Thousands of teams from all over the USA have been flocking to the Cashman Center in Las Vegas for the past several months to compete in the annual USBC Open Championships.

Wayne County will be proudly represented by some of the finest amateur bowlers the area has to offer.

Over the course of the last two months, 10 men and women who frequent Paupack Lanes have been traveling to the center on Sunday and Thursday evenings to practice on the same condition which they will face when they make the journey this Saturday.

For some, this will be the first time competing in the USBC Open Championships...as is the case with Stephanie and Tom Eisenhauer and Jim and Eva Kennedy. Others, such as Bob Klemovitch and Scott Bates, see the trip as nothing more than an annual routine.

A Bit of History
Paupack Lanes first began sending bowlers to the Open Championships in 2007 when Jason Lundquist, who is ineligible to compete this year due to his tour exemption, decided to organize two teams to make the pilgrimage.

In any sport, the mindset of each contestant prior to beginning competition varies. This is very much the case with the bowlers who will be competing in this year’s Open. While watching Sunday’s practice session, one could observe these varying mindsets between the bowlers.

Honesdale’s Scott Bates was analytical and discussed with his teammates his observations. He played the lanes a bit more directly compared to his normal “cranker” style.

In contrast, Hilda Klemovitch did not allow the conditions to infringe upon her style. She continued to roll the ball straight — not relying on her ball to hook.

The 10 keglers depart Honesdale Saturday at 3:00 a.m. and bowl two days next week. The format is nine games in two days — the team event one day and the doubles and singles events on a second day.

Patriots of the Sport
To celebrate our nation’s birthday, we will take this time to recognize select individuals who can be called true Americans for devoting their time to the sport of bowling.

Matt & Sarah Tardona — Throughout the years, despite an ailing economy or other troubling circumstances, one thing has continued to improve here in Wayne County: the participation in the sport of bowling by the area’s youth.

This continued success by the program can be attributed to the constant efforts put forth by Matt Tardona and his wife, Sarah. The couple has directed Paupack’s youth leagues for almost a decade and continues to improve the program.

When not helping her husband with the chores associated with directing the youth program, Sarah can often times be seen bowling herself. However, unlike many who bowl, Sarah does not have the advantage of doing so from a standing position.

Sarah is handicapped and her mobility is limited by a wheelchair. Still, she doesn’t allow her participation in the sport of bowling to be limited.

Sarah participates in three leagues during the winter season and one in the summer.

It is for Mr. & Mrs Tardona’s efforts and determination that they are true patriots to the sport of bowling.

Fred Haase — He's been bowling most of his life. Despite being an active participant in the sport throughout many changing eras, Fred has kept his game constant.

He uses an old Hammer ball as well as an old pair of house bowling shoes. Fellow bowler Michael Markis has joked, saying the ball came out a few years before he was born in the mid-1980s. He’d been bowling for many years by that time.

Haase has five perfect games on his resume and presently serves as president for the Friday Doubles League in the summer.

It is for his continuous participation in the sport that a man known as “Fast Freddie” is a bowling patriot.

The Gumble Family — The Gumbles are a humble family whose family legacy shouts American patriotism.

The family consists of Dennis, Barbara and Eric.

Dennis and Barbara are the proprietors of the Wallenpaupack Bowling Center. They are residents of Paupack, where the Gumble Family has been for many generations.

Growing up, young Dennis experienced a true “American Childhood.”

Unlike Annie Dillard however, who grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, young Dennis was taught the ways of nature by his father — who took him hunting when he was 11-years-old.

Dennis was also instilled with respect for religion...a respect he still demonstrates today.

After marrying Barbara, the couple built a house in which they continue to reside. In 2000, they purchased Paupack Lanes and embarked on a business venture.

After returning from college, the couple’s son, Eric, was named the center’s general manager.

Today, when not making executive decisions, Eric can be seen coaching, both kids and adults. A USBC Bronze Level Coach, Eric serves as the co-director of the center’s junior program.

It is for the Gumble’s continued involvement in the sport, and for choosing to live the American dream of owning a successful business, that they are true patriots to the sport of bowling. 

Brian Hafler — He devoted his life to helping others. One such example of this devotion was his constant attendance each Saturday where he would coach junior bowlers.

A certified coach and loving husband, Brian was a hard worker and model American. Each week, he would pull a 40-hour shift at Woodloch, followed by another eight hours on Saturday at the lanes.

Brian could be seen at bowling alleys throughout the area — as he would watch his son, Matthew, in various tournaments. One time, Brian followed Matthew to Buffalo, NY to watch him bowl.

Brian also respected and loved his country, as was seen once when the Pledge of Allegiance was said, and, despite ailing from cancer, he still managed to stand tall and remembered to remove his cap.

It was Brian’s constant support of junior bowlers that he was, and will forever be, a patriot of the sport.