There’s no better way to bring youth and seniors together than involve them in something they both enjoy. That was the idea of Harvest Park Bowl’s Senior League player and Youth Coach Bob Damico and Youth Bowling Director Natalie Paris. Their plan: to form doubles teams comprising one youth (6-20) and one senior (55 and older). And to sweeten the deal: make it a no-tap tournament (in which nine-pin first ball counts as a strike) and contribute the proceeds to youth scholarship awards.

On Aug. 22, 92 bowlers (46 youth and 46 seniors ranging in age from 6 to 93) were paired up into doubles teams for strikes, high fives, fun, fellowship – and scholarship money.

Teams of note were Jacob Scocca, 12, and Ed Stewart, 93. The distinction of youngest bowler went to 6-year-old Emily Rose Iles.

According to Paris, “Our youth bowlers are great kids, and the seniors were fantastic. They all had a great time, and it was a great turn-out.”

Damico echoed her sentiment: “It was an absolute success. I am so proud of these kids and pleased to see the support from our seniors.”

The youth bowlers were equally enthusiastic. “It was so cool. It was nice to get to know some of the senior bowlers,” said Michael Gonzales.

“It was fun. The kids were very nice,” said Ardel Bert.

Harvest Park Bowl owner Jim Wangeman sees the senior/youth tournament as an ongoing event. “It was very rewarding to see the mix of seniors and youth,” he said, “and how well they interacted and had fun. We’ll do it again for sure.”

RESULTS


(Youth bowlers are listed first)

Division A (no handicap)

Ashley Jones and Keith Jones

Division B (no handicap)

Brooke Norwood and Marie Wilson



Winners Division A (handicap)

First Place Youth: AJ Collins and Bob Damico

Second Place: Kyle Dryer and Greg Mattus

Third Place: Tie – Conner Wax and Jerry Marshall; Zak Gadberry and Doug LaMee

Fourth Place: DeAnza DeVera and Karen Patterson

Fifth Place: Mariah Dong and Don Patterson

Sixth Place: Michael Gonzales and Paul Elmer



Winners Division B (handicap)

First Place: Jacob Scocca and Ed Stewart

Second Place: Zach Briggs and Ed Gallagher

Third Place: Shelby Throntveit and Bert Bertalero

Fourth Place: Sara Kostenuk and Eloise Gatson

Fifth Place: Alexa Sylva and Jim Padilla

Sixth Place: Colin Hannigan and Barbara Matteucci