The 2017 FM athletic year got under way with the newly added bowling program.  The Raiders bowling squad officially got underway on Sunday as they competed in the 2017 Hawk Invitational in Utica.  A co-ed team represented the Raiders and as such, had to participate against only Men's teams.  The Raiders finished 9th out of 10 teams.

Photo: Charlie Cusano begins his second game of the tournament.

"All things considered, I thought we did rather well," Coach Tom Rathbun commented. "This was our first match of the year, at a new site, and under very difficult conditions. Our bowlers aren't used to bowling eight games in a row and the oil pattern selected for the lanes for this tournament was extremely challenging. However, this is the format they will face at Regionals and Nationals so I thought it was good that they be exposed to these conditions now and they can only benefit from the experience. They tried hard, did the best they could and that's all any coach can ask from his team, I am proud of their effort."

Charlie Cusano (Saratoga Central) led the Raiders on the day with an overall average of 168. His high game for the day was a pair of 199's. His doubles partner, Damien Sullivan averaged 152 with a high score of 174. Other scoring highlights for the day on the Men's side were Donavon Derenzo (South Glens Falls) with a 187 and a 199, and Daniel McCoy (Fonda) 167,141.

Photo: Kendra Sweet leads the way for FM.

On the women's side, Sydney Palmatier (Broadalbin-Perth) and Kendra Sweet (Fonda) were the top women's pair for FM. Sydney's high games were 169 and 157. Kendra had 177 and 164 and top average for the day for our women at 153. Shirley Glynn (Gloversville) posted high scores of 176 and 171. Jessica Longale (Fonda) chipped in with high scores of 131 and 123.

"I would like to make mention of one of our bowlers in particular, Jessica Longale. Jessica may not be our best bowler, but nobody tries harder than her. I know she gets frustrated at times, but she never gives up and continues to work at her game.  After bowling 8 games yesterday I think her right arm was about a foot longer than her left,  but as a coach, I admire her efforts and I know the hard work will pay off."

FMCC will host its first ever conference match this Wednesday, January 18th at 1:00 p.m. at Perry Lanes in Johnstown.  All Mountain Valley Conference schools will be in attendance.