Rolling right along

When the contingent of bowlers from Plaza Lanes set out for the Youth Challenge in Dryden over the weekend, they did so knowing they had put in a good deal of practice beforehand.
And that practice definitely paid off as five of the 14 local bowlers earned berths on Sunset Country teams heading off to the provincial finals in Haileybury in January.
“I feel that having five youths make the Youth Challenge is quite an accomplishment,” said Janet Ellis, who helps organize the youth bowling at Plaza Lanes.
“I’d have to say the extra practice day we have has definitely helped. We practice hard but we try to make it fun,” she added.
John Smith placed fourth in the men’s division to earn a spot on that team (the top five make it). Carrying a 173 league average, he opened the five-game roll-off with a 296 (including five strikes in a row).
He then had games of 176, 228, 212, and 232 to finish with a 229 average.
“I’m having a lot more fun this year and I’m trying harder,” Smith said.
Joining Smith on the men’s team were Mike McGinn, tops with a 246 average, Andy Parr (238), Scott McGinn (235), and Brent Delaronde (214).
Meanwhile, Carolyn O’Brien of here earned a spot on the ladies’ team after rolling games of 226, 202, 193, 194, and 210 for a 205 average.
“I had a really good weekend,” said O’Brien, who’s been bowling for the past 13 years. “I was really nervous going there but after the first game, I was able to relax.
“I just kept thinking positive, and after the first game, I felt I was going to make it,” she added.
Rounding out the ladies’ team are Erin Rollins (237 average), Ashley Gushulak (214), Chelsey Ogrins (210), and Samantha Pekarchuk (208).
Finally, three bowlers from Plaza Lanes made the mixed team in RJ Comeau, who finished with a 202 average in five games, and Jennifer and Allison AmOrdé, who both wrapped up with 195 averages.
Comeau bowled games of 248, 179, 137, 171, and 274. Jennifer AmOrdé had scores of 238, 144, 190, 185, and 219 while her sister, Allison, rolled games of 249, 190, 222, 159, and 153.
“I thought I would do good because I usually do good on Dryden lanes,” said Allison AmOrdé, who’s made the ladies’ team twice previously.
She also likes her team’s chances at the provincials. “I think we have a strong team. We always do well at tournaments,” she noted.
Joining the local trio on the mixed team are Stephen Cory (213 average) and Jason Tattrie (206).
Other bowlers from Plaza Lanes who competed in the men’s division at Dryden included Chris Stamarski (12th overall with a 193 average), Bryan Pattison (14th with a 182 average), Dan Bone (21st with a 168 average, and Brian McCoy (25th with a 156 average)
Also bowling on the ladies side from here were Tina Hyatt (ninth overall with a 181 average), Megan O’Brien (12th with a 165 average), Christy Beadle (13th with a 162 average), Melissa Wood (16th with a 158 average), and Megan Bale (20th with a 138 average).