Passaic Tech’s John Silvestro (left) and Pompton Lakes’ Dillon Cilento (right) helped write another chapter in their teams’ rivalry at the Passaic County bowling tournament. (Photos/Joe Camporeale)
In Audrey Jantzen’s first season as coach of the Passaic Tech bowling program, the Bulldogs overtook Pompton Lakes to win the 2002-03 B-PSL King Division title on the final day of the regular season. The following winter, those teams finished tied for first, and Tech won a one-game tiebreaker to edge the Cardinals for the King title… for the third year in a row.
The teams’ league duels ended when the Bulldogs moved to the large-school Northern Hills Conference for the 2004-05 season. Of course, both the B-PSL and Northern Hills are now distant memories, but the PCT-Pompton rivalry is alive and well — the Cardinals beat Tech for their first Passaic County championship in 2013, and the Bulldogs turned the tables last Friday at Parkway Lanes, winning by just 34 points.
There are more tales to tell about the champions crowned at the 41st Passaic County tournament (even beyond what already has been written), as well as news from outside the lines— er, lanes.
THE ‘BANNED’ PERRY: (Couldn’t resist, it was too punny… darn Country music.) So Hawthorne coach John LaForge faced a tough decision. Freshman Madison Perry has been a season-long starter in the Bears’ co-ed NJIC Colonial Division lineup. However, the rule at the Passaic tournament is that girls who compete for boys/co-ed teams will have their scores counted as boys individuals. In order to be eligible for girls high series, they either must enter as individuals or compete on an all-girls team — which Hawthorne fielded solely for the county tourney. Back to that thought shortly.
For whatever it’s worth, Hawthorne frosh Madison Perry rolled the top series by a girl (508) at the Passaic tourney.
Now, another rule on the books came into play: Girls may compete on co-ed teams in the boys sectional and state tournaments, provided they did not bowl for an all-girls team at any point during the season. Given that the Bears are reigning North 1B, Group 2 champs, LaForge wanted to preserve Perry’s eligibility so she could help the team defend its title… and that left him with two options: 1.) Enter her in the Passaic County tournament as an individual, so she could be eligible for both high series *and* state-tournament competition; or, 2.) Start her on the boys team, making States a “yes” but the county high series a “no”.
Since Perry and her 170-plus average gave Hawthorne the best chance to compete for the Passaic boys title, that’s how the coach played it. And he wasn’t the only NJIC Colonial team that ran into this issue — Doug Batsch of Pompton Lakes couldn’t have fielded his strongest starting five without junior Julieanne Kornberg, so she bowled with the boys and could not contend for girls high series.
Now, here’s the real kicker: Perry’s 508 series would have been good enough to give her first place, and Kornberg’s 486 would have been good enough for third. Seems fairly unfair, right? Both coaches expressed the desire to see a rule tweak in the future, but for the time being, that’s the way it is. On the other hand, it also would be unfair to focus only on the negative of the situation and take away from what the top-three medalists accomplished: Wayne Valley’s Kristine Verbeke (505), Wayne Hills’ Catie Bombard (483) and Valley’s Claudine Rosca (459) finished with the highest girls series under the current structure, and since they didn’t write the rulebook, they still ought to be congratulated for their efforts. Which, come to think of it, they were. On we go…
BACK TO THIS THOUGHT: Yes, it is true, Hawthorne put together a girls squad just for counties and finished second. This winter also was not the first time that happened — the Bears were girls runner-up in 2001 and 2002, when the anchor of the boys team, Mandy Pezzano, helped get a separate squad going so she could be eligible to win high series (which she did both years). I do recall Pezzano going on to bowl as an independent in the girls state tournament… then again, the state boys/girls/team/singles competitions were all held on one day back then, and I can’t recall if the NJSIAA rules were any different at the time. At any rate, congrats to the “Lady Bears” Samantha Contrini, Amanda Consentino, Juliana Kimberlin, Katrina Plaszky and Jess Schoen for a fine showing in their one-night-only performance of the season.
THEY KNEW JUST HOW IT FELT: The Wayne Valley girls ought to empathize with the beginning of this blog entry. The Indians placed runner-up to crosstown rival Wayne Hills two years in a row before breaking through with the program’s first county title on Friday. Last year, the difference was eight pins, the closest finish in tournament history (to Taglines’ knowledge, anyway) — “A bit of a heartbreaker,” in the words of coach Jason Wilke — and no one had to remind the girls of that. True, there were not as many teams that had the depth to challenge for the team title this year… and, that fact matters not to the folks south of Ratzer Road in Wayne. Valley had the best team in the field, far and away, and deserved to take home the trophy.
Verbeke became the third Wayne Valley girl to claim the individual title, and all of her teammates placed in the Top 9: Rosca in third, followed by juniors Dawn Hansen (165 high game, 439 series for 4th), Marissa Luzzi (152—439 for 5th) and Jessica Whiteside (157—377 for 9th). In addition, this was the Indians’ first team championship… in fact, they’re only the fourth different school to take home the Passaic girls crown since it was first awarded in 1997. The full rundown of all-time champs is below.
OKAY, BACK TO THE BOYS: Senior Justin Floyd (703) definitely made history in one department with his boys high series gold medal, and he may have done so in another. You may notice our List of Champions only goes back to the mid-’80s, at least for now. Floyd is the first Manchester bowler to make the list as it currently exists, so there is a chance he is the first Passaic individual champion in school history. Incidentally, he also received the high game silver medal for his 275.
The right-hander is definitely the first champ in family history. His older brother, Jaylin (Manchester Class of 2010), was county runner-up as a junior, though he did have a healthy 716 series and 279 high game in doing so. As it does in the Tags clan, the battle for brotherly bragging rights may never truly end… but since he got the gold, Justin gets dibs on having his name in bold this time.
About the only bad news for the singles champs Verbeke and Floyd is that the Aces do not yet have any action photos of them… YET.
NOW FOR THE ‘HONOR ROLL’: (Get it? Roll, bowling— OK, I should have stopped with the Perry pun. Sorry…) Passaic Tech used six different bowlers in scoring its first-place 3,069, and they are six legit shooters who would start on almost any team in North Jersey. There is only one senior in the bunch, Austin Hackett, who actually won high series at counties in 2013 and only bowled two games this time around. That is how deep the Bulldogs’ lineup is. Juniors Austin Burtwell (2nd last year, 5th this year), John Silvestro (11th this year) and Michael Williams (alternated with Hackett) all contributed, and the sophomore class is strong, with Anthony Rizzo (6th place) and Isiah Tolbert (3rd place) occupying spots 3 and 5 in the rotation. In the interest of full disclosure, both Silvestro and Tolbert are southpaws, making this the most left-handed team in Passaic County… but even if they were all righties, Taglines would still have to admit, this team looks like a serious state contender.
As for Pompton Lakes, Kornberg fits nicely into the No. 3 spot, with junior Frank Magyar (2nd place) and senior Spencer Schoonmaker (4th place) in front of her, and the duo of brothers Nick and Dillon Cilento anchoring the 4-5. Nick is only a freshman and had his best game (225) in the finale, while the senior Dillon opened with a clean 277 to earn high game honors. The Cardinals may not have the “bench” depth of other teams in The Record’s Top 10, but this starting five darn near beat a Group 4 power for the county title and will be hard to dethrone in the North 1B, Group 1 tournament.
SCENE & HEARD: Unfortunately, Taglines learned that Passaic Valley dropped its bowling program this season, which is a shame because A.) the Hornets were one of the longest-running teams in North Jersey, and B.) the boys and girls squads both were fairly successful in recent years. PV’s Michelle Sadkin won girls high series two years ago, and the Hornet boys were the 2009 team champion. … DePaul and West Milford both are without girls teams this season but fortunately soldier on as programs. Junior Joe Malyack carried the co-ed Spartans with a 17th-place 566 series, and the Highlanders placed three bowlers in the Top 15: Stephen Rotella (12th, 597), Matt Goldberg (13th, 588) and Jeremy Scott (15th, 577). … So that no one gets left out (ahem) of the southpaw standings: Lakeland junior Tyler Knipping (9th, 616) finished in between Tolbert and Silvestro, while Wayne Valley junior Josh Spiegel (18th, 564) also was in the mix. … Must give some kudos to the Hawthorne boys, too. They made a push to catch third-place West Milford with a 969 third game, keyed by Rich Christensen’s 222 and Ian Bruinooge’s 245. … Tenth-place finisher Greg Vivino of Wayne Valley had a very familiar-sounding last name, and coach Wilke confirmed the fact — the senior right-hander is the son of Floyd Vivino, a.k.a. “Uncle Floyd” of local TV fame. That said, the tastefully-named Greg has made a name for himself, not only by shooting 200 or better in all three games last Friday, but also by being a much snappier dresser. (Rimshot? Anyone?)
FINALLY, ONE SERIOUS NOTE: As much as Taglines likes to focus on the fun in sports, life outside the lanes is not always that way. After the tournament ended, I was sad to receive the news that Eastern Christian had been without one of its top bowlers, as Rob Leghorn missed the event to be with his ailing mother, Linda. It was even sadder to hear on Sunday that Linda had passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. On behalf of the Aces, our condolences go out to the Leghorn family… please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, along with any families in similar situations.
Tournament action resumes 9 a.m. Saturday with the girls North sectional at Bowler City.
41st PASSAIC COUNTY BOWLING TOURNAMENT
(Jan. 24 at Parkway Lanes, Elmwood Park)
Boys Team Results
1. Passaic Tech (PT) 991-1,084-994—3,069
2. Pompton Lakes (PL) 1,084-944-1,007—3,035
3. West Milford (WM) 970-854-938—2,762
4. Hawthorne (H) 874-869-969—2,712
5. Wayne Valley (WV) 2,677
6. Lakeland (L) 2,639
7. Manchester (M) 2,297
8. Wayne Hills (WH) 2,283
9. Clifton (C) 2,254
10. Passaic (P) 2,226
11. Hawthorne Christian (HC) 1,837
12. Eastside (E) 1,817
13. DePaul (D) 1,778
14. Eastern Christian (EC) 1,607
15. Kennedy (K) 1,444
Boys Individual Results
1. Justin Floyd (M), 184-275-244—703; 2. Frank Magyar (PL), 264-191-244—699; 3. Isiah Tolbert (PT), 204-244-216—664; 4. Spencer Schoonmaker (PL), 235-235-183—653; 5. Austin Burtwell (PT), 193-244-211—648; 6. Anthony Rizzo (PT), 236-201-211—648; 7. Dillon Cilento (PL), 277-171-187—635; 8. Rich Christensen (H), 167-234-222—623; 9. Tyler Knipping (L), 193-195-228—616; 10. Greg Vivino (WV), 200-208-201—609; 11. (tie) John Silvestro (PT) and Stephen Rotella (WM), 597; 13. Matt Goldberg (WM), 588; 14. Matt Morris (WV), 578; 15. Jeremy Scott (WM), 577; 16. Robin Nunez (P), 569; 17. Joe Malyack (D), 566; 18. Josh Spiegel (WV), 564; 19. Nick Cilento (PL), 562; 20. Jose Rosado (C), 555; 21. Nick Vilardi (C), 554; 22. Steve Plaszky (H), 536; 23. Ian Bruinooge (H), 525; 24. Mike Ulrich (H), 520; 25. Mike Lindner (L), 519; 26. Ryan Strover (WH), 512; 27. (tie) Aaron Schwartz (L) and Madison Perry (H), 508; 29. Kyle Maskley (WM), 501; 30. Malcolm Ireland (WM), 499.
Boys High Game
1. Dillon Cilento (PL), 277; 2. Justin Floyd (M), 275; 3. Frank Magyar (PL), 264.
Girls Team Results
1. Wayne Valley (WV) 791-724-704—2,219
2. Hawthorne (H) 617-590-530—1,737
3. Clifton (C) 1,666
4. Wayne Hills (WH) 1,629
5. Passaic Tech (PT) 1,612
6. Passaic (P) 1,567
7. Lakeland (L) 1,428
8. Eastside (E) 1,379
9. Kennedy (K) 1,247
Girls Individual Results
1. Kristine Verbeke (WV), 225-153-127—505; 2. Catie Bombard (WH), 101-208-174—483; 3. Claudine Rosca (WV), 136-165-158—459; 4. Dawn Hansen (WV), 121-153-165—439; 5. Marissa Luzzi (WV), 152-138-149—439; 6. Katrina Plaszky (H), 393; 7. (tie) Emani Johnson (C) and Catherine Juarez (C), 379; 9. Jessica Whiteside (WV), 377; 10. Veronica Viera (C), 362; 11. Dayshia Fernandez (P), 355; 12. Jess Schoen (H), 354; 13. Isabella Parker (L), 347; 14. Luelimber Ramirez (PT), 346; 15. Juliana Kimberlin (H), 344; 16. Christina Burke (H), 340; 17. Julia Schuckman, (PT), 331; 18. Mariyah Tripp (E), 328; 19. (tie) Kimberly Rodriguez (PT) and Amanda Consentino (H), 325.
Girls Individuals from Boys Teams
Madison Perry (H), 197-167-144—508; Julieanne Kornberg (PL), 149-169-168—486; Hana Schwartz (EC), 359; Brianna Hughes (D), 343; Courtney Nilssen (D), 333.
Girls High Game
1. Kristine Verbeke (WV), 225; 2. Catie Bombard (WH), 208; 3. Claudine Rosca and Dawn Hansen (WV), 165.
ALL-TIME PASSAIC COUNTY BOYS BOWLING TEAM CHAMPIONS
2013: 1. Pompton Lakes (3,023), 2. Passaic Tech (2,895)
2012: 1. Wayne Hills (3,014), 2. Clifton (2,791)
2011: 1. Clifton (2,690), 2. Lakeland (2,598)
2010: 1. Passaic Tech (2,944), 2. Lakeland (2,696)
2009: 1. Passaic Valley (3,020), 2. Pompton Lakes (2,879)
2008: 1. Lakeland (2,823), 2. Passaic Valley (2,806)
2007: 1. Clifton (3,191), 2. Wayne Valley (3,132)
2006: 1. Clifton (3,038), 2. Passaic Tech (3,030)
2005: 1. Wayne Hills (3,035), 2. Passaic Tech (3,009)
2004: 1. Clifton (3,076), 2. Wayne Valley (3,047)
2003: 1. Clifton (2,992), 2. Passaic (2,978)
2002: 1. Clifton (2,986), 2. Passaic (2,981)
2001: 1. Passaic (2,948), 2. Wayne Valley (2,848)
2000: 1. Wayne Hills (3,255), 2. Passaic Tech (2,941)
1999: 1. Clifton (2,889), 2. Wayne Hills (2,829)
1998: 1. Manchester (2,828)
1997: 1. Passaic Tech (2,845), 2. Clifton (2,807)
1996: 1. Hawthorne (2,892), 2. Clifton (2,886)
1995: 1. Passaic (6,081), 2. Clifton (5,674)^
1994: 1. Passaic (3,132), 2. DePaul (3,024)
1993: 1. Clifton, 2. West Milford
1992: 1. Wayne Hills (2,606), 2. DePaul (2,562)
1991: 1. Hawthorne (2,500), 2. Passaic Valley (2,484)
1990: 1. Hawthorne (2,649), 2. Wayne Valley (2,619)
1989: 1. Clifton (2,863), 2. Wayne Valley (2,655)
1988: 1. Wayne Valley (2,672), 2. Passaic (2,642)
1987: 1. Clifton, 2. Passaic Tech
1974-86: INFO MISSING! If you can help find it, please email Taglines so we can update the list.
ALL-TIME PASSAIC COUNTY BOYS BOWLING INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS
2013: Austin Hackett (Passaic Tech), 645
2012: Ryan Kattine (Wayne Hills), 715
2011: Tim Scott (West Milford), 672
2010: Corey Burtwell (Passaic Tech), 741
2009: Tim Scott (West Milford), 767
2008: Greg Kratky (Wayne Hills), 710
2007: Kyle Jacobsen (Hawthorne), 736
2006: Kyle Jacobsen (Hawthorne), 694
2005: Carlos Duarte (Passaic Tech), 741
2004: Carlos Duarte (Passaic Tech), 731
2003: Hector Collado (Passaic), 689
2002: Kevin Cheuvront (Wayne Valley), 681
2001: Jared Zimmerman (Hawthorne), 714
2000: Ken Hermanny (Wayne Hills), 726
1999: Kevin Riebesell (Clifton), 644
1998: Antoine Moody (Eastside), 655
1997: Jared Blitzstein (West Milford), 646
1996: Dave Simon (Clifton), 659
1995: Matt Durham (Passaic), 1,325^
1994: Shawn Aiello (DePaul), 709
1993: Dave Simon (Clifton), 650
1992: Shawn Aiello (DePaul), 620
1991: Al Roughgarden (Hawthorne), 592
1990: Glenn Wanke (Wayne Valley), 625
1989: Emil Dudas (Clifton), 698
1988: Damon DeLise (Wayne Valley), 651
1974-87: INFO MISSING! If you can help find it, please email Taglines so we can update the list.
^ The 1995 tournament used a 6-game format
ALL-TIME PASSAIC COUNTY GIRLS BOWLING TEAM CHAMPIONS
2013: 1. Wayne Hills (2,014), 2. Wayne Valley (2,006)
2012: 1. Wayne Hills (1,946), 2. Wayne Valley (1,895)
2011: 1. Clifton (2,456), 2. Lakeland (2,094)
2010: 1. DePaul (2,589), 2. Clifton (2,305)
2009: 1. Clifton (2,281), 2. Passaic Valley (2,270)
2008: 1. Clifton (2,312), 2. Wayne Hills (2,099)
2007: 1. Clifton (2,533), 2. Wayne Hills (2,358)
2006: 1. Clifton (2,585), 2. Wayne Hills (2,169)
2005: 1. Clifton (2,517), 2. Wayne Hills (2,069)
2004: 1. Clifton (2,287), 2. Wayne Hills (1,758)
2003: 1. Clifton
2002: 1. Clifton (2,399), 2. Hawthorne (2,114)
2001: 1. Clifton, 2. Hawthorne
2000: 1. Clifton (2,113), 2. Wayne Hills (2,085)
1999: 1. Clifton (2,375), 2. Passaic (2,247)
1998: 1. Clifton (2,576), 2. Pompton Lakes
1997: 1. Clifton (2,292), 2. Wayne Hills (2,182)
ALL-TIME PASSAIC COUNTY GIRLS BOWLING INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS
2013: Meagan Collins (Mary Help), 538
2012: Michelle Sadkin (Passaic Valley), 505
2011: Sonja Shirak (Clifton), 640
2010: Colette Maylack (DePaul), 680*
2009: Sonja Shirak (Clifton), 609
2008: Jackie Kurtz (Wayne Valley), 588
2007: Angela Untisz (DePaul), 660
2006: Vickie Van Riper (Clifton), 627
2005: Kristen Graham (Hawthore), 656
2004: Kari Berkman (Wayne Valley), 626
2003: Jeunelle Sanabria (Clifton), 611
2002: Mandy Pezzano (Hawthorne), 648
2001: Mandy Pezzano (Hawthorne), 642
2000: Dawn Durham (Passaic), 552
1999: Robyn Carey (Wayne Hills), 581
1998: Amy Pasternack (Clifton), 610
1997: Lauren Rybak (Passaic), 563
*Tournament record
See you ’round the lanes…
—GT