From time to time during this 2021 bowling season we intend to put the spotlight on bowlers who very well might produce some outstanding scores.

For our first in depth article, we have asked 26-year-old Monticello bowler Pedro Joseph Agapito III to step up to the plate and tell us about his 41st 300 game and 804 series that he bowled on September 24 in the Kiamesha Lanes Friday Night Mixed League on lanes 5-6, using his 900 Global Money Badger Tour bowling ball. He also bowls with a Storm Hyroad Pearl bowling ball.

A graduate of Monticello High School, Pedro started bowling at the age of 9, and he learned about the game in the Saturday Morning youth league at Kiamesha Lanes for seven years.

Pedro was 16 when he joined the Kiamesha Lanes Monday Night Men's league with team members James Durland, Eddie Walsh and Nick Price.

At present, Pedro bowls in three leagues, the Monday Men's and the Friday Mixed, both at Kiamesha Lanes, and the Wednesday Men's Port Jervis City League at Port Jervis Lanes.

He holds down a 220 average at Port Jervis Lanes and averages between 235-240 in the two other leagues. 300 games and 800 series are almost automatic for Pedro as he has recorded somewhere around 40 in each category.

When asked if he ever dreams about bowling professionally Pedro says, “I would love to one day, and right now I want to bowl in a lot more tournaments.”

Remembering his experience while bowling in the Professional Bowlers Association 2018 U.S. Open at Syracuse, we asked Pedro what he took away after competing under difficult conditions and what he learned that has had an efffect on his bowling today.

He said, “It was definitely an experience, but it was well worth it, bowling with all the people I watch and look up to.

“The main thing I learned is to be consistent, and if you asked the bowlers I bowl with now, all I talk about is me being consistent and that's all I work on. I want to make sure of my speed, the way I release my ball, where I throw my ball, and everything is consistent every time,” Agapito said.

Remembering his 2018 U.S. Open Pedro noted, “Bowling at the Masters is way different than a house shot, and you have to be way more consistent and that's the main thing I learned is to be more consistent.”

One of the great joys Pedro has had the past several years is his marriage to Angela and the birth of their son, Jaylen Nelson Agapito.

His full time job is being a stay at home dad taking care of Jaylen.

When asked who his favorite professional bowlers are he noted, “Jason Belmonte and Parker Bohn III.”

Pedro noted that all the strikes in this recent 300, “Were in the pocket.”

He bowled this 300 and 804 series off single scores of 269, 300, 235, and bowls with teammates, league secretary, Michelle Macedonio, Ron Lemon and Dave Sawall.

Ed’s Outlook

The 43rd New York State (USBC) Open Senior Championships will be held October 16-17 and October 23-24, 2021 at the Vista Bowling Center in Yorkville, NY.

The age divisions are Class E 50-54, Class D 55-59, Class C 60-64, Class B 65-69, Class A 70-74 and Super Senior 75 and up. One in five cash.

Squad times are 10/16 and 10/23 at 12:30 & 3 p.m., 10/17 and 10/24 at 12:00, 2:30 and 5 p.m.

Entry fees for doubles is $30 per person and $30 for singles. Entries close 1 hour prior to last squad on Oct. 24, depending upon availability.

Entry forms available at the NYS Bowling Association web site.

Complete the entry form and send fees to NYS USBC, Angelo Corradino, Association Manager, 9 Tanager Rd., Brewster, NY 10509.

For information call 845-363-1374. Web site is bowlnysusbc@gmail.com.

Bowling Tip by Mike Luongo

The tip this week is for all bowlers but will be especially beneficial to youth and beginning bowlers.

Many bowlers worry too much about their steps and footwork, giving little thought to their upper body position.

In the past, most new bowlers were told that you must use a four step approach and push the ball away on the first step. This advice was generally imparted by someone with the word "coach" lettered on their shirt. Unfortunately, this advice is pure rubbish.

First of all, all bowlers have different body types, different flexibility and different lengths to their arms and legs. So how is it possible that everyone can effectively use the exact same four step approach? They can't.

If you look back at the legends of the game, did any two bowlers have exactly the same style? No.

The most important thing is getting the bowler's body in the correct position; head over the ball with the bowling shoulder tilted to the ball side. In this way, the feet will go where they must so that you do not fall down.

The bottom line is, if you are someone who works with new or youth bowlers, you must understand that everyone has different physiology, so you need to help them get their body into the correct position and not focus on how many steps they take (or how these steps are taken) to get to the foul line.