me,” said Curry, a member of the York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame who owns 16 career perfect games. “I’ve never had a year like this, and I’ve been bowling for more than 50 years. I’ve had more 300s this season than in any five-year period in my career.”

He continued, “I haven’t been as consistent this year, but I’ve rolled more high single games. A lot depends on my physical condition and how I feel on the days I bowl.”

After opening with a 196 game, Curry made a slight adjustment by shortening the spot on the lanes where he focused during his delivery. He reeled off 24 consecutive solid strikes during his record-setting performance.

“I found the right spot about the 10^th frame of the first game,” he said. “The spot where you focus on the lanes affects how you release the ball. It wasn’t a big adjustment, but it paid off.”

Curry said he never expected to roll two 300s in a series once during his career much less twice in one season.

On both occasions, however, he failed to reach the 800 plateau, generating a lot of good-natured ribbing from his teammates and opponents.

“That just adds to the enjoyment,” commented Curry, who has done his share of ribbing.

As if the six perfect games this season aren’t impressive enough, consider that Curry also has registered nearly a dozen 279 games.

Even though the veteran right-hander said it’s easier than ever to roll high scores, it doesn’t explain why bowlers half his age aren’t matching his accomplishments.

“I compete against myself more than my opponents,” he said. “I want to do better today than yesterday. I want to keep improving.”

While Curry may not be able to improve upon this season, he said, “It’s been a great experience.”

Robert LeCates: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Robert LeCates, 13, of Hellam.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Won his age division at the Pepsi District Tournament, qualifying him to compete in the state tournament in Butler.

I started bowling: At Suburban Bowlerama when I was 11 years old.

Bowler I have learned the most from: Rich Heilman.

My most memorable bowling moment: Winning the Pepsi District Tournament.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Becoming more consistent.

Bowling appeals to me because: I enjoy the individual aspect of the game.

Advice I would give to someone just starting to bowl: Relax and have fun.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How much you can improve from the time you start bowling.

The toughest part about bowling is: The pressure you put on yourself.

Future goal: Increase my average.

Note: The Pennsylvania State Bowling Championships are being held in Altoona on weekends through June 19. Final entry deadline is midnight, June 1. Bowlers can compete in team, singles and doubles categories.

Bowler of the Week is submitted by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association.

Greg Bruff: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Greg Bruff, 29, of West York.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Finished third in the Bud Light York County Match Play Championship.

I started bowling: At a military base in England when I was four years old.

Bowlers I have learned the most from: Bill O’Neill and my Saginaw Valley College coach Don Dorion.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Stay down on the fourth step of my approach.

Most memorable bowling moment: Setting the house record with an 845 series at a center in Burke, Va.

PBA bowlers I enjoy watching: Bill O’Neill and Anthony Lacoste.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: My timing.

Advice I would give someone just starting to bowl: Have fun, practice and ask league bowlers for advice.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How big of a difference there is between an average league bower and the best bowlers, and the difference between a house lane condition and a sport lane condition.

Future goals: Bowl well at the national tournament and win either a state or regional title.

Note: A two-day King of House tournament will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 21, at Colony Park Lanes North and 10 a.m., Sunday, May 22, at Colony Park Lanes East. Qualifying consists of six games and the top eight will advance to match play. Entry fee is $20.

Bowler of the Week is submitted by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association.

Justin Emig: Bowler of the Week

Bowler: Justin Emig, 29, of York.

Latest bowling accomplishment: Rolled games of 299, 269 and 300 for an 868 series at Colony Park Lanes North, setting the house record.

I started bowling at: Lincolnway Bowling when I was eight years old.

Best bowling advice I ever received: Ninety percent of bowling is mental.

PBA bowlers I enjoy watching: Bill O’Neill.

Most memorable bowling moment: Winning the county tournament for the first time.

Part of my game I’m working on improving: Being more consistent.

Bowling appeals to be because: I enjoy the competition and camaraderie. I’ve made many close friends through bowling.

Advice I would give someone just starting to bowl: Be patient and work to understand the game.

Non-bowlers don’t realize: How challenging the sport is.

Future goal: Win the state singles title.

Note: Lion Bowl hosts a York Area BPA 700 Club Over 40/Under 40 tournament, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sunday, May 8. Entry fee is $25 per person.

Bowler of the Week is submitted by the York County Bowling Proprietors Association. To nominate a bowler, send email to bowleroftheweek@gmail.com.