Winkler rolling through memorable season

Last month, this Manheim Township kegler notched his best series ever, an 821, which included a perfect game and a 299. This was his second 800 of this season -- the other, 802, in December, included his fifth perfect game.

Just one year before, he rolled his very first 800, a series he will never forget.

"I had a 545 going into the last game," he said, "and I said to myself that I didn't know if I would ever get a chance like this again to reach an 800."

Winkler noted that his legs were shaking on his last shot in the 12th frame.

"It was surreal when I knew I had bowled the 801," he said. "The best part was that my daughters, who were there to see it, then asked me if I was famous, because everyone came over to congratulate me."

Background: Winkler, 49, and his wife, Kelly, have two daughters.

After graduating from Sheepsheadbay High School in 1981, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business administration at Caldwell College in Caldwell, N.J., graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2001. He is employed by Content Mosaic Inc., in production management, writing marketing content for companies such as Iron Mountain.

Leagues/averages: Thursday Night Commercial at Dutch Lanes, 230.

High scores: Six perfect games -- bowled my first 300 on July 29, 2009; Three 800 series -- highest 821.

Achievements: High series, average, and game in my second league in Lancaster, Lancaster Northend.

Favorite bowling center: Dutch Lanes. They treat me like family.

Type of bowling ball: Right now, the DV8 Hellraiser Revenge.

The person who taught me the most is: Eric Montgomery, pro shop owner at Dutch Lanes. After I had been out of bowling for six years (2003-09), he helped me with equipment. He also coached me on how to make the most of my style, and how it related to the new technology in the sport. Before bowling in Lancaster I never even bowled a 700 series or averaged 200.

Great bowling teams have: Members who can feed off the success of each other.

Bowling has helped me: Stay in shape, gives me a competitive outlet as well as make new friends.

My interest in the sport began: When this Brooklyn, N.Y., native was 8 years old and joined his first league. Because I weighed only 40 pounds, I had to bowl with two hands. I was fairly successful, bowling a 567 series when I was 11 years old. I started bowling with one hand when I was 12 and had to re-adjust my style. I saw (1981 PBA Bowler of the year) Earl Anthony on Saturday afternoons and, to this day, look at him as my biggest influence. I learned that bowling is a sport where it doesn't matter how big or tall you are -- so I continued to do it through high school.

My secret to success is: Practice, practice, practice; listen to people who know what they are talking about; and believe in my ability.

The one thing that would really help to improve this great sport is: To move the time that the pro bowlers' tour appears on TV. It competes with the NFL on Sundays at 1 p.m., so its viewer popularity suffers.

I think other bowlers would describe me as: Super-competitive, fun to bowl with and someone who is extremely slow on the approach.

My long-term bowling goal is to: Average 235, which means I would have to throw a 700 every week.

After being away from the sport for six years: I returned to it when we moved to Lancaster County in 2009. Who would have thought that a Brooklyn boy would find a place like Lancaster, later in his life, where he could be so successful in the sport?

I enjoyed volunteering time as a: Softball and soccer coach in Manheim Township and in New Jersey.

The funniest thing that happened in bowling was: When one night in one my leagues, after I bowled a 150, I was so disappointed in myself I almost left. But after I changed balls, I turned the night all around and bowled a 300.

People would be most surprised to learn that: I'm a drummer and songwriter for my band, Darwin's Moon.

When I'm not bowling you will find me: Driving my kids back and forth to all their activities.

The highlight of my life so far is: Being a dad, and seeing my daughters succeed.

Alley notes: Perfect games were rolled by Dave Kready, Bob Elzer and Ryan Lightner at Clearview. Near Perfect games were rolled by Carl Meachum (298) and Mitchell Hoffmaster (290) at Clearview. High series (men, 800; women, 700) was rolled by Dave Kready 836 at Clearview.

Note: If you have a suggestion for the column, email Sunday News correspondent Barry Decker at deckrunner@aol.com, or call him at 786-2620.

Cain's Lanes

Lititz Majors: Kenny Miller 626.

Juniors: Brittany Lantz 495, Logan Root 381.

Youth: Tanner Michael 515, Hailey Smith 435.

Red Rose Travel: Lenny Waters 709.

Mixers: Larry Smith 652, Alexia Cain 667.

Church: Ron Kratofil 639, Rose Balmer 493.

Tuesday Night Mixed: Mike Manz 642.

City County Travel: Rick Johnson 733.

Clearview

Men: Andrew Bible 722, Bobby Rutter 673, Marlin Bashore 663, Dave Kerstetter 653, Larry Radle 641, Greg Sanders 633, Dave Brooks 626, Dick Campbell 624, John Fanus 614, Frank Geib 610, John Wentzel 609, Gene Klinger 586, Dave Eagle 564, Kevin Nicklaus 385 (Sportsmen); Mike Sheeler 741, Troy Dewald 696, Ryan Lightner 675, Greg Hoffman 666, Dennis Brown 663, Dave Noye 634, Jack Stockdale 632, Dave Bleacher 629, Bud McNiss 628, Bill Lease 627, Bill Silverstein 615, Bill Byers 606, Don Muterspaw 579, Brian Reich 565, Dick Gallo 559, Todd Bair 556, Don Cocker 549, John Stevens 540, Eric Reichert 532, Kirk Bernhard 495, Matt Butera 404 (Businessmen); Terry Mumma 605, Dale Hilsher 588, Harold Frey 558, Paul Stubenrach 561, Eldon Miller 495, Will Hershey 439 (Tuesday Men's Church); Ronald Wagner 713, John Leonard 707, Chris Brown 684, Nick Borrell 662, Larry Mullen 652, Dale Hilsher 650, Mike Kaylor 644, Camrin Krzykowski 579, Rich Deardorff 568, John Wostmann 548 (Donegal Hdcp.); Derek Miller 700, Craig Childs 677, Jeff Becker 661, Ray Miller 657, Richard Eline 653, Rick Strausbaugh 628, Jim Beacham 614, Barry Rothweiler 606, John Helman 562 (Monday Hdcp.).

Women: Cindy Telenko 658, Beth Moyer 631, Sherry Barbour 447, Amy Sweger 343 (Ladies Classic); Vicki Shaffer 628, Sandy Nace 506, Terri Lee 439, Ashleigh Nolan 437, Eileen Brooks 394, Fran Rowley 373, Kathy Frey 361, Dani Clark 360 (Pinbelles).

Mixed: Trevor Rodriguez 546, Adam Tanski 512, Leah Fraser 450, Drew Hughes 449, Larry Hoover 448, Emily Wolgemuth 306 (Rookies); Joe Weber 568, Charlie Weaver 465 (Mixed Outlaws); Ray Husband 688, Jeff Mayer 643, Kurt Wildasin 619, Camrin Krzykowski 605, Matt Kingsboro 584, Pedro DeJesus 575, Jared Walker 557, Ann Kelly 554, Cameron Coble 436, Nicole Wildasin 369 (Clearview Leisure); Dave Zimmerman 698, Jim Barbieri 620, Virginia Garman 515, Patsy Reed 468, Cindy Hoover 458 (Monday Mixed); Ryan Burton 651, Jack Murphy 641, Sis Summers 597, Dave Whitebuffalo 551, Jeremy Rettallack 539, Mindy Lease 515, Travis Cocker 462, Bobbi Griffith 453, Deb Whitebuffalo 430, Erin Morgan 424, Stacey Stroup 291 (Crackers); Dave Coble 597, Robert Fisher 594, Ron Rodgers 502, Pauletta Shelahamer 405 (Friday Church); Russ Alleman 717, Ron Rawa 663, Bob Rutter 638, Sue Sheeler 568, Brad Thomas 539, Renee Thomas 378 (Friday Mixed); Doug Goodling 613, Scott Baker 576, Nikki High 389 (Industrial).

Seniors: John Ernry 640, Jerry Bigelow 602, Dick Mutzabaugh 563, Huey Morris 555, John Dicostanzo 513 (Kraft Funeral Home Seniors); Al Powell 622, Gary Smith 614, Bert Goodling 516, Ken Bleiler 503, Pat Nicklow 488, Don Witmer 488, Maynard Rosenberry 480, Peter Neperud 472, Joanne Tierney 465, Becky Stubljar 461, Jack Ditzler 455, Art Ackerson 449, Odessa Shaw 444, Lois Conley 402, Nancy Blough 390, Iris Demaio 326 (Tuesday Seniors); Ann Epler 501, Arlene Mummert 466, Tom Schenk 461, Jean Condran 429, Jim Whitacre 427 (Early Birds).

Juniors: Sara Strausbaugh 630, Austin Kuhn 617, Lori Flowers 604, Mitchell Hoffmaster 593, Brittany Ritzman 580, Ashley Stillwagner 571, Kristin Vuxta 566, Kayla Halbleib 548, Ben Helman 471, Brandon Henry 454, Madi Powers 441, Nicole Lee 350, Kassidy Stoudt 344 (American); Devon Brooks 355, Conner Rutter 303, Zach Deardorff 239 (Prep).

Leisure Lanes

Men: Chuck Saylor 765, Kevin Kahler 714, Todd Sigeti 712, Jeff Waller 707, Frank Woerner 705, DJ Thatcher 702, Brian Brooks 698, Mike Frey 688, Rick Dougherty 683 (AMF Ind); Mark Gagnon 685 (Kline's RV); Dean Brooks 760, Ron Deiter 707, Bobby Adams 701, Mike Bonham 697, Leo Barninger 695, Jeff Bolin 693, Brian Warfel 691 (City County Ind.); Charlie Witherspoon 708, Andrew Charles 689, Ed Schwenk 688, Chris Paul 686 (Tuesday Men's Hdcp.); Tim Mertz 748, Jon Rogers 718 (Lancaster County Travel); Ben Schwenk 680 (Leisure Lanes Challenge); Mike Lehman 542 (Millersville Men); Terry Murray 761, Larry Koppenhaver 749, Jeff Troop 700 (Indoor World); Eric Keller 299 791, Preston Felty 719, Scott Kennedy 717, Tony Leister 714, Rick Butt 702, Brian Heaps 692, Andrew Abrams 683, Denny Rittenhouse Jr. 681 (Conestoga Ind.).

Women: Tara Musselman 732 (Precious Gems); Pat Hiemenz 559 (Sparklers); Ann Canfield 590 (Sparemakers); Carol Molascon 512 (Jewels); Robyn Graham 742, Beth Graham 729, Dennett Anderson 652, Anne McConnell 642, Sue Schickel 618 (Myers Auto Body Ladies).

Mixed: Duane Long 601, Kristina Miller 514 (Funtime); Mike Kreider 715, Bob Harrison Jr. 706, Beth Graham 695 (Zodiac); Brian Beltz 738, Justin Findley 728, Tanya Wright 563 (Casino); Keith Miller 700, Chris Wakefield 624 (Turtle); Bryan Lorah 728, Bev Brown 561 (A.M. Ind.); Dave Bieganski 707, Karen Staats 584 (Mix Nuts): Jason McMellen 631, Shirley Redcay 567 (Southern End): Jason McComsey 659, Kristina Rettew 624 (Susquehanna Mix); Denny Rittenhouse Sr. 763, Carrie Haines 447 (Leisure Times); Dan Massey 533, Marianna Castano 404 (Late Mix Nuts): Matt Bloomer 673, Judy Bleacher 550 (BCA); Matt Filomeno 770, Marvin Kreider 747, Deb Kling 604 (Gary's Pro Shop); Russ Smith 739, Keith Engle 738, Henny Boyles 715, Michelle Lueders 578 (Wednesday Mix); Eric Kurtz 693, Donna Kurtz 631 (Thursday Mix); Terry Leslie 679, Gerri Skiles 536 (Knights of Columbus); Keith Myers 701, Michelle Myers 471 (Roses and Thorns); Dean Hershey 726, Dennis Shufflebottom 720, Zach Starry 700, Karen Laube Clark 581 (Derr's Mix); John Myers 770, Scott Canfield 743, Sis Summers 543 (Tom's Pro Shop); Don Copeland Jr 730, Dawn Cooper 568 (Mixers); Earl Neidig Jr. 704, Mary Kilheffer 519 (Mountville Mix).

Seniors: Richard Kuehne 520, Betty Palmieri 516 (Manor North); Al Avery 453, Merilynn Hart 402 (Woodcrest); Don Cunningham 674, Champ Bauer 642, Bill Good 639, Don Bissinger 630, Rudy Ries 619, John Erney 610, Randy Zimmerman 605, Tom Bair 601, Dave Nieman 599, Russell Gantz 596, Bob Buzzendore 592, Les Schoelkoph 587, Richard Kleckner 584, Jerry Bigelow 584, Gerri Skiles 523 (Tender Tears); Dick Holton 567, Mary Kilheffer 526 (Early Birds); Jim Morrow 571, Betty Palmieri 507 (Lakes Campus); Jerry Clark 742, Ralph Kurtz 723, Don Cunningham 660, Ken Reynolds 646, Dick Goss 614, Don Bissinger 610, Glenn Lutz 599, Bill Good 598, Galen Eberly 591, Jerry Rickert 590, Harold Waltz 580, Peg Kloepfer 537 (Thursday Seniors); Ron Bearley 745, Betty Leaman 428 (Millersville Seniors).

Juniors: Dylan Benson 207, Serena Miller 205 (Bumper Division); Matt Zeamer 399, Justine Fry 474 (Bantam Prep Division); Isaac Petrosky 536, Jordan Balmer 459 (Junior Division); John Mertz III 300 779, Tanner Schickel 707, Matt Pleger 707, Josh Wafefield 678, Lisa Denlinger 691, Julie Bianco 662, Randi Rambo 602 (Major Division).

Rocky Springs

Mixed: Pat Brandt Sr. 666, Richard Rohrer 613 (General Contractors); Gary Wiedman 651, Brenda Plantholt 529 (Meadia Heights); Eric England 719, Carol Beiler 566 (New Beginnings); Kevin Riley 608 (Monday Am Trio); John Myers 715, Karen Miller 628 (Winterflower); Jim Zimmerman 581 (Monday Travelers); Jodi Geyer 576, Joe Garner 630 (Mixed Rainbow); Kaitlyn Johnstone 527, Rich Ferrier 682 (Mechanics Grove Mixed); Chase Hall 624 (Streamliners); Kyle Teaman 674, Bob Heiney Jr. 649 (Friday Thunder).

Men: Jack Walton 627 (What Not); Lester Clark 622 (Holtwood 10 Pin); Scott Crandall 685, Eric Hiller 680 Garden Spot Men); Kevin Kemper 703, Patrick Kemper 657 (Nut League).

Women: Linda Goodling 711, Robin Heiney 633 (Retail Ladies).

Senior: Richard Goss 640, Roger Harvey 623 (Swingin Seniors); Bill Plantholt 532 (Bob Rudisill Seniors); Chat Apacible 564 (Rocky Springs Seniors); Roger Harvey 635, Ron Herr 618 (Thursday Seniors).

Juniors: Cory Goshert 634, Katelyn Welsh 599 (Juniors).

222 Dutch Lanes

Men: Tom Frankhouser 666, Trever Habecker 621, Keith Sholly 617 (Lancaster Northend); Randy Haldeman 699, Scott Anderson 699, Andy Miller 687 (New Holland Men); Eric Montgomery 788, Scott Canfield 768, David Gerhart 746, Troy Lint 740, Tim Watterson 736, Hank Schwartz 727, Dennis Leed 715, Marty Flegal 712, Dave Adams 708, Dave Schlotter 707, Chuck Winkler 703 (Commerical); Bruce Pauser 739, Dave Adams 719, Matt Moore 715, Andy Bobetsky 711 (Industrial Service).

Women: Denise woodworth 686, Cindy Farmer 586, Donna Synder 580 (Ephrata Ladies).

Mixed: Gene Sholly 762, Doug Andrew 659, Karl Wentzel Sr. 596, Pat Schappell 588, Teresa Martin 476, Terri Andrew 464 (Lincoln Forest); Cornell Wealand 588, Ed Dowlin Sr. 580, Perry Lorah 576, Joy Good 446, June Turnbull 444, Jessica Plantz 414 (Ephrata Church); Andy Glass 658, Nick Passomonti 592, Bill Supplee 629, Donna Erb 530, Terri Andrew 485, Marian Ganster 478 (Simply Everything Mixed); Dave Yutz 710, Rick Ober Sr. 675, Rick Ober Jr. 616, Linda George 476, Dolores Hutcheson 452, Ruth Bowman 420 (Friday Night Mixed); Chad Weaver 663, Carl Weaver 631, Ryan Keener 612, Cristine Stock 580, Christina Sebelist 492, Kris Long 477 (Sunday Night Mixed); Dale Pannebecker 778, Mike Witwer 705, Ray Hake 698. Ellen Merklinger 639, Donna Pannebecker 607, Shelly Connelly 606 (Brownstown Mixed); Andy Boehler 744, William Nelson 616, Charlie Baney 586, Maggie Gribble 644, Karen Teeples 576, Janice Mecklery 531 (Ephrata Mixed).

Seniors: Rick Weidman 588, Ed Ronald 551, Dick Kellenberger 549, Carol Stephan 514, Deb Andrulis 460, Peggy Schmidt 446 (Young at Heart); Carl Helper 407, Earl Redner 392, Dawn Sweigart 498, Gerri Johns 489, Karen Redner 465 (DutchMaids/Mens); Al Nihoff 727, Bob Landis 656, Rick Weidman 620 (Tuesday Senior Men);

Juniors: Eric Erb 718, Chelsey Merklinger 664, Rodney Rippy 585 (Senior Division); Ben White 590, Dylan Smith 527, Chris Muracco 504 (Co-Ed Division); Drew Jaquith 416, Jen Sensenig 344, Zach Fetter 331 (Zoo); Tanner Murray 115, Bethany Jaquith 110, Kole Gerhart 90 (Bumpers).