Submitted by Plymouth Whitemarsh Class of 2011 alum Scott Samuel David Weiss
NORRISTOWN,Pa.- Jeff Blizzard has seen incredible strings and times of being outplayed during his eight seasons coaching Plymouth Whitemarsh. Chris Hammes achieved perfection in a set as a sophomore in February 2008, and Julius Selfinger graduated in June 2012 with a 300 from Jan.31, 2012.Blizzard's 2009-2010 squad captured the Suburban One Continental/ American crown on the final roll and shared with Norristown. Now, Blizzard had invited Plymouth Whitemarsh alums from the past eight bowling seasons to participate in the first-ever PW alumni bowling night Thurs 27 Dec. 2012 at Facenda Whitaker Lanes.
The alumni bowling event had been a fundraiser to support Plymouth Whitemarsh boys and girls bowling, in which 33 alums reunited and 32 let the good times roll (each alum bowled three games for $20 each). Also, pizza and sandwiches had been available along with a computer displaying photographs involving PW bowlers from 2005 until 2012, and door prizes have been given via raffle. Along with the 33 alums, Blizzard, Donna Blizzard (the wife of PW's coach), and bowlers from the 2012-2013 Colonials also joined in matches. Blizzard not only can coach, he can make most of his marks, recording a 625 series.
When the 2009-2010 PW boys captured their first and only Suburban One Continental/American championship crown, the team consisted of Kyle Hafield (PW 2011), Nick Tomaine (PW 2010), Pat Galleo (PW 2011), Josh Taylor (PW 2010) and anchor Chris Hammes (PW 2010). All five members from that squad attended this event, in which Hammes rolled a 267 game and 711 series; Hammes is the first Colonial to have recorded a 300 and currently holds the highest PW series of 748 in 2010.
As for the ladies, the top two Lady Colonials returned to display the prowless from the past, as Kim McCann (PW 2007) and Amy Costello (PW 2010) made sure their skills were not rusty. McCann currently holds PW Lady Colonials records for highest series (648 on 1/3/2007) and game (265 on 1/3/2007). Costello holds second highest ranks in series (599 on 1/28/2010) and game (258 at Council Rock South 2/1/2010). Kristen White, a 2005 PW graduate, has since married and joined the alumni event; White's high school appearances had been highlighted by a 507 series and 204 game on 12/20/2004, which marked PW's inaugural bowling season. Kerri Murphy and Dylan Murphy (both PW 2009) have been married since the couple welcomed son Xavier in 2009, yet Xavier nor Dylan's younger brother Jesse came along for the matches with the couple. Costello came to the event with brothers Mark and Dan, who had graduated from PW before Amy.
Three PW alums wore their bowling uniform shirts: Justin Smith, Martin Weiss (PW 2011, Temple University) and 2009-2011 statistician Scott S.D. Weiss (PW 2011, Temple University). Scott did not bowl during the alumni matches, but Martin tagged along with Joe Pugielli (PW 2009), Smith, and PW's 2012-2013 anchor Joey Galleo. Pugielli's sister, Jamie, currently is a junior anchoring the 2012-2013 varsity Lady Colonials. Julius Selfinger (PW 2012), PW's other 300 game bowler (1/31/2012 vs. North Penn)attended and participated; Selfinger currently receives education from Montgomery County Community College.
After the evening's matches concluded, Blizzard personally thanked every alum for their participation. Kristen Smith (PW 2011) had planned on attending, but was unable to make an appearance. Blizzard hopes to hold a second annual PW alumni bowling event in 2013.
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