Mike Sheehan considers it a tremendous compliment when people call him a gentleman. His father taught him to act that way growing up, he said. It's a lesson Mike has never forgotten.
The strong left-hander's attitude spills over into his bowling. He engages his teammates and opponents with banter, which is often capped off with a hearty laugh.
Indeed, Sheehan's demeanor has served him well. The Weedsport resident has rolled 18 perfect games while toppling the 800 mark eight times. This season he's a finalist in The Citizen Masters. A tournament title has always seemed within his grasp.
But his enthusiasm is tempered slightly. His aunt, Betty Stevens, who in November was inducted in the Auburn Bowling Hall of Fame, passed on a couple of weeks ago after battling cancer.
Sheehan didn't seem quite right as the Masters began. He was still mourning for the woman who taught him how to bowl 30 years ago.
“We were very close,” Sheehan said shortly after competition Sunday. “We were always together. She lived two blocks away.”
Stevens would spend evenings in the Sheehan home with Mike, his wife, Christine and their son, James. But Betty's illness, which stretched on for six months, ultimately ended those intimate times.
“Unfortunately, her death was expected,” Mike said. “We knew there was no chance of a good outcome.”
Five days before passing, Stevens entered the Matthew House, a two-bed home that provides quality end-of-life care to patients. It was formed six years ago in partnership with Hospice of the Finger Lakes. In such a short time, the program made a huge impression on Sheehan.
“As soon as you walk through the door, you feel the warmth and caring from the medical professionals,” he said.
According to its Web site, Hospice receives 81 percent of its revenue from insurance reimbursement. Another 14 percent comes from contributors and fundraisers.
Sheehan will donate his winnings in The Citizen Masters to Hospice. He has already secured $100. That amount would climb to $500 if he wins the championship.
For sure, it won't be easy. Sheehan is in the losers' bracket. It'll take a lot of bowling, six victorious matches in all, to be the last man standing Sunday night at Cedar House Lanes. With his special inspiration, he remains confident.
“If I make quality shots, I can win,” he said.
Stevens, he added, would have been in the crowd rooting him on, “letting me know if I screwed up.” Sheehan also knows that Betty wouldn't have wanted him to dwell on her death.
“I'll still hear her voice inside, telling me to shake off a bad break,” he said. “But when I'm on the lanes, I can still focus on what I have to do.”
So, Sheehan will put his unabashed attention on the winner's trophy. It can be a harsh tournament, where losses often carry a bitter sting.
But like a gentleman, he'll deal with any outcome.
Old Timers' Tourney Feb. 3
The annual Old Timers' Bowling Tournament will be Sunday, Feb. 3, at Starlite Lanes. It is a no-tap format open to men and women aged 50 and older. The cost is $15 per person. The event benefits the American Heart Association. Last year, the event raised $215.
For more information, or if anyone would like to donate a door prize, please contact Clint Symonds at 282-7438 or 729-6662.
Sport League results
Mike Wilczek rolled an 859 four-game series to lead all bowlers Thursday in the Starlite Lanes PBA Experience Sport League.
Other top shooters were: Paul Roche (797), Benny Appleby (794), Becca O'Donnell (779), Gary Feldman Jr. (776), Cory Slater (762), Mike Ryan (761) and Wayne Bibbens (754).
Slater and Ryan remained in first place with 87.5 points. Team Kevin Ashby-Mike Walker Jr. is second with 68. Rounding out the standings are: Jim Locastro-Brian Brooks (67.5), Dan Pilat-O'Donnell (65), Dick Bobbett-Wilczek (65), Brandon Slayton-Feldman Jr. (61.5) and Steve Rusin-Nick Pingryn (55).
Also, Doug Augustine-Ted Phillips (52.5), Patty Wright-Appleby (52), Jamie Cordway-Roche (49), Dan McNeilly-Justin Wayne (41.5), David Whiteside-Jason Whiteside (41.5), Wayne Bibbens-Greg Bibbens (41) and Rob Darling-David Hunter (25).
Men, women tournaments to begin
Men and women bowlers may now sign up for the upcoming association tournaments.
The 73rd annual men's event, which features team, singles and doubles categories, runs Feb. 23-March 9. The team competition at Rainbow Lanes rolls Feb. 23-25 and Feb. 27-29. Cedar House Lanes hosts the singles and doubles March 7-9. The team event costs $100 while singles and doubles costs $80.
The women's tournament, in its second year, bowls on Feb. 23-24 at Starlite Lanes for the team event ($64). The singles and doubles event ($32) rolls March 1-2 at Falcon Lanes.
Visit the Auburn USBC Web site to download applications or contact Mike Ryan (730-2901) or Ann Fenton (923-2180) for more information.
Indeed, Sheehan's demeanor has served him well. The Weedsport resident has rolled 18 perfect games while toppling the 800 mark eight times. This season he's a finalist in The Citizen Masters. A tournament title has always seemed within his grasp.
But his enthusiasm is tempered slightly. His aunt, Betty Stevens, who in November was inducted in the Auburn Bowling Hall of Fame, passed on a couple of weeks ago after battling cancer.
Sheehan didn't seem quite right as the Masters began. He was still mourning for the woman who taught him how to bowl 30 years ago.
“We were very close,” Sheehan said shortly after competition Sunday. “We were always together. She lived two blocks away.”
Stevens would spend evenings in the Sheehan home with Mike, his wife, Christine and their son, James. But Betty's illness, which stretched on for six months, ultimately ended those intimate times.
“Unfortunately, her death was expected,” Mike said. “We knew there was no chance of a good outcome.”
Five days before passing, Stevens entered the Matthew House, a two-bed home that provides quality end-of-life care to patients. It was formed six years ago in partnership with Hospice of the Finger Lakes. In such a short time, the program made a huge impression on Sheehan.
“As soon as you walk through the door, you feel the warmth and caring from the medical professionals,” he said.
According to its Web site, Hospice receives 81 percent of its revenue from insurance reimbursement. Another 14 percent comes from contributors and fundraisers.
Sheehan will donate his winnings in The Citizen Masters to Hospice. He has already secured $100. That amount would climb to $500 if he wins the championship.
For sure, it won't be easy. Sheehan is in the losers' bracket. It'll take a lot of bowling, six victorious matches in all, to be the last man standing Sunday night at Cedar House Lanes. With his special inspiration, he remains confident.
“If I make quality shots, I can win,” he said.
Stevens, he added, would have been in the crowd rooting him on, “letting me know if I screwed up.” Sheehan also knows that Betty wouldn't have wanted him to dwell on her death.
“I'll still hear her voice inside, telling me to shake off a bad break,” he said. “But when I'm on the lanes, I can still focus on what I have to do.”
So, Sheehan will put his unabashed attention on the winner's trophy. It can be a harsh tournament, where losses often carry a bitter sting.
But like a gentleman, he'll deal with any outcome.
Old Timers' Tourney Feb. 3
The annual Old Timers' Bowling Tournament will be Sunday, Feb. 3, at Starlite Lanes. It is a no-tap format open to men and women aged 50 and older. The cost is $15 per person. The event benefits the American Heart Association. Last year, the event raised $215.
For more information, or if anyone would like to donate a door prize, please contact Clint Symonds at 282-7438 or 729-6662.
Sport League results
Mike Wilczek rolled an 859 four-game series to lead all bowlers Thursday in the Starlite Lanes PBA Experience Sport League.
Other top shooters were: Paul Roche (797), Benny Appleby (794), Becca O'Donnell (779), Gary Feldman Jr. (776), Cory Slater (762), Mike Ryan (761) and Wayne Bibbens (754).
Slater and Ryan remained in first place with 87.5 points. Team Kevin Ashby-Mike Walker Jr. is second with 68. Rounding out the standings are: Jim Locastro-Brian Brooks (67.5), Dan Pilat-O'Donnell (65), Dick Bobbett-Wilczek (65), Brandon Slayton-Feldman Jr. (61.5) and Steve Rusin-Nick Pingryn (55).
Also, Doug Augustine-Ted Phillips (52.5), Patty Wright-Appleby (52), Jamie Cordway-Roche (49), Dan McNeilly-Justin Wayne (41.5), David Whiteside-Jason Whiteside (41.5), Wayne Bibbens-Greg Bibbens (41) and Rob Darling-David Hunter (25).
Men, women tournaments to begin
Men and women bowlers may now sign up for the upcoming association tournaments.
The 73rd annual men's event, which features team, singles and doubles categories, runs Feb. 23-March 9. The team competition at Rainbow Lanes rolls Feb. 23-25 and Feb. 27-29. Cedar House Lanes hosts the singles and doubles March 7-9. The team event costs $100 while singles and doubles costs $80.
The women's tournament, in its second year, bowls on Feb. 23-24 at Starlite Lanes for the team event ($64). The singles and doubles event ($32) rolls March 1-2 at Falcon Lanes.
Visit the Auburn USBC Web site to download applications or contact Mike Ryan (730-2901) or Ann Fenton (923-2180) for more information.
The Citizens' Say
There are No comments posted.