Medina bowling alley hosting state tournament for American Legion

Photo by Ginny Kropf:  Members of Butts-Clark American Legion Post, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion are welcoming the 76th New York State Bowling Tournament to Medina Lanes on April 18. This is the first time the tournament has been played in Medina. From left, in front, are Kim Stevens, Rick and Robin Boyle, Scott Carlton, Cathy Fox, Greg Smith, Judi Overholt and Chris and Jim Foss, owners of the bowling alley. Second row, from left, are Wayne Hale, Bob Stevens, Phil Rednick, Guy Eaton, Joni and Bob Meehan.

MEDINA – For the first time in 75 years, the Annual New York State American Legion Family Bowling tournament will take place in Medina.

Members of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion will welcome 80 bowlers to the tournament at Medina Lanes for four weekends from April 18 to May 10.

The tournament is open to members of posts, units, squadrons and chapters across New York, including Legion Riders.

The committee planning the event has already received incredible support from the community, said Phil Rednick, a member of Sons of the American Legion.

“We want to thank them,” he said.

Sponsorship opportunities include full, half or quarter page or business card size ads in the program book; lane sponsors with a lane banner with business name and logo; and donations of baskets for a raffle.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the businesses of Medina to shine and encourage visitors to come back again and again,” the committee said.

In addition to Rednick, committee members include Judy and Rick Overholt, Auxiliary and American Legion members; Cathy Fox, president of the American Legion Auxiliary; Rick and Robin Boyle, Sons of the American Legion and Auxiliary; Scott Carlton, commander of Sons of the American Legion; Wayne Hale, SAL; Bob and Kim Stevens, SAL and Auxiliary; Guy Eaton, Sons of the American Legion; Greg Smith, American Legion; and Bob and Joni Meehan, SAL and Auxiliary.

Rednick said they invite bowlers to come on Friday night, explore the town and shop.

“We hope they will come back for the Triennial,” he said.

Rednick acknowledged Penny Brown of Batavia, who spearheaded efforts to bring the tournament to Medina and helped organize it.

“We are very happy to welcome this tournament to Medina, and all the veterans and their families,” Rednick said.

The event begins with an opening ceremony with flags at 12:30 p.m. April 18 at Medina Lanes.