The URBL is a Facebook page that consists of bowling features and accomplishments from the Utica/Rome bowling association. URBL stands for Utica Rome Bowling Live. URBL was founded in February of 2018 by local bowlers J.P. Scholefield, Jeff Harrington, and Ray Houle. This page was created to show outstanding performances in league and tournament play by the local bowlers from or in the area.
With that being said the Facebook page is well-known by local bowlers who are active on Facebook. For most local bowlers, it is very cool being featured in any live video or post by URBL. This Facebook page has expanded into a positive outlook for the bowling community in our area. Giving back to the bowlers and promoting competitive bowling in the area is very important.
With that being said, URBL came up with the idea of hosting their own Sunday tournament sweepers. The sweepers are run by URBL founders every Sunday. This season they hosted four sweepers at King Pin Lanes in Rome, NY.
The format is set by bowling four games, across four different pairs, while bowling on a challenging pattern. The winner is determined by the most pinfall across a four game series while every 1-6 bowlers receive a check. First place is worth $250 based on 24 entries and a $40 entry fee. The sweeper idea was founded by Jeff Harrington.
Jeff’s favorite part about running the sweepers are, “Giving bowlers something to compete in and the mix of skill levels of bowlers that are willing to give these a shot.”
He also says his biggest takeaway from running these are, “no matter how prepared you are, there is something you can always learn and take away from each event.”
The “URBL Sunday Sweepers” came to an end for the 2023-24 bowling season as of Sunday May 19, 2024. There was a mix of 20 bowlers with the top three getting paid and one crowned winner. “Big Ben” was the oil pattern these bowlers went up against.
Local bowler with much success on the lanes with accomplishments most can only dream of, Steve Arehart won the last URBL Sunday Sweeper. Steve bowled a four game series of 1,060 with games of 202, 300, 258, and 300. Having two perfect games in a four game span is quite impressive.
“It’s always good to be in the winner’s circle, winning never gets old,” Steve states.
Steve described his game plan: “I tried using some different bowling balls to help me find a good look that would keep the pocket in play while having good carry.”
Reflecting back on his win, Steve stated, “Game one was rough only shooting 201 on a higher scoring pattern, so I knew I had to shoot a few big games to stay in it and was fortunate to shoot a 300 game two, then 258, then 300 to get the win by a few pins.”
Micheal Obernesser was the runner-up for this last event. He shot games of 244, 268, 267, 279, getting him a four game total pin fall of 1,058 finishing second place to Arehart by two pins. Following him with a third place finish was Brett Clemens with games of 254, 279, 249, and 268 for a total four game set of 1,050.
With the URBL Sunday Sweeper series coming to an end, local bowlers hope to see more of these around in the next bowling season.
