State tournaments set to be contested after being called off last season./
After canceling several tournaments at the end of last season because of COVID -19, the New York State USBC Association will begin its 2020-21 schedule this weekend with the 42nd NYS Open Senior Championships at Pin- O -Rama in Utica.
That's the event that drew 130 teams last year to Sportsman's Bowl.
The resumption of the NYS schedule is significant locally because the 96th NYS Open Championships are scheduled for April 17-May 16 at Boulevard Bowl, whose hopes to hold last season's tournament were squashed by the pandemic.
In addition, the 2021 NYS Masters will be contested on March 6 at East Greenbush.
As for the Senior Championships in Utica, squad times are 12:30 and 3 p.m. the next two Saturdays and 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. the next two Sundays. Competition is in doubles and singles, and bowlers may participate in one or both.
Of course, safety protocols must be followed. Masks are required except when eating or drinking. There is no seating in the bowling area, as barriers have been installed so every lane can be used. Bowlers must stay on their assigned lanes for the duration of the squad, and social distancing is required (no congregating ).
More information on the state tournaments can be found at http:// bowlny.com.
Area roundup
Chris Fawcett of Schenectady captured the inaugural Sportsman's Sweeper with an 824. Matt Swiatocha of Scotia placed second (704), and Rick Bogholtz of Cohoes was third (688). ... Matt Fazzone of Rotterdam advanced to the quarterfinals of the New England Bowlers Association tournament in Auburn, Mass., winning $210. Fazzone lost to Kyle Perillo, a 16-year-old from Nesconset (Suffolk County), who became the youngest champion in NEBA history. ... The area bowling community suffered another loss Saturday when John Drexel, 49, lost his battle with cancer. He operated the pro shop at Town 'n Country and was the brother of area bowling standout Mike Drexel.
The 11th annual Towne Academy Team Tournament has set its 2020-21 schedule with 21 squads. The fourperson team handicap event offers a guaranteed $4,000 first prize. The entry fee is $160/team. An optional singles division, based on your team score, is available for an additional $15. The schedule (those bowling Dec. 4, 6 or 13 get a free entry to a future squad):fridays: Dec. 4, 18; Jan. 8, 22, all 9:30 p.m.saturday: Jan. 9: 2:30 p.m.sundays: Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27; Jan. 3, 10, 17, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Jan 24, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
National news
The final PBA Tour event of the season, the PBA playoffs, will have its taped telecasts dragged out over the next five weekends. The finals will be aired Sunday, Nov. 8. When and where the 2021 tour starts is anyone's guess under the current COVID restraints. The PBA did a good job of getting some bowling competition during difficult times. ... Meanwhile, the playoffs' tie-in with the WWE — giving the winner a large championship belt — is a stretch. It seems you can't watch a sports program on Fox these days without a WWE promotion. ... Fox Sports 2 has a 10-hour PBA marathon beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday.