Elmont teen rolls at Grand Central tourney

Preparing for his senior year at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, Tommy Genova, 17, discovered Thursday at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan he's one of the best teen bowlers in the country.

Genova already was among the best in Nassau County and the state, but the Teen Masters 14th annual championship proved he could hold his own against the best. He went up against last year's champ and missed his chance to compete for a $64,000 college scholarship by just one pin in a sudden-death roll-off.

"I'm just happy to have been able to play with some of the finest bowlers," the Elmont teen said after he was eliminated by Zack Hattoria, 17, of Las Vegas, last year's Teen Masters champ. He won $4,000 in scholarship money.

"Now I'll go home and practice some more and come back and bowl better," he said. He said after high school he plans to attend Nassau Community College, but isn't sure of his major.

Both Hattoria and Genova won a game in the two-game series, leading to a single-frame, sudden-death round. Hattoria scored 9 pins and Genova 8.

Hattoria later went up against Rachel Vaughn, 16, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., for the championship title and the scholarship money.

Genova might be creating a persona. Before he sends it down the alley, he sometimes kisses his bowling ball.

The event was held in Vanderbilt Hall off Grand Central's main concourse. Hundreds of fans and supporters watched from aluminum benches erected for the event. Among them were about 30 from Long Island, supporting Genova with chants and whistles of support. "This is great," Genova said. "I bowl with all these guys. I'm happy to be here, and I had a lot of fun bowling in Grand Central Station."

Genova's average in school competition last year was 213.4, fourth in Nassau. Sewanhaka won its second straight title, propped by Genova's high scores.

After his defeat Thursday, Genova's supporters lined up to shake his hand and pat him on the back.

Undeterred, Genova said the experience has him "toying" with the idea of going pro. He said he keeps a bowler's attitude whether he wins or loses.

"Keep a clear mind," he said, "and if you don't win just come back the next day."