After 47 years in bowling, Bob Kilheffer is retiring from Leisure Lanes at the end of this month.

Known for directing and coaching junior programs at Columbia Lanes (1961-1979) and Leisure Lanes (1983-2008), the 1960 Penn Manor graduate estimates that he's worked with more than 1,400 juniors.

"There is nothing like seeing a kid roll his first 100 game, or win a county tournament, or go on to a college team," Kilheffer said.

He's seen the second generation of many families continue bowling at Leisure.

"I like to pick up the paper and read the bowling scores and see the names of kids that bowled in our junior program," he said. "It's good to see that they have continued bowling as adults."

Background: Kilheffer, 65, and his wife, Mary, have been married 45 years and have three children, Terri, Jim and Ruthanne, and three grandchildren. In addition to running junior programs, the AMF maintenance school graduate also worked on repairing bowling machines at Leola and Lititz Lanes.

Leagues (averages): City-County Industrial (211).

High scores: Single, three 300s; series, three 800 series, with high of 822; average, 226 in 2003-04. Last season, he was tied with Gary Brooks for league-high average of 221.

The biggest change I've seen in the sport: Computerization. Lanes are turned on and off, open bowling scores are kept automatically, league score and standing sheets are generated, and the lane machine is programmed to put a lane dressing on the lanes in a certain way — all done by computers. When I first bowled a game it was 25 cents and the shoe rental was 10 cents. When Art Sipe built Columbia Lanes, the price was 50 cents, but you could still bowl three games in the afternoon for a dollar.

The biggest surprise is: The rise of scores. I think it's caused by the kids, who are taught the right way to bowl in junior programs. The lanes are dressed more consistently, and newer and better equipment is used.

If I could make it happen: I would like to see more kids get involved in the bowling through junior and school programs. Bowling is unlike other sports in that you do not have to really be good to be on a team. It's a lifetime sport, in which you make lifelong friends.

One of my memorable moments in bowling was: In the City-County Industrial League on Oct. 15, 2002. I went to bowl but didn't have my bowling glove. I asked Gary Brooks if I could buy a new one, but his wife, Cheryl, told me I could borrow hers. That night I bowled against Gary, and proceeded to bowl my highest match ever (822), using his wife's glove.

My career at Leisure began: When my father bowled at Leisure and Mickey Draude asked him if he thought I would be interested in working there, because he knew I worked at Columbia.

Persons who helped me in the sport include: The late Nip Eharhert at Columbia and Gary Brooks and Scott Ulmer at Leisure.

The most important thing I've received from bowling: Are the lifelong friendships.

In retirement I plan: To play a lot of golf. My wife and I will continue to attend Reading Phillies baseball games and enjoy public auctions and yard sales. And, of course, I plan to bowl in the winter.

Santoro second: Cocalico senior Samantha Santoro appeared on ESPN Sunday, April 6, in the Denny's All-American High School Championships in New Jersey. She finished runner-up to Natalie Cortese of Illinois, falling in the final match 239-193. She averaged 212 to qualify for the finals and earned a $2,000 scholarship. Santoro, who is bound for Arkansas State University, was invited to compete as one of the nation's best 32 junior bowlers in the country.

Alley notes: Perfect games were rolled by EJ Farwell at Clearview; Ralph Walton and Andrew Abrams at Garden Spot; and Dan Vitale at Dutch.

Near-perfect games were rolled by Lee Henry (299) at Blue Ball; Will Murphy (298) at Garden Spot; and John Hart (290), Cindy Farmer (279) and Janice Meckley (278) at Dutch.

High series (800, men; 700, women) were rolled by Brad Lutz (817) and Lisa Farwell (718) at Clearview; and Linda Goodling (721) at AMF Rocky.

Note: This is the final Roll 'Em column of the season. If you have suggestions for next season, e-mail me at deckrunner@aol.com or call 786-2620.

High scores

AMF Rocky

Men: David Herr 622 (Holtwood 10 Pin); Ken Herr 613(What Not);

Women: Linda Goodling 721 (Retail Ladies); Sarah Bachman 512, Donna Prokay 512 (Rainbow Ladies); Joanne Bowman 461 (Friendship)

Mixed: Ray Hake 606, Bobbi Myers 651 (Rocky Early Birds); Skip Kramer 618, Danielle Mallison 529 (Monday Night Travelers); John Walbert 599, Ellen Snyder 482 (Mixed Nut); Duane Thomas 620, Denise Brandt 477 (General Contractors); Robert Landis 638, Penny Mellinger 536 (Winter Flower); Greg Weidman 618, Liz Knerr 441 (Media Heights); Walter Burnett 466, Lori Kujawski 522, Karen Miller 511 (New Beginnings); Kirk Goodling 750, Steve Keen Jr. 713, Linda Goodling 692, Darlene Miner 619 (Semi-Classic); Mike Chant 508, Patty Todd 355 (Ticket Master); Jeff Wright 351, Lisa Wright 320 (Just 4 Fun II); Angel Figueroa 609, Diana Jones 494 (Red Bull Monsters).

Seniors: Joe Costello 538, Joe Paparo 522, Art Schmalbach 522, Ken Yoder 505, Pat Bricker 484 (Bob Rudisill Srs); Robert Freiler 565, Bob Brubaker 546, Beryl Coccio 484 (Club 55); Enos Bleacher 627, Gene Kley 558, Jim Myers 522, George Engle 516, Art Schmalbach 505, Kay Holmen 520, Leta Barton 509 (Rocky Springs Srs).

Juniors: David Shoop 618, Casey Welsh 570, Zach Baldwin 560, Brian Ott 554, Josh Hart 540, Scott McMichael 530, Frank Kirk 511, Jordan May 510, Troy Miller 504, Samantha Kramer 547 (Dick Webber Jrs); John Hefley 258, Becky Keeney 243 (Homeschool); Evan Vazquez 331 (Marvel Heros).

Blue Ball

Lance Horst 730 (Blue Ball Garden Spot); Brett Waelchli 741 (Honey Brook); Lee Henry Jr. (299) 737 (New Holland Boro); Jason Hummer 650, Kristen Brill 604 (Wed Travel); Park Davidson 730 (TwinValley); Al Hewitt 724, Tina Trupe 567 (Monday Mixers); Bill Kretlow 676, Terri Kretlow 476 (New Holland Church); Jeff Green 628, Tina Dillman 566 (Tues. Mix); Darren Heindel 680 (Weds. Bowl 4 $) Wynetta Martin 650 (Wed Mixed); Joel Hamilton 632, Kelli Hamilton 538 (Thurs Point+); Ralph Walton Sr. 758, Amy Kohler 568 (Mr & Mrs); Aaron Ringler 700, Esther Stauffer 602 (Starlighters); Darren Heindel 691, Thersa Clair 537 (Sunday Mixed); Bob Good 695, Ruthie Good 614 (Railroad); Troy Lint 761 (Sat Travel); Sherri Hove 499 (Tues. AM Ladies); Dot Mohn 539 (Channelettes); Roy Feick 608, Doris Wells 479 (ThurSeniors); Les Sersenig 580 (Fri Seniors); Chadd Rudy 722, Emily Kurtz 550 (Sat Jr.Lg.).

Cain's

Men: Corey Kaylor 650 (Sun. MIxers); Bill Loercher 703 (Church); Galen Eberly 655 (Merchants); Gary Rynier 599 (Lititz); Doug Nauman 555 (Thurs. Winter Mixed.

Women: Tina Ausherman 482 (Sun. MIxers); Pat Loercher 507 (Church); Tina Varnes 642 (Merchants); Linda Roberts 646 (Thurs. Winter Mixed).

Clearview

Men: Jason Boozer 795, Josh Becker 759, Dale Young 712, Mike Johnson 706, Bill Johns 671, Michael Bierly 668, Bill Price 660 (Monday HDCP); Dave Meyers 623, Gene Funk 622 (Monday Towne A); Gary Smith 607, Len Mumma 595 (Men's Church); Lloyd Schaffner 758, Jason Boozer 727, Win Randler 708, Bob Elzer 695, Andy Moyer 688, Brian Alleman 670, Mike Lewis Jr. 667, Doug Hosking 665, Ken Fanus 658, John Henry 655, Dale Young 650 (Tuesday Businessmen); Chris Johnson 706, Dave Atticks 705, Paul Foy 682, Merlin Bordner 658, Patrick Kinsley 656 (Wed. Sportsmen); Doug Lunger 695, Joe Swager 643 (Donegal HDCP).

Women: Sharon Blough 684, Cindy Moyer 539 (Ladies Classic); Darlene Anderson 561, Jeannie Hilsher 511 (Pinbelles); Maryann Swartz 480, Karen Wolgemuth 479 (Kennels).

Mixed: Steve Decker 758, Mike Sheeler 727, Lisa Farwell 718, Carl Meachum 695, Josh Stiles 692, Kelly Flowers 691, Sherri Margucci 691, Frank Telenko Jr. 688, Skip Eichelberger 685, EJ Farwell 681, Bob Miller Jr. 681, Henry Blough 672, Kevin Garman 670, Tim Mertz 668, Matt Vanlenten 668, Tim Livingston 666, Chet Eckman 661, Tim Miller 652, Darlene Anderson 632 (Hennigan's Majors); Mike Knapp 639, Karen Jacobsen 630, Lance O'Donnell 604, Shirlee Waugh 505 (Monday Mixed); Lloyd Schaffner 646, Ike Knaub 613, Doris Knaub 457, Rhonda Millard 431 (Clearview Leisure); Doug Keller 697, Nick Borrell 687, Sam Weber Sr. 674, Dawn Brooks 563, Shirl Scott 563 (Mixed Outlaws); Jim Gruber 713, James Goodling 630, Rose Stasko 486, Tracy Schaeffer 463 (Thurs. Industrial); Dave Shelly 643, Guy Shulyz 567, Laura Bleacher 485, Laura Weaver 414 (Thurs. NASCAR); Alex Rodrigez 664, Chuck Zimmerman 617, Bonnie Derr 508, Tammy Margucci 454 (Thurs. Mixed); Justin Fisher 642, Dick Gallo 600, Carol Eddins 559, Robin Nauss 526 (Friday United Church); Lisa Farwell 689, EJ Farwell 683, Doug Hosking 668, Henry Blough 666, Steve Decker 663, Merlin Bordner 662, Cindy Michener 626, Amy Livingston 616, Sharon Blough 606 (Friday Mixed); Bill Smith 666, Marlin Winters 646, Shirlee Waugh 526, Sarah Smeltzer 524 (Sunday Crackers); Brian Alleman 576, PJ McCaulley 569, Beryl Kuhn 557, Laura Bleacher 516 (Sunday NASCAR).

Seniors: Jim Decker 602, Jake Garman 561, Milt Heilman 544, Tom Mulleavy 541, Ralph Kurtz 537, Arlene Mummert 484, Sandy Leach 474 (Tuesday Seniors); Arlene Mummert 518, Ann Epler 484, Bill Barndt 456, Warren Schaeffer 425 (Early Birds).

Juniors: Garrett Johnson 707, Mark Strausbaugh 668, Ryan Lightner 640, Danny Secord 630, Jonathan Lee 629, Steve Ritzman 586, Dan Chaffins 584, Melissa Lee 567, Megan Lee 558, Beth Garmen 543, Sara Strausbaugh 508 (American); Darren Miller 478, Olivia Farwell 436, Mitchell Hoffmaster 430, Ryan Hess 428, Heather Secord 423, Austin Farwell 419, Makyla Yoder 397, Kayla Halbleib 352, Emma Ryan 330, Kyi Greenaway 309, Lori Flowers 305 (Prep).

Dutch

Men: Rick Reed 696, Ricky Yocum 691, Tom Hammerstone 671 (Sunday Night Mix); Tim Watterson 681, John Hart (290) 680, Sam Smucker 665, Dan Vitale (300) (Industrial); Ray Stafford 748, Gary Mellinger 711, Mike Clouser 694 (Service); Jon Rogers 791, Buddy Dimeler 755, Matt Stover 719 (Brownstown Mix); Mike Givler 711, Jeff Widders 684, Bruce Snader 670 (Tri-Town Church); Rick Miller 790, Harry Rogers Jr 742 (Lancaster County Travel); Dave Adams 748, Sean Wyandt 726, Gene Sholly 706 (Woodstream); Lonnie Hornberger 698, Lee Gerhart 660, Mike Clouser 643 (Hi-Fliers); Craig Becker 698, Charlie Baney 632, Randy Haldeman 624 (Ephrata Mix); Jeff Todd 716, Mike Lesher 688, Hank Schwartz 675 (Anything Goes); Bryan Kauffman 713, Shawn Burkhart 673, Wayne Anthony 673 (Lincoln Forest); Tom Frankhouser 702, Jeff Adams 646, Glen Habecker 641 (Lancaster North End); Kelby Stauffer 783, Jon Rogers 735, John Slabonik 731, Jason Brunken 726, Chris Mease 719, Josh Huber 718, Gary Coble 710, Marc Johns 703 (Commercial); Jerome Olson 679, Fred Armstrong 674, Mike Graves 617 (Simply Everything); Lee Zimmerman 709, Randy Haldeman 702, Andy Miller 700 (New Holland Men).

Women: Melanie Getz 451 (Sunday Night Mix); Chelsea Weik 655, Donna Snyder 634 (New Holland Ladies); Missy Miller 654, Lorraine Deibler 645, Christy Ayres 614, Donna Pannebecker 614, Ellen Merklinger 606 (Brownstown Mix); Becky Nickles 475 (Tri-Town Church); Jesse Pierce 513, Vicky Boehler 509, Dottie Johnson 505 (Woodstream); Midori Sigeti 531, Deb Current 525 (Hi-Fliers); Janice Meckley 645, Chelsea Weik 616 (Ephrata Mix); Cindy Farmer 545 (Anything Goes); Janice Meckley (278) 695, Cindy Farmer (279) 652, Denise Woodworth 643, Sandra Hinkle 606 (Ephrata Ladies); Pat Schappell 607, Terri Andrew 578 (Lincoln Forest); Terri Andrew 604, Angie Kilhefner 549, Lisa Stover 554 (Simply Everything).

Seniors: Dan Bartucci 625, Dick Kellenberger 601, Jim Shober 589, Ruth Eddy 602, Shirley Royer 476, Betty Stauffer 457 (Young At Heart); Harry Stigelman 597, Lee Hauck 605 (Thursday Srs); Dawn Sweigart 535 (Dutch Maids); Mike Wolfe 689, Les Sensenig 636, Carl Partridge 621 (Monday Srs).

Juniors: Tyler Mentzer 348, Nic Skoronski 333, Nick Armstrong 285, Grace Chon 399, Katie Redcay 328, Rachell Waddell 306 (Zoo); Scott Janoschak 604, Ian Groff 549, Zach Adams 491, Brandi Whitmyer 368, Anna Costa 349 (Co-ed); Philip Brandt 676, Kevin Beers 643, Austin Kissinger 630, Samantha Santoro 660, Christina Leid 638, Chelsey Merklinger 550 (Seniors).

Garden Spot

Men: Brent Grumling 676, John Kirkner 674, Scott Rehm 671, Lee Metz 667 (Sunday Night Mixed); Mike Wimer 680, Ron Sheetz 670, John Manning 665, Charlie Young 650 (Breiner Canan); Kevin Buchanan 691, Carl Lucci 673, Tim Lichty 672, Bob Wagaman 670 (Garden Spot Men); Brian Daye 664 (Noisemakers); Charlie Rhoades 682, Milt Burrell Jr. 674, Junior Laventure 673, Denny Krause 673, Dennis Nixdorf 665, Brian Krantz 658 (Central); Norm Myers 658, Gregg Tavalare 655, Rod Bones 651 (Strasburg Community); Gregg Tavalare 667 (Mechanic Grove); Bob Wagaman 699 (Thunder); Ralph Walton 677 (Quarryville Mixed)

Women: Deb Mentzer 576 (Trio); Charlie Ballantyne 551 (Nickel Mine Ladies); Peggy Fisher 557, Kathy Michener 553 (Noisemakers); Cris Stock 580, Marty Turner 558 (Cop-Outs); Kathy Harvey 555, Helen Walters 554 (Quarryville Mixed)

Seniors: Jerry Shank 516, John Haverstick 497, John Zuclich 481, Rita Phenneger 474, Paul Groff 472 (Swingin' Seniors); Frank Hargan 561, Walt Mowery 533, Hannah Herr 502, Joy Corey 470, Dorothy Ulmer 432, Esther Miller 423, Russ Vest 376 (Thursday Seniors)

Juniors: Katelyn Welsh 365, Karly Peifer 292 (Family Twosome); Sean Obetz 688, Coty Johnson 684, Colin Obetz 669, Taylor Lindsey 668, Seth Lindsey 595, Eric Erb 558, Brandon Wiley 532, Dan Miller 528, Dalton Garver 505, Ross McCauley 496, Mike Eshleman 485, Brandon Dooley 483, Andrew Humble 429, Nick Franchitti 380, Trevor Brubaker 366, Cory Goshert 361, Kyle Gribble 345, Andie Gribble 276, Rebecca Long 234, MacKenzie Kelchen 177, Pedro DeJesus 144, Lex Slaymaker 131 (Saturday).

Leisure

Men: Tim Weaver 698 (McCombs Supply); Rick Graham 729, Scott Canfield 727, Neal Vital 712, Carl Huber Jr. 701, Jim Landis 693, Mike Dooley 685 (AMF Ind); Joe Current 648 (Klines RV); Steve Levering 715, Gary Brooks 711, Jimmy Miller 702 (City County Ind); Gerald Hambleton 684, Eric Keller 680 (Tues Mens Hdcp); Denny Rittenhouse Jr. 735 (Lanc Ind); Chris Vital 765, Scott Canfield 735, JD Kellenberger 712, Brandon Lapp 711, George Tomlinson 702, Dave Graham 701, Rick Graham 701, Jim Landis 694, Don Copeland III 690, Jeff Wintersteen 686 (Myers Auto Body Classic); Scott Weaver 717 (Millersville Men); Tom Scheuerman 761, Brian Heaps 723, Doug Overly 702, Bob Merritts 691, Doug Rehm 689, Jim Cunningham 680 (Conestoga Ind); Ken Urban 713 (Midway Men).

Women: Lucinda Shade 505 (Hopefuls); Lynda Johnson 664, Tara Musselman 621 (Precious Gems); Angela Williams 502 (Sparklers); Kelly Fisher 621 (Sparemakers); Carol Molascon 483 (Jewels); Beth Graham 695, Linda Goodling 673, Wendi Simet 663, Lorraine Deibler 648, Robyn Graham 644, Ann Rummel 640, Shirley Redcay 602, mary Little 601 (Myers Auto Body Ladies).

Mixed: Jeff Moore 632, Michelle Bertzfield 526 (Funtime); Mike Bonham 682, Kim Nolan 608 (Turtle); Fred Armstrong 596, Sheri Weaver 569 (Ball and Chain); Don Cunningham 623, Linda Bowman 560 (AM Ind); Jereny Gerz 627, Jody Sheppard 636 (Mixed Nuts); Rick Hean 649, Sandy Wissler 512 (Leisure Times); Mike Bonham 726, Shirley Redcay 573 (Southern End); Brandon Cox 681, Angie Esbenshade 521 (Late Mixed Nuts); Rick Benedick 672, Deb Baldwin 527 (BCA); Brian Zahm 700, Ellen Jacoberger 528 (Garys Pro Shop); Jason Zeiders 674, Kim Salamh 542 (Armstrong Eng); Carl Lucci 669, Cindy Bonham 553 (Wed Mix); George Paterson 511, Rosalie Irvin 423 (Alley Cats); Frank Woerner 691, Ann Kelly 507 (Pa Pride Insulation); Kevin Kurtz 704, Cheryl Brooks 621, Donna Kurtz 601 (Thurs Mix); Don Ledwith 667, Paula Lehman 505 (Roses and Thorns); Nick Rose Sr 734, Lisa Cunningham 557 (Knights of Columbus); Marty Zimmerman 689, Leda Eckman 606 (Derrs Auto Transport); Jereny Barney 603, Jane Danese 518 (Mountville Mix); Dave Otthofer 573, Hannah Herr 555 (Mix and Match); Scott Brill 659, Melanie Akers 518 (Mixers).

Seniors: Dick Schell 575, Richard Kuehne 555, Betty Palmieri 541 (Manor North); John Herr 536, Dorris Smith 495 (AARP); Herb Shelly 449, Helen Brown 389 (Woodcrest); Ken Welk 674, Galen Zook 652, Frank Shafer 647, Don Kaylor 610, Charlie Nixon 605, Russel Gantz 592, Charlie Albin 583, Earl Frey 577, Fred Kendall 577, Charlie Kauffman 565, Joe Arsenault 564, Don Bissinger 551, Edie Zook 500 (Tender Tears); Ron Bearley 630, Don Cunningham 628, Jim Obrochta 590, Don Kaylor 556, Doris Kendall 462 (Millersville Srs); Dave Stalknecht 601, Millie Fabryka 429 (Lakes Campus); Ralph Kurtz 688, Bob Buzzendore 617, Don Kaylor 603, Bob Shank 595, Norm Tomlinson 590, Frank Shafer 589, Lee Rummel 582, Bob Kloepfer 577, Pat Paterson 577, Joe Sabatine 576, Al Johnson 570, Richard Kleckner 569, Don Killian 567, Doris Kendall 512 (Thurs Srs).