SPORTS – Already considered one of the Capital Region’s all-time best bowlers at just 28 years old, Rotterdam native Liz Kuhlkin doesn’t mind the extremely high expectations placed on her by nearly everyone in the region who enjoys the game. In fact, the former University of Nebraska standout expects even more out of herself than all her local colleagues and many national fans. She has nearly 9,000 followers on Facebook, and has an extremely strong presence on social media platforms.
Known as “Queen B,” the Schalmont High School graduate completed another successful league and local tournament season just this week. After competing in the upcoming NYS USBC Championships, including what she hopes will be her fourth consecutive NYS Queens title, she’s preparing to head back out on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association Tour in a couple of weeks.
Kuhlkin, who works as a produce clerk at Price Chopper/Market 32 when she’s not out on the PWBA Tour, is a two-time PWBA champion, including a major win in the 2018 U.S. Women’s Open in Orlando, Florida. She also owns two PWBA regional crowns as well as two gold medals, two silver medals and five bronze medals while competing in international play for Team USA (2018-2021) and Junior Team USA (2014).
She’s excelled at every level, including an amazing collegiate career where she was a member of two national championship teams at Nebraska and earned the 2013 NCAA Bowling Championship’s Most Outstanding Player Award. She was named to the NTCA first-team All-America roster three times. The personable Kuhlkin was also honored with both the 2015 NTCA Division I Player of the Year award and 2015 Nebraska Female Athlete of the Year award.
Kuhlkin, also a member of the USBC Board of Directors, won the 2019-20 USBC National High Average award and the 2016-17 USBC Standard High Series Award, when she set the Schenectady USBC’s record for highest triple (890), which is still the national women’s mark for best three-game set.
Last spring, Kuhlkin was part of the winning squad in the national USBC Women’s Championship Diamond division.
She also has excelled in local league and tournament competition. Kuhlkin, who fared well both in team and individual competition at the annual Green Mountain Open, is a former winner of the prestigious Donato Scratch Singles Tournament and recently completed competition in both of her major scratch leagues. Kuhlkin finished with the highest average (247) in the Reis Group Kim Brown Memorial Mixed Doubles league, and was second (239) to Justin Barcomb’s 242 in the Reis Group Kim Brown Memorial City League, both at Towne Bowling Academy. Her teams won championships in both leagues.
“I can’t complain about this league season,” Kuhlkin said. “By shooting 783 [Monday night]. I got up to 239 in the City League, and my Wednesday night league was incredible. I’ve never bowled that well in league before. I really wanted to set the women’s national record for highest average [250], but I had a rough final week, where I shot just 848, my worst four-game series of the year. That was unfortunate, but I haven’t been feeling well, and I’ve been kind of struggling. I thought it was allergies, but I guess it was some kind of sinus infection and I finally got some antibiotics. I’m on the road to recovery. I’m not 100%, and I’m kind of tired, but I’m getting better.
“I would say I’m satisfied with my league play this year. Obviously, when I bowl in league, I’m more concerned with how my teams do.”
What some people don’t realize is that Kuhlkin’s accomplishments are accompanied by plenty of added pressure, as she is a member of the Brunswick staff, which includes seven different ball companies under its umbrella. Kuhlkin is responsible for testing all the brands and using them in competition. She’s constantly experimenting with new orbs.
“The biggest thing about being on the Brunswick staff is that there are seven brands involved, so there is a lot of overlap with the equipment,” Kuhlkin explained. “But the one thing I’ve improved on over the years as a professional is my ability to see the ball motion and know my equipment. I’m a lot better now than I used to be, and I know where all the balls fit. The biggest reason I have to try all the balls and post videos and stuff like that is my obligation to Brunswick to help them promote their brands. I’ve grown as a player.
“When I try out a new ball, I want to bowl with it and post about it immediately. If I’m bowling good with the same ball all the time, it doesn’t help the brand. My goal is to reach as many people as I can.”
Kuhlkin recently added another promotional aspect to her resume.
“I’ve got a new sponsor, called ‘I AM Bowling.’ It used to be known as Logo Infusion,” Kuhlkin explained. “I signed with them in January, and they gave me the opportunity to sell my own jerseys and my own designs for a certain percentage. I get to design my own jerseys, and people can purchase them online and get a Liz Kuhlkin replica. I’m very excited about that new sponsor.”
As she gets ready for the upcoming PWBA schedule, Kuhlkin, who has also dabbled in sports radio from time to time, noted that this season’s calendar will be quite different than in years past.
“This is the first year I’m going to bowl all the stops,” she said. “It’s a very condensed scheduled and has changed a lot this year. It’s funny, because when the PWBA first started, women who had other jobs could still work their jobs and then go on tour on the weekends. It’s different now, because you go to tournament A, then to tournament B, C and D by driving to them. I’m the type of player who likes to come home and unwind between tournaments, but there is not much time between this year’s tournaments, so I’m going to stay out there and bowl in them all.”
By competing in every stop, Kuhlkin is making a statement.
“This should give me a chance for a run at Player of the Year. That’s my ultimate goal every year,” she said. “The season is also very exciting because the U.S. Open is in South Glens Falls [at Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center]. It will be cool to bowl a tournament I’ve won before in my own backyard.
“My expectation is to win one of the tour stops. I haven’t won on tour in four years. That’s too long. I believe I’m one of the more talented players on tour. There is no reason not to find the winner’s circle again.”
The PWBA Tour starts May 12-15 in Rockford, Illinois and continues in Addison, Illinois, Eagan, Minnesota, Seminole, Florida, Rockville Centre, South Glens Falls, Houston and Dallas.
Aside from her busy PWBA Tour schedule this spring and summer, Kuhlkin is pondering reaching out in a new direction as a coach and mentor.
“Both my parents have suggested to me that I give lessons, but I’ve had a fear of not being good at it,” Kuhlkin admitted. “What if the person I’m coaching doesn’t get better, or I can’t communicate what I’m seeing with their game? But I think I’ve realized that I’ve already touched people by giving some advice and not even realized it. Next year in the fall, I’m thinking about opening a new chapter in my life by giving lessons and putting together a package for kids who are going to bowl in college. I can make some college videos for them. That’s something I already know how to do, because I’ve been there.”
Look for Kuhlkin on the golf course to get a little rest and relaxation over the next few weeks before the PWBA grind begins. She’s also going to do a little practicing and figuring out which balls to bring out on tour.
I’ve known Kuhlkin since she was just a youngster, and there’s no denying her passion, talent, drive and knowledge of the game. Let’s hope she can pad that resume a little bit more with some more wins this spring. She’s got plenty of fans cheering her on.
More: All Sports | Everything Rotterdam
SPECIAL SEASON
The Towne Majors bowling league celebrated its 50th anniversary this season at Towne Bowling Academy, and the Capullo family is hoping to expand the league back to a time when it was one of the center’s largest leagues.
Marty Capullo Sr. started the league the second year he was in the bowling business. He said it was a takeoff of the Mont Pleasant Majors, when Towne Bowling Academy and the now defunct Mont Pleasant Lanes were the only two local centers to have major leagues on Tuesday nights. At one point, the league had 80 bowlers rolling four games a night.
According to Marty Capullo Jr., the league suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year, with COVID, we took a big hit. We were at 14 teams pre-COVID, but we’ve been at 10 teams the last two years,” he said. “But we are looking to expand again. Nine of the 10 current teams are coming back, and there seems to be a little interest from some others, so we’d like to get 12 or 14 teams.”
The handicap league features three-person teams that bowl both head-to-head and for team points. The league starts at 8:45 p.m.
Featured players include two-time average champion R.J. Martinez, Marty Capullo Jr., Chris Lee, Chad Sutliff, Tom Rogers, longtime secretary Bill Nolan, Mike Nolan, John Jones Sr., John Jones Jr., Dan Rotter, Lloyd Denny and Jackie Oliveira, just to name a few.
Call Towne Bowling Academy if you are interested in bowling next season.
STRIKES & SPARES
The PBA50 Tour, which began this week at Lightning Strikes Lanes in Fort Myers, Florida, will be live-streamed on BowlTV.com this season. Former PBA50 Player of the Year and Revolutions Pro Shop proprietor Brian LeClair should be a force this spring and summer. The PBA50 Tour includes 17 stops and concludes in middle August.
The 97th annual New York State Open Championship at Spare Time Latham continues with squads this weekend, beginning Friday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday at 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The event continues through May 15, but is also idle on Mother’s Day weekend. Volunteers are still needed. Contact Carol Judge at Spare Time Latham (518-785-6694) if interested. There is still time to enter, but entries must be in a full week before scheduled competition. Some squads are limited. Contact NYS USBC association manager Angelo Corradino (518-845-363-1374) for more information.
The Capital District Youth Scholarship Tour will be offering a Mini-Gold Marathon on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at Del Lanes. A total of $1,000 in will be added to the scholarship fund.
Sportsman’s Bowl hosts a Three-Person Team Baker Tournament Sunday at noon. Entry fee is $90 per team, and first place will be $540. Six teams will advance to the finals, and the top wo will get a one-round bye. Each match-play round will be a best-of-three. The format will be 12 games of qualifying, and handicap will be 75% of 240. Call Sportsman’s Bowl (518-355-4330) for reservations.
Kelly’s Imperial Lanes will be the site for the Steve Furman Memorial 8-Pin No-Tap tournament April 30 at 2 p.m. The five-person team event has an entry fee of $20 per bowler. All proceeds benefit the Stephen P. Furman Memorial Scholarship Fund. Call 518-842-6490 for more information.
The 86th annual Troy USBC City Tournament begins Monday and runs through May 21. Team competition will be held through May 1 at Barbecue Recreation in Hoosick Falls. Doubles (May 9-14) and singles (May 16-21) will be held at Hometown Lanes. Entry forms are available at Troy USBC bowling centers.
Towne Bowling Academy’s spring leagues include a Kegel Doubles league Wednesday nights at 6:45 p.m. beginning Wednesday, an Adult-Youth league on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning April 26 and a Kegel Challenge Scholarship league on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. also beginning April 26. Call Towne Bowling Academy (518-355-3939) for more information.
Sportsman’s Bowl will offer a Baker Trio league on Tuesday nights at 7 beginning May 3. Top prize will be $1,800, based on 16 teams. It’s an interesting six-game format because and all three bowlers rotate their position in the lineup to split their frames equally. For more information, call Sportsman’s at 518-355-4330.
Sportsman’s Bowl is also offering a Senior Mixed league Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. beginning next Thursday, and a PBA Experience League on Thursday nights at 7 p.m., beginning May 5. Cost is just $12 a week. Six PBA SPORT or Kegel Challenge patterns will be used.
East Greenbush Bowling Center hosts the 10th annual Albany TNBA Doubles on Saturday and Sunday, as well as April 30 and May 1, with time squads available at 10 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Entry fee is $64 per team. Top prize in doubles will be $3,000, based on 300 entries. There are also optional singles and scratch entries for $10 each. Bowlers must be sanctioned by both the TNBA and the USBC. For more information, contact Robert Danzy Jr. (518-507-2218).
MAJOR BOWLING
Broadway Lanes, consisting of Roy Vanderbogart, John Pancake, Eric Stangle and average champion Justin Barcomb, defeated Towne Bowling Academy 2-1 in the final match and then won a one-game roll-off for the second-half championship in the Reis Group Kim Brown Memorial City League Monday night at Towne Bowling Academy. Kuhlkin slammed a 288-783, Paul Dumas fired a 265-781, Jeff Young hammered a 278-779, Tommy Donato delivered a 268-775 and Pancake also had a 290-775 on the final night, while Billy Wigand and Marc Fowler registered perfect games.
Mike Isabella Jr. tossed a 267-740, and Mike Guidarelli ripped a 279-738 as the Sportsman’s Majors closed out its season Monday night at Sportsman’s Bowl. Other leaders included Zach Bogholtz (256-733), Jim Bassotti (259-729), Tom Siatkowski (268-724), Austin Van Buren (255-720) and Chris Fedden (259-720).
Ryan Karabin drilled a perfect game on the way to a 1,063 four-game series, and B.J. Smith Jr. shot games of 278 and 270 en route to a 1,029 to wrap up the average title 240-239 over Karabin in the final week of the Frank DePalma Boulevard Classic Tuesday night at Boulevard Bowl. Tony Bianchi (255-951) and Afwaz Khan (267-939) rounded out the leaders.
REIS GROUP KIM BROWN MEMORIAL CITY LEAGUE
Standings
Broadway Lanes 35-13, Towne Bowling Academy 35-13, J & F Lawn Care 32-16, Sindoni Sausage 31-17, ABS 30-18, DeCrescente Distributing 29-19, Down’s Roofing 29-19, Falvey Real Estate 28-20, Mohawk Chevrolet 27.5-20.5, 20 North 24.5-23.5, Rollerama 24-24, Mastrioanni Food 23.5-24.5, TSS Printing & Awards 22.5-25.5, Palazzo Ristorante 20.5-27.5, Boulevard Bowl 18.5-29.5, Kristel Mechanic 17-31, KKV Recovery 16-32, Broadway Lunch 14-34, D.A. Parisi & Co. 13-35, Fogg’s Automotive 10-30.
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Match summaries
J & F Lawn Care (2)
Jason Brown 221-202-201 — 624, Steve Hallenbeck 235-201-205 — 641, Nick Stricos 154-225-201 — 580, R.J. Martinez 187-234-223 — 644. Totals: 797-862-830 — 2,489.
ABS (1)
Jordan Byrnes 189-138-223 — 550, Matt Kallner 168-167-265 — 600, Jeff Kallner 184-239-213 — 636, Matt Fazzone 245-267-232 — 744. Totals: 786-811-933 — 2,530.
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Sindoni Sausage (2)
Scott Chastenay 237-268-178 — 683, Ron Day 205-196-245 — 646, Joe VanDerLinden 217-247-279 — 743, Tom Egan Jr. 268-278-221 — 767. Totals: 927-989-923 — 2,839.
Down’s Roofing (1)
Nick Barnes 246-225-242 — 713, Ryan Karabin 200-225-223 — 648, Billy Wigand 254-300-213 — 767, Chris Charron 190-188-257 — 635. Totals: 890-938-935 — 2,763.
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DeCrescente Distributing (2)
Jessica Aiezza 213-203-186 — 602, Scott Rogers 183-227-219 — 629, Liz Kuhlkin 258-288-237 — 783, Craig Schoonmaker 266-201-210 — 677. Totals: 920-919-852 — 2,691.
Falvey Real Estate (1)
Lee Aiezza 217-216-246 — 679, Jeff Young 258-278-243 — 779, Ron Unser 191-225-205 — 621, Craig Taylor 168-194-263 — 625. Totals: 834-913-957 — 2,704.
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Mohawk Chevrolet (2)
Ed Gumm 221-187-193 — 601, Chip Tashjian 190-205-217 — 612, Brad Lawyer 222-235-214 — 671, Jody Becker 181-221-216 — 618. Totals: 814-848-840 — 2,502.
Rollerama (1)
Ron Paradiso 255-195-144 — 594, Dan Rotter 196-210-203 — 609, Ken LaBelle Jr. 242-201-234 — 677, Chad Propper 224-182-177 — 583. Totals: 917-788-758 — 2,463.
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Mastrioanni Food (0.5)
Bob Messick 240-268-182 — 690, Chris Allen 237-279-244 — 760, Mike Nolan 170-161-213 — 544, Kate Clark 275-234-182 — 691. Totals: 922-942-822 — 2,685.
20 North (2.5)
Tommy Donato 258-268-249 — 775, Kenny Livengood 193-192-203 — 588, Chris Radliff 248-237-247 — 732, Joe Byrnes 225-245-227 — 697. Totals: 924-942-926 — 2,792.
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TSS Printing & Awards (2)
Paul Dumas 265-258-258 — 781, Dwayne Coonradt 171-172-179 — 522, Jim Geiger (absent) 190-190-190 — 570, Steve Wagoner 278-198-255 — 731. Totals: 904-818-882 — 2,604.
Boulevard Bowl (1)
P.J. Derenzo 234-238-160 — 632, Ken Wilkins 154-185-212 — 551, Derek Foti 222-215-210 — 647, John Mecce 192-192-203 — 587. Totals: 802-830-785 — 2,417.
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Palazzo Ristorante (3)
Cassius Boyd 234-251-248 — 733, Karrie Blake (absent) 190-190-190 — 570, Eric Quinlivan 216-215-275 — 706, Marc Fowler 242-300-225 — 767. Totals: 882-956-938 — 2,776.
Kristel Mechanic (0)
Ed White 220-259-194 — 673, Mel Kristel 243-226-267 — 736, Bryan Kelley 203-223-242 — 668, Jeff Whitehouse 160-209-213 — 582. Totals: 826-917-916 — 2,659.
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KKV Recovery (3)
Nick DiCerbo 245-229-219 — 684, Kara Struffolino 216-188-276 — 680, Vinny Struffolino 203-242-182 — 627, Ronnie Zadrozny (absent) 190-190-190 — 570. Totals: 854-840-867 — 2,561.
D.A. Parisi & Co. (0)
Zach Strachan 169-177-173 — 519, Kyle Wilkins 173-195-199 — 567, Stephen Alexander 168-214-214 — 596, Jeremy Clute 154-169-190 — 513. Totals: 664-755-776 — 2,195.
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Broadway Lunch (3)
Bill Nolan 213-213-147 — 573, Gabe Criscuolo 231-242-248 — 721, Lindsey McPhail 236-233-213 — 682, Ron Williams 63-166-238 — 667. Totals: 943-854-846 — 2,643.
Fogg’s Automotive (0)
Eric McDowell 166-215-218 — 599, Mark Strife (absent) 19—190-190 — 570, Jackie Malone (absent) 190-190-190 — 570, Bob Evans 178-224-179 — 581. Totals: 724-819-777 — 2,320.
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Towne Bowling Academy (1)
Tom Earl 234-202-237 — 673, Tony Palumbo 218-215-226 — 659, Marty Capullo Jr. 249-248-246 — 743, Debbie Capullo 196-232-223 — 651. Totals: 897-897-932 — 2,726.
Broadway Lanes (2)
Roy Vanderbogart 279-236-198 — 713, John Pancake 248-20-237 — 775, Eric Stangle 205-222-199 — 626, Justin Barcomb 234-235-212 — 681. Totals: 966-983-846 — 2,795.
SPORTSMAN’S MAJORS
Standings
Muny Grille 53.5-10.5, Metroland Photo 44.5-19.5, VanBuren Enterprises 41-23, Café One-Eleven 41-23, Precision Floors 38-26, Universal Auto Parts 36-28, G & Dz Pizza 32-32, St. John Stone & Concrete 30.5-33.5, Rollin’ Smoke BBQ 27.5-36.5, Bob’s Pro Shop 275l-36.5, Mike’s Hot Dogs 25-39, Klonowski’s Pro Shop 21-43, The Appliance Specialist 16-48, I.D.I.D. 14.5-49.5.
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Match summaries
Universal Auto Parts (0.5)
Andy Smith 214-185-228 — 627, Bill Heaphy III 257-214-201 — 672, Chris Fedden 204-259-257 — 720, Chris Smith 228-242-219 — 689. Totals: 903-900-905 — 2,708.
Precision Floors (3.5)
Matt Swiatocha 190-238-269 — 697, Mike Guidarelli 241-218-279 — 738, Jim Bassotti 259-222-248 — 729, Tom Siatkowski 234-222-268 — 724. Totals: 924-900-1,064 — 2,888.
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G & Dz Pizza (2)
Matt Hitchcock 201-189-227 — 617, Mike Voss 235-246-234 — 715, Rob Beedleson 259-215-192 — 666, Rich Ellis 192-235-235 — 662. Totals: 887-885-888 — 2,660.
St. John Stone & Concrete (2)
Mike Isabella Jr. 267-256-217 — 740, Andrew D’Aurizio 245-220-238 — 703, Joe D’Aurizio Jr. 176-228-181 — 585, Joe D’Aurizio Sr. 200-212-217 — 629. Totals: 888-916-853 — 2,657.
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Bob’s Pro Shop (1)
Fred McMahon 204-206-176 — 586, Earl Lawrence Jr. 200-208-209 — 617, Bob Tedesco Jr. 200-177-240 — 617, Mike Smith 179-171-235 — 585. Totals: 783-762-860 — 2,405.
Rollin’ Smoke BBQ (3)
Melissa Bogholtz 168-165-237 — 570, Bill Carl 155-205-222 — 582, Zach Bogholtz 253-256-224 — 733, Kalynn Carl 252-242-176 — 670. Totals: 828-868-859 — 2,555.
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Mike’s Hot Dogs (2)
Doug Semerad 175-221-203 — 599, Tammy Sader 209-213-231 — 653, Tom Gorsin 217-235-606 — 658, Kevin Palmer 192-185-211 — 588. Totals: 793-854-851 — 2,498.
Klonowski’s Pro Shop (2)
Anthony Clay 186-216-183 — 585, Amy Matchen 159-223-264 — 646, Jackielynn Noble 278-140-211 — 629, Jim Petronis 213-246-187 — 646. Totals: 836-825-845 — 2,506.
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I.D.I.D. (1)
Tony Fernandez 233-207-235 — 675, Joe Gordon 200-149-183 — 532, Dean Halpin 237-242-195 — 674, A.J. Perone 202-227-211 — 640. Totals: 872-825-824 — 2,521.
The Appliance Specialist (3)
Mike Liberatore 234-239-215 — 688, Steve Fawcett 224-234-192 — 650, Brandon Sheridan 203-264-166 — 633, Chris Fawcett 247-225-207 — 679. Totals: 908-962-780 — 2,650.
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Muny Grille (4)
Jay Diamond 183-289-245 — 717, Dave Bingham 226-228-191 — 645, John Musto Jr. 201-241-237 — 679, Jamie Diamond 258-178-221 — 657. Totals: 868-936-894 — 2,698.
Metroland Photo (0)
Lee Quivey 201-180-187 — 568, Steve Renzi 202-213-193 — 608, Mike Gallitelli 211-161-162 — 534, Billy McGaffin Jr. 239-213-207 — 659. Totals 853-767-749 — 2,369.
FRANK DePALMA BOULEVARD CLASSIC
Standings
Down’s Roofing 59.5-20.5, Masons Automotive 51-29, Boulevard Bowl 50.5-29.5, Derenzo’s Tax Service 40.5-39.5, D.A. Parisi & Co. 40-40, MBM Motorsports 39-41, Kalpro 38-42, Team 8 1.5-78.5.
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Match summaries
Down’s Roofing (5)
Zach Strachan 202-180-248-227 — 857, Afwaz Khan 210-255-207-267 — 939, Ryan Karabin 300-290-243-230 — 1,063. Totals: 712-725-698-724 — 2,859.
Boulevard Bowl (0)
Larry Belak 182-204-182-181 — 749, Brian Hart 166-193-226-185 — 770, Derek Foti 212-221-227-233 — 893. Totals: 560—618-635-599 — 2,412.
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Mason’s Automotive (4)
Mark Hansen 214-228-193-215 — 850, Robin Fredenburgh 216-211-178-206 — 811, B.J. Smith Jr. 270-278-256-225 — 1,029. Totals: 700-717-627-646 — 2,690.
D.A. Parisi & Co. (1)
John Mecca 258-206-254-193 — 911, Jeff Williams (absent) 190-190-190 — 760, Ken Wilkins 236-225-253-188- – 902. Totals: 684-621-697-571 — 2,573.
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Kalpro (1)
Keith Lawyer 236-245-203-177 — 861, Kyle Wilkins 222-166-184-248 — 820, Joe Carusone 194-186-164-178 — 722. Totals: 652-597-551-603 — 2,403.
Derenzo’s Tax Service (4)
P.J. Derenzo 225-224-187-246 — 882, Mikey Liberatore 163-177-205-256 — 801, Stephen Alexander 218-210-234-166 — 828. Totals: 606-611-626-668 — 2,511.
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MBM Motorsports (4)
Zach Mecca 197-186-158-170 — 711, Tony Bianchi 219-223-255-254 — 951, Tom Girard 159-258-225-196 — 838. Totals: 575-667-638-620 — 2,500.
Team 8 (1)
No one bowled.
Reach Bob Weiner at [email protected].
