PRCUA: Sporting Events

PRCUA District #7 hosted the 74th Annual PRCUA National Bowling Tournament held on the weekend of April 8 - 10, 2011, at Stardust Lanes in Addison, IL.

The opening ceremony was held on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Officers of the PRCUA were introduced: President Joseph A. Drobot. Jr.; Resident Vice President Anna Sokolowski, Vice President Robert Bielenda and Secretary-Treasurer James Robaczewski.

Celeste Grabowski from Society #1593 was awarded the "Joe Osmanski Bowler of the Year" plaque and jacket. Congratulations, Celeste! A plaque of appreciation was also presented to outgoing Tournament Director, Ralph Stempinski. Ralph and his wife, Lillian - past National Director of District 7 - were on hand to accept the award. President Joseph Drobot, Jr. then rolled the ceremonial first ball to open the tournament.

Congratulations to the Officers and members of District 7 for hosting this annual event. Festivities included a great hospitality room on Thursday and Friday evenings. Many members attended a Mass that was celebrated on Saturday at the hotel. On Saturday evening a banquet was also held at the host hotel. The banquet featured live music and those in attendance enjoyed dancing to the tunes and talking with old friends.

Congratulations to the winners of the PRCUA Handicap Tournament - Men's team: C.I.5 out of Canton, MI - Society #718 (Mark Nasiatka, Ron Bak, Mike Sopko, Mike Ehr and Jim Graham) and Women's team: MAIN'S SPORTING GOODS from East Chicago, IN - Society #413 (Sue Swentko, Stella Barrientes, Denise Buis, Suzanne Banaszak and Lynda Sanders). Check the PRCUA website www.prcua.org for the complete list of winners.

Congratulations also to Dennis Zakutny for bowling an 803 actual series in the Men's Singles Event (games of 257-267-279). Awesome shooting Dennis!

Thanks go to this year's tournament chairperson Walter Szarowicz and his helpers from District 7 for treating us all to a fine tournament. Thanks also go to my wife, Jennifer, for assisting me in the many tasks involved in running this tournament. I would also like to extend a thank you to Resident Vice President Anna Sokolowski and her executive secretary, Mary Jane Robles, for their amazing patience and guidance in working with me on this, my first bowling tournament as its Director.

Lastly, I would like to thank past Bowling Tournament Director Ralph Stempinski and his entire family for all of the work and passion that they have poured into this tournament over the years. I hope to uphold the integrity and "first-class" atmosphere that Ralph has created in this tournament.

I am looking forward to seeing everybody at the 75th PRCUA Bowling Tournament next year in Buffalo, NY on April 20-22. Past National Director of District #2 Bill Nowakowski and his committee are working hard to create a memorable and special experience for all at next year's tournament. See you there!