SP-F Bowling Team Finishes Season at Tournament of Champions

The best team to ever bowl for Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School finished their season to remember by joining the top 40 teams in the state at the Tournament of Champions Saturday at Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick.

This venue was a longtime stop on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour and featured legends such as New Jersey's own Johnny Petraglia, Earl Anthony and Dick Weber to name a few.

They would have been proud to see the talent the Raiders brought to the finals.

When all was said and done, SP-F finished third in Group 3, challenging Sayreville and Brick Memorial for the top spot through the first two games. The Raiders were second after the first game with a total pin count of 1.046, second only to Sayreville's 1.091.

It was then that the Baker system came into play, where each team bowls on one lane and alternates the five bowlers through a normal ten-frame game. The Raiders totaled 986 pins during the five Baker games, but Sayreville ultimately prevailed, taking the Group 3 crown.

Still, it was an experience these Raiders will never forget. 

"I'm very proud of what we've done," said junior anchor Mike Tufaro, who rolled a 226 in the second game. "The beginning of the season, we started off 9-0 and then we bowled our first competitive team and lost to them, so I was a little discouraged. But we came back in the second half of the season. Everybody picked up their game."

Longtime Coach James Mason said the fact that the team reached the Tournament of Champions was a tribute to their hard work throughout the season. 

"I was very pleased that we were here," he said. "I was pleased the way we bowled today. We were very good. We were over our average for the season and any time you do that, it's kind of special."

Greg Budis, who will return next year, was caught up in the electric atmosphere.

"It was amazing, the house was full of energy," said Budis, who rolled an impressive 248. "The whole team had a great time bowling. It was fun being in the running, having a chance to win this."

Sophomore Nick Stawicki, who will play a key role next season, called the scene "crazy."

"All the fans from all the different schools were cheering," he said. "Just being here was a lot of pressure, but it's much more than we ever expected we'd ever get to."

Senior Katarina Nier, who will be attending Penn State University in the fall, concluded her career on the biggest stage of them all, following her appearance in the girls' individual championships this past Wednesday.

"It was fun," said Nier, who rolled a high of 203. "I knew we could do it. This was our best season in a long time. I think everyone worked well together. I hope they can keep it up for a few more years."

As for the different format, some bowlers were more affected than others.

"Well, I never did the Baker round before and it was exciting for me, it was a new experience," Citera said. "I did well individually. Everyone else on the team did their part. Overall, I couldn't ask for more."

One intangible that cannot be overlooked was the team camaraderie present at each and every match. Weather it was a strike or a rare open frame, there were always high fives and encouragement for one another.

"I hope what the team takes out of it is that we preach the team concept," Mason said. "It was evident in every match that we had. It was evident today. Somebody was down, somebody picked them up. On top of that, I think the most important thing was they had fun. I think they had fun with the season, they had fun with each other and that's what it's all about."

As for the future, the Raiders are confident they will continue their success, albeit with a different look.

"It's going to be tough to replace Peter and Katarina," Tufaro said. "Kat's the most consistent bowler I know. She makes all of her spares, she never misses the pocket and Peter sparks up our whole game as our leadoff bowler and our senior and our leader."

Coach Mason called this year's team the best they've had.

 "Probably the best team the school has ever had," he said.