Awards ceremony shows youth are the future of bowling

At the 57th annual Dover-New Philadelphia United States Bowling Congress annual awards and Hall of Fame banquet, it was apparent youth are the future of the sport of bowling.

“I feel if you keep the youth involved, you’ll keep the sport growing,” said Austin Reinerts, president of the Dover-New Philadelphia USBC. “I just feel it’s important that they get honored the way that they should.”

Members of the New Philadelphia High School bowling team were introduced for their accomplishments including the first team from New Philadelphia to make it to the state playoffs. Honored were Jack Fair, Nicky Tedesco, Landon Labiche, Alex Knisely, Gabe Fair, Mark Cass and their coach Jeff Locker.

“This a special group. They’re already talented, but these guys worked hard,” Locker said. “They’re really great.”

Bowling is a sport that can take you from youth through adulthood.

“Coach Locker puts a lot of time and effort into coaching,” Brenda Schupbach said. “He’s a mentor to these kids, and he’s a friend. When you go on in life, he’ll always be there for you.”

Gabe Fair was named the Star of Tomorrow at the banquet by Scott Jarvis, Dover-New Philadelphia USBC director-at-large.

“He is an exceptional bowler. He has been bowling since he was 10 years old. He has worked hard to perfect his craft and has proven it again and again,” Jarvis said. “He is a four-year letterman at New Philadelphia High School and has been an outstanding leader for his teammates.”

Bobby Brennan, a senior at Conotton Valley High School, was named the winner of a $500 scholarship. He has been bowling since 2014. Brennan was unable to attend due to his participation in an out-of-state bowling tournament, but comments from him were read at the banquet.

“I’ve always put my best foot forward giving school my highest focus. I will be graduating from Conotton Valley as the valedictorian of my class along with graduating from Kent State with an associate degree in business management,” Brennan said.

He has many other goals including finishing a master’s degree in business administration, continuing to participate in USBC events in college and other entrepreneurial ventures. He enjoys traveling to tournaments, music, reading, working on cars, mountain biking and dirt biking. He also enjoys volunteering his time to coach youth in bowling.

The Dover-New Philadelphia USBC Youth Championship Tournament winners were honored. Winning the team division was Mylie Galigher, Mackenzie Willoughby and Haylee Myers with a total score of 1,906. Camden Cervellini and Noah Hagey were named winners of the doubles division with a total score of 1,365. Adam Reiger won the singles division with a score of 732.

Reiger also was named the all-events winner for the youth city tournament in team, doubles and singles with a total score of 1,972.

The winners of the Trios Tournament, which consisted of teams of one youth bowler, one high school bowler and one adult bowler, were Camden Cervellini, Camden Richardson and Austin Reinerts.

Three Hall of Fame presentations were made at the banquet.

Brian Baxter, current coach with the Conotton Valley High School bowling team, was inducted not only for his many personal achievements in bowling, but also for his work with youth. He has been coaching high school bowling for 14 years, beginning at Massillon High School, and he also has coached bowling at Claymont High School.

A bowler for 44 years, Dennis Gordon was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“He’s won multiple city tournaments and multiple league championships in many leagues,” said Kathy Wingerter, vice president of the Dover-New Philadelphia USBC. “Sportsmanship is always at the forefront with this gentleman.”

As a longtime bowling sponsor, Limby’s of Dover also was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Marge Limbacher accepted the award. In addition to being sponsors, Limbacher and her late husband Ronald also participated in the sport.

The association also honored those with high scores during the 2023-24 season at Boulevard Lanes. Plaques were presented to Brian Baxter, 298 game; Anthony Brown, 298 game; Chad Hicks, 298 game; Bob Zinkon, 300 game and 298 game; Madison Bair, 300 game; Mark Heid, 300 game; Zach Kopp, 300 game; Joe Linard, 300 game; Chris Scott, 300 game; Gussy West, 300 game; Austin Reinerts, 300 game and 800 series; Robyn King, 700 series; Bill Brown, 300 game; Scott Reinerts, 300 game; and Josh Burgess, 800 series.