Both boys’ teams strug­gle at the CJ Winter Classic
BY WAYNE WITKOWSKI
Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK — Brick Memorial boys bowling coach Woody French could not figure how Rob Sherman was the only bowler on target with a 662 series as his Mustangs went from 2003 champion of the Central Jersey Winter Classic to 16th place on Saturday at Brunswick Zone Carolier Lanes.

It was especially hard to understand considering that the Mustangs lead the Shore Conference Northern Ocean Division with a 29-2 record.

"We did not do well today. We’re capable of doing better," said French, whose team had 2,810 total pins. "I don’t know why. Some days everything works out fine, but today there were too many mistakes."

"We’re missing easy spares and trying to pick it up," said co-captain Jim Rogers, who reeled off a 588 series.

French dismissed the slick, dry lanes, which added speed to the ball and forced many bowlers to adjust, as a key to the poor performance.

"They all had to do it and other teams finished ahead of us," he said.

Certainly Brick Memorial had trouble finishing its spares as there were only two other 200 games, aside from Sherman’s blistering 251 and 225 games, and Rogers’ 216 and 202 games.

"He’s been outstanding all year long and this is a tough house," said French. Sherman averages 217 in the Shore Conference.

Brick Memorial was nine pins behind Manalapan for 15th place and 217 pins behind team champion East Brunswick’s 3,027.

Brick Township finished in 12th place with 2,854 pins. Coach Cara Lukosius likewise was displeased with her team which started off fast with a 1,034 pinfall that rated among the leaders, only to see it slip away in a 945 second game and an 875 third game. Bob Klimas led the way with a 631 series, which started with a 246 game, and Mike Haberman finished off a 606 series with a 215 game.

"I’m frustrated because this is a talented group of bowlers," said Lukosius. They’re not putting it together. Hopefully they’re saving it for the end."

The coach had to be thinking of last season, when her team finished second in the South Jersey section during the state tournament and Klimas placed in the state individually.

"They know what they need to do and they’re not doing it. It’s tough," said Lukosius. "They’re trying to come together as a team."

But the coach said she is pleased with Klimas, "who has been bowling great in the second half, consistently in the 600s."

"I think we’ll make states and we’ll be ready for the sectionals," said Haberman, who said he had to release the ball further down the lane on Saturday.

Brick Township boys:

Bob Klimas, 246-211-174 – 631; Mike Haberman, 190-201-215 – 606; Gary Hayes, 202-148; Jesse Farmer, 161-168; and Gene Smith, 141. Totals: 1,034-945-875 — 2,854.

Brick Memorial boys:

Frank Papandrea, 173-204-174 – 551; Steve Tudor, 217; Mike Nicholson, 164; Rob Sherman, 251-225-186 – 662; Jim Rogers, 202-216-170 – 588; and Rob Romer, 154. Totals: 962-937-911 — 2,810.