Bowling Hits Post

By Hayley Rydowski
Staff Writer

Bowling, one of America’s greatest indoor-past times is having resurgence in our LIU Post community. The International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) group and The NY/NJ Metro lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group present the Gotham Open Bowling Tournament. It will be held during the weekend of April 9 to 10 at Farmingdale Lanes, in Farmingdale, NY.

Former Pioneer editorin-chief Danny Schrafel 08’, is a bowler himself in the IGBO league. “ What I love most about bowling in IGBO leagues and events is the camaraderie. Typically, bowlers tend to self-segregate based on their ability level. Having an external force, such as being a league which caters to the LGBT community, bridges that gap.”

The tournament, which is in its 28th year, will bring together bowlers, friends, families, and guests from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas for a weekend of competition, camaraderie, and fun. During the tournament, activities outside of bowling, such as evening hospitality parties, raffle prizes, additional fundraising events, the Gotham 2016 Journal, Promotional Welcome gift bags, and a weekend awards banquet, will be held for the bowlers and their guests. In the months leading up to the tournament, fundraisers have been held throughout the tri-state area, to help with subsidies, and gain sponsorships.

Various sponsor packages are available, including a Bronze Sponsor ($150-$249), Silver Sponsor ($250-$499), Gold Sponsor ($500- $999), and Platinum Sponsor ($1,000 and above). All levels of sponsorships allow for advertising in the official Gotham Open 2016 Journal. To become a sponsor, contact event directors Brian Parsons (bgo0028@ yahoo.com) and Bert Messina (bertmessina@gmail.com).

There has also been a recent interest in bowling on campus. A number of students have gone to the Athletic Department requesting the creation of a bowling team, and in fall 2016, a female bowling team will be established. Edward Raven, an assistant professor in the medical imaging department in the School of Health Professions and Nursing, will be the head coach of the team. “I am excited for the opportunity to be the head coach of the Pioneers’ women’s bowling team,” Raven said. “Bowling has been my passion for many years and I am looking forward to our inaugural season. This is a fantastic opportunity, not only for myself, but for the student-athletes, to not only compete in a sport that they love, but to get the chance at an excellent education at LIU Post,” he continued.

The athletics department sent out e-mails this semester to all female students inquiring about interest in joining the team. Several expressed interest. For the first year, the team will consist of five to eight members, with the anticipation of eventually building up to 12 members.

The athletic department is investigating several bowling centers for practices, and one will be chosen at the home for the team within the upcoming weeks. Once a “home house,” which is what the coach referred to as the bowling ally where the team will practice, is established, try outs will be held to establish the team. The season will be starting in October 2016. Practices will begin as soon as “home house” is chosen.