The lone 10 pin can frustrate the average bowler, but Paul Emert III is just happy to have an opportunity to knock it down.
This Hempfield High School junior has had to overcome much greater obstacles in his life than bowling miscues, and he looks at the sport as icing on his cake.
When Paul was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome as an infant, his parents, Pam and Kit Emert, said they knew they had to take life’s challenges “one frame at a time.”
The genetic disorder affects his cardiovascular, neuromuscular, endocrine and immune systems. The Emerts said Paul’s life has been filled with hospitalizations, surgeries, therapies and various medical procedures.
“We didn’t know what the future would hold for him, so watching him approach a lane and throw the bowling ball is amazing,” Pam said.
“Through it all,” Kit said, “Paul has remained positive and optimistic. He never gives up.”
Paul shows his indomitable spirit on the lanes, averaging 178 as a member of the Black Knight bowling team. He maintains a similar average with the Leisure Lanes Saturday morning league.
“Paul is a consummate team player who distinguished himself with a positive attitude and willingness to accept coaching suggestions,” Hempfield bowling coach Tom Degnan said. “He earned a varsity letter for his efforts.”
“I was impressed with Paul’s determination to improve his game,” Leisure Lanes Pro Shop owner Gary Brooks said. “And that hard work paid off with his higher scores.”
With the support of coaches, doctors, therapists, teachers, teammates and Schreiber Pediatric Rehabilitation Center staff, this young kegler will continue to knock down life’s 10 pins one frame at a time.
High scores: 279 game; 616 series (junior league).
My highlight in the sport: was getting to bowl on the varsity team for Hempfield.
My memorable moment was: at a pro-am bowling tournament in Leisure Lanes last year. I got to bowl, but it was intimidating with the professionals. They were very nice, and it was a lot of fun.
Favorite bowling center: Leisure Lanes.
The people who taught me the most include: Lisa Gilbert at Schreiber Pediatric, who got me started; Sue Schickel encouraged me to bowl on the Saturday morning junior leagues and found me great groups to bowl with; Leisure Lanes manager Carol Allison always finds a lane for me to practice on; Tom Sears and Gary Brooks were excellent teachers when I started bowling on the junior leagues; Tom Degnan, Gary Young and Andy Wise have been terrific high school coaches; and I take lessons from Eric Montgomery at Dutch Lanes. I would also like to thank Drew Stewart, my Schreiber friend and bowling partner, who challenges me to some fierce matches.
In high school bowling: my teammates have been kind and encouraging. Competitive bowling can be nerve-racking, but my teammates were very supportive.
Bowling has taught me: that I can be successful at something if I work hard and practice, practice, practice.
My interest in the sport began: when I was in fourth grade and my family moved here from Georgia. Schreiber Pediatric had a recreational therapy program that featured bowling, and I tried it and was hooked. From there, I started bowling with the junior leagues at Leisure Lanes and went to bowling camps at Dutch Lanes.
I think other bowlers would describe me as: very good at making my spares and difficult splits.
My long-term bowling goal is to: bowl in college.
People would be most surprised to learn that: I’m a huge baseball fan. Living in Lancaster is great because you can easily get to so many ballparks to see the Barnstormers, Orioles, Phillies, Nationals, Pirates, Mets, Yankees and, my favorite team, the Atlanta Braves. I go see them when they are playing in this area, and usually make a road trip to Atlanta during the summer.
I am a big supporter of: Schreiber Pediatric because they do such amazing work with kids. The have an annual bowl-a-thon, and I would encourage everyone to participate.
Alley Notes
Perfect games were rolled by Mike Keller, Brian Warfel, Bob Kilheffer, Dave Kennedy and Charlie Batten at Leisure.
A near-perfect game was rolled by Ken Redcay (299) at Dutch.
High series (800, men; 700, women) were rolled by Lauren Supplee (739) at Dutch and Beth Graham (729) and Anne Marie McConnell (703) at Leisure.
Note: Send the names of any bowlers you would recommend for the column to Barry Decker (deckrunner@aol.com) of call 786-2620.
High Scores
222 DUTCH LANES
Men: Rick Miller 299, 748, Shawn Whitmyer 770, David Gerhart 750, Tim Watterson 732, Keith Sholly 731, Mike Fetter 728, Charlie Wolfersberger 715, Bill Sipes 707, Eric Montgomery 704, Dale Martin 702 (Commercial); Mike Keller 772, Matt Moore 756, Sam Smucker 697 (Industrial-Service); Marc Johns 764, Brandon Lapp 729, Eric Montgomery 723, Tony Kaylor 720, Steve Bear 710, Jon Rogers 700 (Lancaster County Travel); Scott Anderson 660, John Getz 652, Lee Zimmerman 648 (New Holland Men); Keith Sholly 735, Trever Habecker 704, Bill Bernstein 699 (Lancaster Northend).
Women: Bert Myers 546, Darlene Sumner 494, Donna Granger 475 (New Holland Ladies); Cara Miller 686, Denise Woodworth 624, Dee Cesare 579 (Ephrata ladies).
Mixed: Darren Heindel 778, David Detrick 735, Scott kennedy 716, Jackie Greenly 662, Lauren Supplee 606, Heather Supplee 600 (Brownstown Mixed); Jason Plum 665, Carl Weaver 635, Tom Weitzel 536, Cristine Plum 599, Amanda White 509, Nancy Hafer 448 (Sunday Night Mixed); Don Eckert 662, Sandy Snook 628, Tom Bingeman 530, Cheryl Snook 572, Rity Aflague 443, Lisa Snyder 429 (Northend Mixed); Dylan Shirk 714, Rick Ober 632, Daid Yutz 629, Marian Melinger 419, Linda George 411, Dolores Hutcheson 398 (Friday Night Mixed); Jeff Keith 650, Cornell Wealand 627, Ken Miller 533, June Turnbull 442, Lori Hull 423, Sue Keith 393 (Ephrata Church); Marty Posey 745, Andy Glass 686, Nick Passomonti 603, Angie Kilhefner 579, Nikki Longer 457, Marian Ganster 451 (Simply Everything); Lois Schousen 364, Earl Redner 303, Ginny Gerhart 483, Jean Eckman 426, Peggy Popp 358 (Dutchmaids/Men); Charlie Baney 704, Andy Boehler 702, Ian Groff 670, Maggie Gribble 685, Trista Kreider 594, Cindy Farmer 518 (Ephrata Mixed); Gene Sholly 703, Dave Zimmerman 660, Karl Wentzel 640, Pat Schappell 566, Vanessa hable 476, Val Culver 434 (Lincoln Forest).
Senior: Bob Hall 583, Ardie Kipp 574, Tom Sullivan 552, Carol Stephan 512, Marilyn Woods 458, Dottie Johnson 447 (Young At Heart).
Junior: Chelsey Merklinger 717, Brandi Whitmyer 662, Katelyn Martin 466, Rodney Rippy 601, Dominic Bouman 652, Austin Barilar 624 (Senior Division); Ashley Sham 488, K.C. Miller 388, Trinity Bouman 383, Kenny Burdge 610, Cameron Zwally 590, Brady Wiggins 573 (Co-Ed); Jennifer Sensenig 388, Bethany Jaquith 207, Matthew Iseman 433, Riley Bigley 409, Ryan Muckle 381 (Zoo); Jordan Adams 167, McKenna Straley 155, Sarah Rivera 142 (Bumpers);
CAIN’S LANES
Tuesday Night Mixed: George Manz Jr. 608; City-County Travel: Dale Young 715; Church: Bill Loercher 634, Rose Balmer 476; Lititz Majors: Terry Miller 595, Randy Shue 571; Juniors: Tanner Michael 597, Adrian Battick 360; Youth: Bryson Morton 335, Hailey Smith 418.
CLEARVIEW LANES
Men: EJ Farwell 776, Chris Stum 721, Matt Vanlenten 709, Ron Dinderski 701, Jim Ritzman 696, Gene Sholly 675, David Brooks 638, Tom Marsilio 615, Dayton Bossard 612 (Majors); Josh Becker 726, Bill Johns 708, Gary Long 657, Charlie George Jr. 601, Shaun Freed 597, Josiah Tucker 536 (Monday Hdcp); Rich Nye 726, Don Bailey 717, Gary High 681, Walt Haubenreisser 633, Carl Bashore 631, John Fanus 614, Greg Sanders 610, Mike Gainer 595, Dennis Noll 588, Jason Hendrix 575, Bob Hartman 536 (Sportsmen); Randy Warfel 634, Neil Hostettler 614, Everett Kirchmer 576, Robert Good 554, Paul Gerhart 499, Jim Rutt 479 (Donegal Hdcp); Dave Hershey 705, Herb Frey 595, Zack Yarnell 515 (Tuesday Men’s Church); Brian Gehman 300-753, Mike Sheeler 717, Noah Dissinger 699, Jack More 667, Bob Lightner 660, Dave Noye 648, Nick Borrell 644, Gary Baker 631, Bob Baker 628, Ira Allerman 617, Frank Epler 595, Larry Kibler 588, Art Ackerson 549, John Stevens 540, Kirk Bernhard 472 (Businessmen).
Women: Vicki Shaffer 631, Kathy Miller 515, Sharon Funk 493, Anita Sanford 474, Ashleigh Nolan 459, BJ Hosking 429 (Pinbelles); Lisa Farwell 640, Sherry Margucci 632, Darlene Monahan 625 (Majors).
Mixed: Chris Emerich 693, Frank Geib 604, Kurt Wildasin 600, Emanuel Hoffer 588, Matt Hoffer 584, Larry Henderson 571 (Clearview Leisure); Dayton Bossard 594, Virginia Garman 529, Missy Sides 444, Becca Boozer 415, Cindy Kirkpatrick 395 (Monday Mixed); Sharon Blough 650, Charlie George Jr. 619, Joe Weber 566, Lorrie Kunes 552, Dawn Sanders 462 (Mixed Outlaws); Jim Gruber 645, Carrie Clair 412, Karen Grove 387 (Thursday Mixed Classic); Dave Coble 591, Dick Gallo 528, Ben Leggore 502, Sarah Book 318 (Friday Church); Larry Radle 692, Sue Sheeler 566, Lori Stevens 508, Judi More 491, Joe Lopett 466, David Carnish 403, Heather Rutter 393 (Friday Mixed); Austin Swett 468, April Bechtel 419, Marcia Gregory 340 (Rookies); Ryan Burton 649, Bradley Flowers 608, Corinne Kern 584, Jen Burton 556, Gene Webb 519, Carrie Webb 519, Donna Decker 510(Crackers); Chad Keck 563, Brynn Gantz 531, Alysha Seiders 404, Jay S 402, David Hulse 397, Tina Reed 342 (Conoy Church)
Senior: Dennis Tierney 553, George Aurandt 522, Nel Bender 511, Ann Epler 508, Arlene Mummert 501, Harry Hershey 492, Dorie Schaeffer 486, Gene Brightbill 418, Jean Condran 382, Tina Kochman 373 (Early Birds); Larry Radle 633, Gussie Good 554, Lee Young 539, Neil Mosesman 535, Arlene Mummert 513, Dennis Tierney 504, Ken Bleiler 490, Carol Kishbaugh 458, Reuben Shuey 429, Loretta Hoffman 428, Doris Murphy 403, Pat Gribbin 392, Charlene Ackerson 386, Marilyn Shuey 385, Effie Brandt 383, Fred Goedtel 375, John Sweeney 363 (Tuesday Seniors); John Jarrett 618, John Erney 591, Dick Mutzabaugh 570, Joyce Killian 476 (Kraft Funeral Home Seniors).
LEISURE LANES
Men: Steve Troop 758, Dave Kennedy 724, Will Welsh 723, Charlie Fisher 721, Brian Brooks 721, Jeff Waller 714, Neal Vital 690, DJ Thatcher 688 (AMF Ind); Eric Myers 728 (Lanc Archery Supply); Brian Warfel 300 744, Mark Myers 739, Brian Hess 737, Domonic Mottillo 714, Scott Carper 708, Bill Provost 702, Tony Coccio 686, Jim Charles 681, Bob Kilheffer 300 (City County Ind); Bill Kurau 714, Charlie Witherspoon 712 (Tues Men); Scott Hogarth 726, Anthony Prisco 721, Phil Brandt 715, Bob Allison 687, Bob Miller 687 (Indoor World); Donnie Smith 740 (Lanc County Travel); Chris Vital 672 (Leisure Lanes Challenge); Ron DRotos 544 (Millersville Men); Dave Kennedy 300 790, Scott Kennedy 771, Guy Reed 725, Eric Keller 717, Dave Soto 717, Doug Keller 699, Jimmy Kennedy 695, Ken Dowell 689 (Conestoga Ind).
Women: Sue Kuhn 562 (Precious Gems); Stacy Ferrell 503 (Sparklers); Debbie Beland 478 (Jewels); Wendi Simet 709, Beth Graham 671, Dennett Anderson 644, Annemarie McConnell 640, Sue lapp 616, Lorraine Deibler 608 (Myers Auto Body Ladies).
Mixed: Jeff Long 695, Dee Harman 527 (Funtime); Bryan Enge 703, Tanya Wright 570 (Casino); Bob Harrison Jr. 748, Brian Hess 729, Sue Schickel 478 (Zodiac); Jeff Long 718, Chris wakefield 564 (Turtle); Mike Bonham 780, Sandy Howard 556 (AM Ind); Jason Frable 728, Randy Wilson 718, Beth Graham 605 (Susquehanna Mix); Alex Headings 697, Karen Staats 557 (Mix Nuts); Brian Witherspoon 668, Samantha Duprey 616 (Leisure Times); Jason McMellen 672, Shirley Redcay 591 (Southern End); Jeff Riser 508, Gaynel Daugherty 419 (Late Mix Nuts); Rick Benedick 737, Mike Barr 725, Deb Baldwin 506 (BCA); Johnny Ballester 678, Deb Kling 571 (Tues Misery); Charlie Batten 300 719, Mike Keller 707, Deb Hatfield 618 (Wed Mix); Brian Alleman 714, Junior Laventure 710, Kris Tomlinson 643, Donna Kurtz 613 (Thurs Mix); Alex Headings 734, Pat Valenzo 419 (Knights of Columbus); Ron Lehman 647, Karen Hess 424 (Roses and Thorns); Pat Brandt 757, Karen Laube Clark 575 (Derrs Mix); Merle Burkhart Jr. 773, Mike Miller 745, Lisa Overly 611 (Toms Pro Shop); Tony Pleger 736, Melanie Akers 553 (Mixers); Bob Kilheffer 662, Mary Kilheffer 482 (Mountville Mix).
Senior: Bruce Greiner 456, Pat Files 410 (AARP); Paul Wescott 622, Rose Gehman 450 (Wodcrest); Jim Morrow 501, Gayle Tannen 494 (Manor North); Bill Ehleiter 482, Mary Kilheffer 466 (Early Birds); Tom Bair 717, Dave Nieman 701, Dennis Bushong 664, John Erney 664, Richard Kleckner 660, Don Cunningham 658, Champ Bauer 605, Ron Drotos 594, Bob Buzzendore 594, Randy Zimmerman 582, Glenda Carper 575, Pat Knipple 527, Jan Warfel 502 (Tender Tears); Jim Morrow 542, Gayle Tannen 479 (Lakes Campus); Don Cunningham 679, Randy Zimmerman 654, Richard Kleckner 647, Bob Kloepfer 645, Harold Waltz 635, Glen Eberly 635, Bob Zimmerman 608, Galen Zook 596, Champ Bauer 594, Glenn Lutz 592, Ralph Kurtz 590, Don Bissinger 585, Ron Hart 583, Jim Newcomer 583, Glenda Carper 531 (Thurs Srs.); Ron Bearley 586, Bonnie Crone 456 (Millersville Srs.).
Junior: Jack Sofillas 197, Martina Brubaker 207 (Bumper Div); Matt Zeamer 379, Rhiannon Kott 373 (Bantam Prep Div); Ryan Graham 589, Savannah Yarnall 435 (Jr. Div); Jon Pleger 678, Tanner Schickel 677, Liz Burkholder 662, Julie Bianco 644, Brianna Kauffman 641 (Major Div).
ROCKY SPRINGS
Men: Pat Brandt Sr. 704, Eric Hiller 701, Scott Crandall 670, Shawn Vonstein 666, Steve Wilson 647, Parke King 630, Merle King 624, Richard Rohrer 608, Jack Wilson 595, Jim Ranck 588, Jim Davis 579, Ed Vaughan 579, Greg Zittle 567 (Garden Spot Men); Robert Werner 642, Matt Davis 457, Jeremy Roberts 452, Tank Enck 438 (Landis League); Rob Yingst 654, Jim Wohlsen 551, Randy Bradford 514 (Nut League); Ken Herr 750, Kermit Rishell 675, Jeff Shultz 675, John Stouffer 673, Pat Keeley 659, Andy Leberfinger 637, Mike Johns 595, George Walton 486 (What Not); Jon Waltman 689, Manny Velazquez 610, Bud Hart 550, Ron McVey 540, Charlie Murphy 506, Victor Henry Jr. 439 (Holtwood 10 Pin).
Women: Sharron Lefever 434, Peg Poore 388, Bonnie Hammons 332 (NickelMine Ladies); Robin Heiney 674, Rebecca Rudy 651, Tricia Subers 608, Brenda Plantholt 600, Terri Teaman 588, Sue Saylor 584, Cherie Breen 532, Mary Siegrist 516 (Retail Ladies); Lois Ostertag 481, Pat Lefever 409 (Friendship).
Mixed: Pat Brant Sr. 730, James Hannah 694, Zach Keene 662, Darin Groff 651, Richard Rohrer 651, Robert Hoover III 637, Scott Graham 566, Todd Litten 535, Kip Hackett 526, Jeremy Lakeman 520, Becky Thomas 482, Blanche Nelson 426 (General Contractors); Jeff Myers 659, John Myers 659, Sam Lapp 580, Don Keperling 546, Carl Leaman 529, Dorthy Livingood 498, Tom Forry 438 (Winter Flower); Dalton Farrow 702, Brian Gochenaur 523, Donna See 439 (Monday Night Travelers); Donna Jackson 553, Cheryl Ritchie 387 (Streamliners); Joey Breen 758, Calvin Montgomery 636, Robin Heiney 626, Justin Heiney 615, Rusty Hertzler 614, Shawn Fink 596, Jim Brubaker 591, Jeff Buckwalter 571, Cindy McLaughlin 568, Tori Capoferri 445, Jackie Miller 370 (Friday Night Thunder); John Myers 680, Sam Lapp 581, Jeff Myers 577, Ruth Book 531, Leon Oberholtzer 519, Dale Mellinger 517, Cindy Keperling 484, Anna Mae Lapp 435, Ammon Graybill 407, Tom Florry 403, Tina Gordner 365 (Winter Flower); Al Sacchetti 643, Ron Prokay 575, Jodi Book 558, Terah Jackson 537, Donna Prokay 492, Tom Prokay 479, Paula Krout 450 (Mixed Rainbow); Norman Myers 598, Terah Jackson 531, Ryan Leik 411 (Mechanic Grove Mixed); Mark Hess 605, Brenda Plantholt 594, Bill Plantholt 588, Bethany Bolin 524, Catlin Maywell 457 (Meadia Heights).
Senior: Lew Denlinger 502, Ruth Denlinger 399 (Tuesday AM Swingers); Richard Goss 683, Charlie Rhoades 683, Roger Harvey 640, Butch Kahler 540, Dan MacDonald 529, Don Neupauer 485, Paul Groff 442, Pat Edwards 440, Joanne Dissinger 418, Bob Olcott 382 (Swingin’ Seniors); Bill Plantholt 597, Ken Yoder 585, Frank Pritz 499, Norman Davis 496, Pat Adams 460, Howard Shaub 444, Robert Trout 343 (Bob Rudisill Seniors); Bill Jackson 620, Jerry Thomas 600, Chris Jackson 503 (Monday AM Trio); Ron Thomas 767, Bob Brubaker 715, Dave Simmons 658, Merle Farmer 647, Ron Summers 628, Jerry Thomas 616, Charlie Rhoades 594, Dennis Groff 590, Bob Heisse 575, Les Greenwalt 574, Martin Weinand 555, Wayne Mellinger 520, Sonny Collins 520, Pearl Johnson 508, Chris Jackson 506, Judy Gallek 488, Sherry Sierer 484, Jack Snider 475, Walt Mowery 471, Rita Phenninger 406, Mae Sourbeer 338 (Thursday Seniors); Tom Reed 637, Jim Armstrong 496, Anne Fullam 466, Paul Groff 451, Sarah Kelley 433, Ida Aho 418, Peggy Braun 333 (Rocky Springs Seniors)
Junior: Rygo Kingsley 435, Ethan Clare 244 (Rocky Springs Juniors).
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