DWIFF has Home Run with Tech Fair
By Maciej Szczepanski
As part of the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival, Chuck Cirgenski and Raymond Rolak will be presenting at the industry Tech-Fair on the campus of Wayne State University. On Saturday, June 25, 2011 from 11:30-4:00 PM in Prentice Hall a host of film community speakers will educate on current trends and cinema techniques.
Tech-Fair coordinator Frank Collins emphasized that this was the highlight of last years Film Festival. He added, “We have a great line-up willing to share their unique skills, abilities and knowhow with the attendees. The presenters bring to light the best of cinema education and networking.”
Rolak, who played baseball at Wayne State, has been a broadcast producer and involved in several sports docu-dramas. He will present at 11:30 AM on the importance of ‘Wardrobe Catalogue and Conservation’. Cirgenski, who commutes between New York and Hamtramck, will speak at 1:00 PM on the ‘Nuts and Bolts of Producing’. The Tech-Fair is free with pre-registration.
'Paws' in traditional Polish festive folk-wear busts out the 'Paws Polka' before the Detroit Tiger's game at the 41st annual Polish-American Night at Comerica Park. Photo by S. Szczepanski, Rolco Sports Network
DETROIT– Major League Baseball is really getting into theme nights. It is an added value marketing draw. In Detroit and Chicago, Pepsi has been at the forefront of a marketing partnership with baseball and the Polish-American community.
In Detroit recently, ‘Paws’, was a highlight as he entertained the announced crowd of 34,046 on a misty evening at the ballpark. The animated mascot of the Detroit Tiger’s was dressed in colorful Polish folk-wear. It was just one of the highlights as young and old approached to touch and talk with the popular cheerleader. The color, music and dancing were all part of the pre-game festivities for the 41st annual Polish American Night at Comerica Park.
For those in attendance, besides the anticipated baseball action, and the spectacular color display from the dancing troupes, there was the added value of post game fireworks sponsored by Pepsi. Pre-game music was provided by: The Natural Tones, The Kielbasa Kings and Big Daddy Lackowski & The La De Das.
A special promotion was sponsored by the PRCUA and the Michigan Division of the Polish American Congress. Those that purchased a special ticket package received tee-shirts with “Who’s your Tiger” in Polish on the back, (Twoj Ulubiony, TIGER?).
Before the game, Detroit Tiger’s manager, Jim Leyand, graciously took time to acknowledge those on the field supporting the pre- game festivities. Leyland spoke with former baseball sensation Pinky Deras before the game. Deras is one of the 2011 inductees into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame and was acknowledged on the field. The game was telecast to Boston and regionally thru Fox Sports-Detroit.
Detroit Tiger's manager Jim Leyland was taking in all the pregame festivities on the field during the 41 annual Polish-American Night at Comerica Park. Here he graciously signs an autograph for Fr. Walter Ptak of Wyandotte. Photo courtesy of Rolco Sports Network.
Before Rob Szczublewski of Toledo, Ohio did great service to the Polish and American national anthems the dancing troupes were center stage throughout the field of play. At the appointed time pre-game emcee Rob Wolchek decreed, “Play ball.”
The evening started with great expectations and high hopes by having ace pitcher Rick Porcello on the mound for the Tiger’s. The Boston Red Sox had a five run third inning that sent the Tiger starter to the showers and dimmed some of the evenings merriment. Leyland said after the game, “He was just out of sync.” Tiger rookie Charlie Furbush was a highlight with five innings of shutout relief. With the home team losing 6-3, the post game Polka concert left most departing the stadium in good spirits.
Veteran talk-radio host Ron Cameron along with good friend George Eichorn saluted Ed Browalski. Browalski was one of the driving forces of Polish-American Night and he headlined the formation of the NPASHF.
“Big Ed”, as he was affectionately known, was a respected baseball and bowling writer. He was also the longtime official scorekeeper for the Detroit Tigers. Veteran pro-wresting ambassador Kurt Schneider told humorous Browalski tales about how the players would lobby to get an error erased from the stats.
In keeping with the theme, the press box kitchen at Comerica Park featured a Polish style dinner and snacks. Polish ‘Angel-Wing’ cookies (Chrusciki) were even featured. “These are awesome,” exclaimed radio stringer Rich Curbelo, as he enjoyed the tasty confections.
Deras, who was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals out of Hamtramck High School for a big bonus, told Jim Conrad, “At my first day of spring training in St. Petersburg, Stan Musial came up to me and said, ‘Come on Polish boy, how about some catch.’”
“That shook off the butterflies,” added Deras. “What a class act to help out a rookie like that.” Musial was the first NPASHF inductee in 1973.
At one of the busy Comerica Park concession stands Fr. Walter Ptak of Wyandotte invited those within earshot to their August Polish Festival. Polish national and first time baseball attendee Jan Borowski acknowledged with a smiling and heartfelt, “Tak, tak, bardzo dobrze.”
Boston Red Sox pitching ace Jon Lester met with 17 year old Tim Myszenski of Warren, Michigan. Myszenski, a big baseball enthusiast is suffering the effects of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It was part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation program.
This year’s NPASHF induction banquet is June 23, at 6:00 pm at the American-Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan. For ticket information, 313-407-3300.
In Chicago, Polish-American Night with the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field will be Tuesday, July 26, 2011. The Sox will take on the Tigers and tickets can be purchased from the PRCUA, 1-800-772-8632, ext. 2601.
Editors Note: Raymond Rolak was a past Chairman of the NPASHF.
MIAMI– The new glamour-gal of world-wide tennis is 20 year old Caroline Wozniacki. The blonde native of Denmark is also the world’s ranked number one woman and is now set for center stage at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida. All the fashion, glitter, nightlife and celebrity party activities that South Beach is noted for will be center stage.
Currently, Wozniacki is the top talk of Danish and Euro sports media. She also has a great following in Poland because of her heritage. Her mother and father were born in Poland but decided to stay in Denmark after her father retired from playing Danish professional soccer in Odense. Her mother Anna had previously played volleyball for the Polish National Team. Her older brother Patrik got her started in tennis.
The Women’s Tennis Tour and the South Florida community combine for the next two weeks in what is known as the peoples, ‘Party Tour’. The players along with the Sony Ericsson Open folks made appearances at the famed CocoWalk in Coconut Grove. This area, known for its boutiques, restaurants, and night clubs transformed into a tennis and musical extravaganza. It offered a chance to get up close with the players and be part of the activities. The Ritz Carlton Hotel is ground zero for most of the glitter activities and also offers great chances to see the players up close and casually.
Photo courtesy of Sony Ericsson Open
Other than the U.S. Open in New York this event has the most off-court celebrity appeal. Belgian Kim Clijsters last years champ returns as the second-ranked player in the world and the No.2 seed. She has been nursing a recent shoulder injury.
At the Sony Ericsson Open preview, Wozniacki said, “I’m a different player for sure… more experienced.” “I feel like I’m on a roll right now,” said the top seed. She added about her special training regimen. “I do a lot of boxing training. It’s a great way to stay fit and relieve stress.” There will be 46 of the world’s top 50 ranked women participating here.
Jelena Jankovic, the No. 6 seed, has had a solid string of results after losing in the second round of the Australian Open and believes she’s on the right track to success. “I’m feeling pretty confident. I’ve played a lot of matches the last month. My game is coming back and I’m working hard.”
Jankovic, a finalist here in 2008, knows that court conditions vary on a day-to-day basis. When I made the finals, it was sunny all week. The players and fans all enjoyed the weather,” Jankovic said. “Last year, it was quite windy and rainy, so it can be different each time.”
During the ‘Players Party’ at the Paris Theater in Miami Beach, Sony Ericsson executive Stefan Croix said, “Tournaments are about the stars and fans, so you need things to go well. There’s good energy this year so far but you always want to improve upon the previous event.”
The world class tennis performers were front and center on the ‘Red Carpet’. Another Sony Ericsson representative, Steve Walker added, “We have a lot of new products coming out, so this tournament is a great platform to introduce them.” Consumer electronics and phones were showcased and new video games were highlighted practically everywhere at the gala.
The 2011 Sony Ericsson Open will be played thru April 3, at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG of Cleveland and is considered the most glamorous event on both the ATP and WTA tours. Over 300,000 in attendance are expected and the finals will be broadcast on CBS.
The first tournament was in February, 1985 with Tim Mayotte and Martina Navratilova crowned singles champions.
36th Year of Tennis in Palm Springs
Wozniacki had the young strong legs and her side to side ease defeated Marion Bartoli 6-1, 2-6 and 6-3 to win the BNP Paribas Open. The victory kept Wozniacki at the number one world ranking. After the match she was jubilant, as Wozniacki was runner-up here to Jankovic a year ago.
It was her 14th Women’s Tennis Association title and her second this year. She had also won at Dubai. She has appeared in the finals for her third consecutive tournament.
“This is such an amazing event and everyone loves playing here. I’m already looking forward to playing here next year,” Wozniacki said post match.
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden had its best attendance ever during the 36th year of the event. “I can keep playing out there for hours and hours,” Wozniacki said smiling. She won the tournament by running down her opponents.
The victory allowed Wozniacki to improve her results for the fifth straight year in the popular Palm Springs area tournament. She earned $700,000 for the title.
Near the end, Wozniacki asked for her coach, who is her father. Piotr Wozniacki came courtside and gave advice. She responded by holding serve in the next game before Bartoli double-faulted to fall behind 4-1. “He said, ‘You’re playing great. Just keep it up. It’s just one break in the second set. Just hang in there,’” she said afterwards. “My dad calmed me down.”
She rolled through the first set, breaking Bartoli three times with and having the runner-up going from side to side.
Wozniacki got to the final after besting Maria Sharapova, 6-1, 6-2, in a quick hour and twenty minutes. “It’s pretty much a two-week event, and you have days in between like in the Grand Slams. It’s a big tournament, and I’m very, very happy,” said Wozniacki.
She was a sponsors dream, as Wozniacki concluded the ABC Television broadcast with gracious statements for her opponents, spectators and supporters. She finished by saying, “I played very, very well, I thought, actually in the whole match, it was in the first set, I felt like I had the most control. I just love playing matches. I like winning. I like holding the trophy.”
Wozniacki now has two WTA titles this season, having won at Dubai earlier in the year. She now has 14 career titles. She also got a lot of post match attention about her conventional style but very denim-blue colored tennis dress with a ruffled neck strap. She wears adidas apparel by Stella McCartney.
Younger Brother Helps Brian Keselowski Make Daytona 500
By Raymond Rolak
DAYTONA BEACH— When Brian Keselowski qualified for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 it probably became the feel good motorsports story of the year. So many elements contributed. His father Bob was going to be his crew chief. Even though the operation was underfinanced, the #92 Dodge team was on top of the world. Their K-Racing Team got some late sponsorship from Detroit based Discount Tire. That surely helped but they didn’t even have hotel rooms. Then, the younger brother contributed in a big way.
Brian, 29, is the older brother of NASCAR sensation Brad Keselowski, 26. “I’m here on a credit card and a prayer,” said Brian. On the last day of qualifying he got into the Daytona 500 with some help and a push from his younger brother. Brad had qualified already in the Penske Dodge #2 car. During a qualifying race, he found himself behind his brother Brian and pushed the #92 car up to the front of the pack and across the finish.
Photo courtesy of Penske Racing
Brian had an emotional moment when he stopped on pit road and realized he had made the big dance. He then got a hug from his younger brother. Kay, their mom, came up a few minutes later to join the celebration. Kay Keselowski said, “I have been doing this for thirty years. I went to Brian first because I figured he needed the support. Then I went back to Brad’s motor home. He walked in and I said, ‘Brad, you are my hero.’ And he just goes, ‘I try, Mom.’”
Later Brad added, “He made good moves (Brian). He found the right holes and used ’em right. Brian has got some experience at this — more than people think. I’m really proud of him. He did a great job.”
The Keselowski’s, both Rochester Hills, Michigan natives, have a racing pedigree. Their father raced in the ARCA series in the 70’s and Uncle Ron raced in four -Daytona 500’s. 2007 Daytona 500 champion Kevin Harvick said. “Usually, one thing leads to another. The Keselowski family, you couldn’t ask for better people.”
Brad has had great success in the #22 Penske Dodge last year. In fact, he won the Nationwide Series point championship last season. He was also named the Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive year. Penske Racing upgraded Brad to the #2 Miller Lite Dodge for the Daytona 500.
Veteran driver Joe Nemechek of the #87 Toyota car said, “The Keselowski brothers provided the entire sport with a feel-good moment. All the guys in the garage know what Brian has to work with. To make this race is awesome.” The older Keselowski got some additional sponsorship for his #92 car from the Golden Corral restaurant chain.
Proud father, Bob Keselowski said, “Coming in we thought, No matter what, this is going to be a great opportunity for Brian to run at Daytona with the big boys.” Brad got his experience on Michigan short tracks and now he is in the major leagues of motorsports.
The Daytona 500 is the first big NASCAR race of the year and it is the biggest race of the season. This is the only sport in which the biggest event is at the beginning and it carries by far the largest purse. The race is the direct successor of shorter beach races held on Daytona Beach in the late 40’s and early 50’s.
With over 180,000 in attendance at the Daytona International Raceway, the euphoria did not last long. On the 29th lap, a 15-car monster wreck took out Brian Keselowski. He was up high on the track and another rookie, Andy Lally #71 came up spinning out of control and ended the day for #92. The original mess was caused by Michael Waltrip #15 and Dave Reutimann #00. It was a two car drafting procedure that went astray.
Rookie Trevor Bayne ended up winning with the #21 Ford. It was a white knuckle finish with four cars having a chance to slingshot into the lead. In fact, Ford cars finished 1-2-3 and Edsel Ford, along with Ford execs visited in ‘Garage Alley’ during Speed Week.
Brian and K-Racing Team got a purse of $273,663.00 for starting in the big race.
Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing had the Miller Lite Dodge in contention. He led for nine laps. On lap 167 he got contact from Robby Gordon’s Dodge #31 and was sent into the outside wall. The younger Keselowski had to settle for a 29th-place finish.
The Daytona International Speedway had been recently resurfaced and was fast. Drivers figured out that by hooking up in two-car packs and drafting it was a faster way around the course.
On the third lap, the spectators at Daytona International Raceway stood in silence, with three fingers raised toward the sky. This was a tribute to the late Dale Earnhardt. The acknowledgement marked the 10-year anniversary of Earnhardt’s fatal accident at the famous track.
Jack Hege was honored again as he was previously presented to the driver’s at the pre-race meeting. He has been to all 52 Daytona 500 races as a spectator. Afterwards the drivers and guests had an opportunity to attend the traditional chapel service.
NASCAR announced that next year’s Daytona 500 race will be pushed back by a week to Sunday, February 26, 2012.
Michigan International Speedway will host NASCAR twice, June 18-19 and August 20-21. Chicago Speedway will race September 18-19.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series now heads out to Phoenix International Raceway for next weekend’s Subway Fresh Fit 500. The Phoenix Cup action gets under way on Friday with practice sessions. Saturday’s 1:40 P.M. single round of qualifying will determine the entire 43-car starting field. Sunday’s 312-lap, 312-mile (500 kilometer) race is scheduled to start at 1:00 P.M. local time with live coverage on FOX-TV and MRN Radio.
Wash. D.C.– It took the encouragement of some U.S. Senators and the entire ‘Cardinal Nation’ but Stan Musial was finally awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was included with a very distinguished group. President Barack Obama presented to the 90 year old Musial in the East Room of the White House. Musial was one of 15 recipients of the medal and one of two sports greats. Also honored was Boston Celtics Hall of Famer, Bill Russell.
Musial and Russell were included with a very distinguished group including former U. S. President George H.W. Bush. Interestingly, the senior President Bush, 86, had played baseball at Yale and participated in the NCAA finals in 1947 and 1948. The former collegiate first baseman talked about the great experiences he had at the first College World Series. The first two CWS were at Hyames Field on the campus of Western Michigan University. Yale had been runners-up to California and USC in 47 and 48, respectively. “We got our picture taken with Babe Ruth and I thought that was heady stuff but here I am with Stan-the-Man,” said the former President. “I am so honored to be here today.”
Also receiving the award were former President George H.W. Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, John H. Adams, Maya Angelou and financier Warren Buffett. Also included were Jasper Johns, Gerda Weismann Klein, Dr. Tom Little, Sylvia Mendez, Jean Kennedy Smith, John J. Sweeney and world renown musician Yo-Yo Ma.
President Bush, who played baseball at Yale, kept a George McQuinn style first baseman’s glove in the Oval Office desk drawer when he was in the White House. “When I was stressed, I would pull it out and pound on it,” said the former President.
Musial, inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1969 and the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame (NPASHF) in 1973 was humbled. Seated with Lil, his wife of over 70 years, Musial said, “I am proud to be a Cardinal.”
Russell was the centerpiece of 11 championship seasons for the Celtics. Also, he won two NCAA basketball championships at the University of San Francisco. One of Russell’s high school teammates in Oakland, California was future baseball Hall of Famer Frank Robinson.
Russell, who also coached for the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA, was also a national basketball broadcaster. He complimented President Obama about reaching the top of his field based on intelligence, ingenuity and hard work.
Throughout the 2010 baseball season, thousands of Cardinals fans from around the world took part in the team’s social-media based ‘Stand for Stan’ campaign. The players also joined in the campaign. “For us, Stan embodies all that is good about the game of baseball and what it means to be a St. Louis Cardinal,” wrote the 2010 Cardinals players in a letter to President Obama supporting Musial for the Medal of Freedom. “Stan is a role model for players and fans alike, embodying the qualities of good sportsmanship, self-discipline, hard work, consistency, grace, humility and excellence.”
The grass roots effort blossomed and helped the decision of the President regarding Musial. Ron Watermon of the St. Louis Cardinals was the point man for the ‘Stand for Stan’ project. Cardinal supporters and Musial admirers were encouraged to take their picture of with the caricature of the ‘Stand for Stan’ and forward the photo’s on. Folks were lobbying and encouraging others in the effort with their picture of ‘Stand for Stan’. “The day we started the project, the team (Cardinals) was in San Diego, and there were fans already in the stadium with ‘Stand for Stan’ posters,” said Watermon. “It took a life of its own and just grew.”
The Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor. It is bestowed to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the best interests of the United States, to world peace or to cultural or other significant public endeavors. Though individuals may be honored for singular acts of momentous achievement, it is generally presented for a lifetime of service or at the conclusion of a distinguished career. It was long overdue for Musial.
Musial joins other baseball greats who have been awarded the Medal of Freedom, including Hank Aaron (2005), Roberto Clemente (2003), Joe DiMaggio (1977), Buck O’Neil (2006), Frank Robinson (2005), Jackie Robinson (1984) and Ted Williams (1991).
A Pennsylvania native, Musial enjoyed a 22-year Major League Baseball career as an outfielder and first baseman with the Cardinals. He started out as a promising pitcher. With his unorthodox coiled stance, he batted .300 or better in each of his first 16 seasons and finished with a .331 career batting average. His average ranks 32nd all-time in baseball history and fifth highest in Cardinals history.
Musial won the National League batting title seven times. He was a three-time National League Most Valuable Player (1943, 1946 and 1948), accumulated a career total of 3,630 hits and 475 home runs.
Musial also was on three World Series teams as a player and one as the Cards’ general manager. His great sports appeal was national in scope. Musial became part of the fabric of American culture, when in 1946 the spectators in Brooklyn, New York gave him his now famous nickname, ‘THE MAN’.
Musial recalled his induction into the NPASHF in 1973 and the anniversary celebration of the Museum 25 years later. He remembered fondly regaling the audience with his harmonica. “Ray, Polish food is still my favorite,” he added while smiling. “I watched the 2006 series on TV,” referring to the Tigers-Cards matchup.
Off the field, Musial’s accomplishments are still impressive. Other activities and charities fond to Musial are the USO, Senior Olympics, the Boy Scouts, the Crippled Society of St. Louis, and Shelter the Children. He always has stayed connected to baseball and operated a hotel in retirement and lent his name to a restaurant in suburban St. Louis.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, missing the entire 1945 season. While still playing he recognized the great importance of off season training and nutrition. In 1959 Musial hired a personal trainer to get his hitting eye back on stroke. He was awarded Comeback Player of the Year in 1962 when he hit .330 at age 41. After his playing days he served as chairman of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s President’s Council on Physical Fitness from 1964 to 1967.
Musial wholeheartedly helped the growth of Little League baseball in Poland and has acted as an unofficial emissary to Poland. He was awarded the Cavalier Cross of the Order of Merit, the Polish Government’s highest civilian honor.
The Medal of Freedom was established in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman to honor service during World War II. The medal was re-established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy and the scope by which it is awarded was broadened.
“Throughout his life, Stan has never sought recognition for his good works,”’ said Cardinals Chairman William DeWitt Jr. in a released statement. “Stan has been a true role model exemplifying the humility, grace and generosity we so desperately need to see in our American sports heroes.”
Musial’s decency as a gentleman was legendary. Musial stood by his beliefs of treating people right. In 1947 when some Cardinals wanted to boycott an upcoming game against the Brooklyn Dodgers because they had African-American Jackie Robinson on their roster, he took action. Unaffected by the pressure, Musial adamantly refused to follow suit. The Cardinals played the game, a testament to the respect he commanded in the clubhouse. He was also highly valued for mentoring rookies with advice and tips. He would include ‘the rooks’ for dinner invites when traveling on the road. Years later, Hank Aaron said that Stan Musial was one of his favorite Major League players because he treated all men equally and with dignity.
Musial was the first player in Cardinals history to have his uniform number retired and in 1969 won first-ballot election into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. On Oct. 2, more than 39,000 fans paid tribute to Musial at ‘Stan for Stan’ Day at Busch Stadium.
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said, “On behalf of all of Major League Baseball, I am truly thrilled that The White House has honored Stan Musial with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Stan Musial is an extraordinary human being, a great American and one of the best players in the history of the game. He has long been a treasure of St. Louis, but he represents all the best of our national pastime. Today, our game salutes Stan Musial on this highest honor from our country.”
I joked with Bill Russell that Musial had been offered a basketball scholarship in 1938 to the University of Pittsburg. “Russell smiled, “I would have gotten more boards.” The normally very intense Russell was very gracious and we compared some University of San Francisco and University of Detroit sports stories. We shared about the Jesuit Basketball Initiative, a new promotion to highlight Jesuit colleges that have varsity men’s and women’s basketball programs. Russell had as two of his guests, football great Jim Brown and baseball Hall of Famer Joe Morgan.
There is a statue of ‘Stan the Man’ outside of Bush Stadium in St. Louis. It is inscribed with this quote by former baseball executive Ford Frick, “Here stands baseball’s warrior. Here stands baseball’s perfect knight.”
Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Editors Note: Raymond Rolak is a Sports Writer and was a past Chairman of the NPASHF.
Polish National Contributes to NCAA Win
by Raymond Rolak
YPSILANTI– Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan University always have intense games. Every sport and every game is magnified. Not only is it an NCAA special rival game but each contest is for in-state bragging rights.
Kamil Janton, the junior, 6’10” center for Eastern Michigan and hailing from Tarnow, Poland only had two points, but they were huge points. More importantly and even with only seven minutes of hard work relief time, he got high praise from his coach.
Janton, who went to high school in Chicago, was also featured on the EMU game day program titled, ‘United We Hoop’. “Kamil’s playing time really gave us some center relief help,” said Eastern Michigan University Head Coach Charles Ramsey. “He allowed some rest time for our guys underneath the basket and those two points were important.”
The Mid-American Conference game wasn’t pretty for either squad. The Eagles came out on top, 41-38. It was a hard defensive match-up but both teams shot cold on a very-very cold and chilly Michigan afternoon. CMU was only 14 of 60 from the field for 23%. EMU was slightly better at 14 of 42 for 33%. Ramsey gave some deserved credit to his swarming defense which helped contribute to the ‘Chips’ poor showing from the field. High heralded CMU freshman, Trey Zeigler was held to only 13 points.
Eastern’s big gun, Brandon Bowdry was pressured hard from Central and held to six points but he did have eight boards. Derek Thompson picked up 11 much needed points and Darrell Lampley also added 11 for EMU. While Bowdry was often swarmed he was able to dish off and create opportunities for other Eagles.
The Chippewa’s made the last two minutes tension filled as they cut the lead to three points twice. It was excitement to the max, and they made their free throws to tighten the pressure. Zeigler hit the second of two free throws for CMU. That cut the lead to four, 39-35, with 29.4 left on the clock.
The Eagles had trouble in-bounding the ball, and Central’s Finis Craddock picked up the errant pass and bombed in a long sky three from the top of the circle. That cut it to one, 39-38, with 24.9 left.
Central was then forced into a fouling situation and Lampley would connect on both free throws to put Eastern up by three, 41-38, with 22.3 left. That sealed the victory for Eastern Michigan.
EMU Coach Ramsey was optimistic about finding things to highlight about his team’s performance. “We did just enough to win and hold on,” he said. He did smile when pressed more about Janton and the irony of being the ‘Cover Boy’ on the game day printed program. “He has earned playing time, and everyone contributed today.” added Ramsey.
The 38 points scored by CMU was an EMU Convocation Center low for a visiting team while EMU’s 41 points was also a team low for the season. “Defense by both teams contributed to the low score of the game, and Central did a good job of concentrating on shutting Bowdry down. Everyone else stepped up.” continued Ramsey. CMU Coach Ernie Zeigler did not attend post-game.
EMU sophomore, Jamell Harris has recorded 47 blocked shots this season. He had five in this game.
Exercise and Health Had His Star Shine In Hollywood: Also owned the trendy NYC Vertical Club
By Raymond Rolak
Photo courtesy of the familyBLOOMFIELD HILLS– He had a spectacular business model and it took him amongst the glamorous of Hollywood. Roy Zurkowski took his hobby to a success level that he never imagined was possible. The Chicago native passed recently and had turned 81 on October 10, 2010.
His marketing model was to use Hollywood spokespersons that were just on the edge of super-stardom. Some of the celebrities that he convinced to promote Vic Tanny’s on national television included Cher, Lynda Carter, and Farrah Fawcett. He also signed Raquel Welch, Victoria Principal and Arnold Schwarzenegger to market the health clubs. “I would sign them before they went galactic, I couldn’t afford them later,” Zurkowski had said. All went super-nova and all fulfilled their contracts.
Schwarzenegger, now the Governor of California said, “Roy was a great fitness leader, a great entrepreneur, and a fantastic friend. We had a wonderful friendship and Maria and I were sad to hear of his passing.”
Zurkowski was also a champion body-builder and won the Mr. Chicago and Mr. Illinois titles in 1953. When Vic Tanny, an early pioneer of New York health club franchises over-extended his expansion, Zurkowski and two partners bought the company.
Roy moved to Detroit in the 1960’s and kept the Vic Tanny brand and renamed the Illinois facilities as the Chicago Health Clubs. This became the nation’s largest health and fitness operation with more than 380 locations. Roy later formed a holding company called the Health and Tennis Corporation of America. He and partner Donohue Wildman also took over the Jack LaLanne clubs and the popular New York celebrity destination, the Vertical Club.
In 1983, the partnership sold to the Bally Entertainment Corporation for 72.4 million. Through 1987 there were contingencies for another 56.3 million, based on company performances. Both Wildman and Zurkowski stayed on as executives for a million plus per year, and they exceeded goals for the parent Bally Entertainment. By 1984, all the clubs became Bally’s Total Fitness.
After giving discounts to new club members and creating another wave of cash flow, expansion renewed. Bally’s acquired American Fitness Centers and Nautilus Fitness Centers.
Former Detroit Lion star, Mike Lucci, who was President of Bally’s said, “Roy was a dream to work with and after we acquired Lifecyle, (an exercise bike manufacturer), we got back into celebrity marketing.” Bally’s marketed a promotion featuring the slogan “Turn on Your Life” with television’s Terri Hatcher. She at the time was starring in the hit show ‘Lois and Clark’. She became another Hollywood ‘A’-lister that went super-nova after an inspired merchandising campaign.
A world traveler, he kept his mansion in Bloomfield Hills and after retirement in 1990, split his time in Florida at a luxury condo.
Roy served on several charitable boards including ‘Best Buddies’ in Washington, D.C., the National Special Olympics, the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Beaumont Foundation, and the Michigan Cancer Foundation.
He valued education along with fitness and donated exercise equipment to various institutions throughout the country. Zurkowski was a supporter at the former Orchard Lake St. Mary’s College and had special friendships with Walter Ziemba and former celebrity TV-Chef, ‘Duglass-Duglass’ Grech.
Zurkowski always tan and fit was adamant about his own workouts. “The atmosphere of a club should make you want to exercise,” he had said. He stressed the ambiance of a workout facility. “It should be, 90% environment and enthusiasm and 10% equipment,” he relayed in a People Magazine article about celebrities and their fitness regiments. “Changing up routines is the key.”
Longtime secretary, Janice Broniak said, “Roy was blessed to have great friends and caregivers and Rick Murphy was such a devoted friend.”
Zurkowski, also an army veteran is survived by former wife Lucia, a sister, Patricia, and a brother, Dan. A memorial was held at St. Thomas More Parish, Troy, Michigan.
He Travelled as a Polish-American Ambassador: World Famous, Native Son Passes
By Raymond Rolak
TROY, MICHIGAN– In 1992, I became acquainted with Eddie Lubanski. When I was a little boy, I would watch him on Saturday television with my father. They had cigars. When I became Chairman of the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame, I got associated with Eddie Lubanski. He was much older and so very gracious when I told him the parallels between our fathers and baseball and bowling. Even more attentive was he, when I started to brag about Detroit and cigars. Eddie Lubanski was an original Motor City Ambassador.
He told Mark Danielewicz and me about old time Detroit baseball. “I wanted to play baseball at Wayne State but I started to make money bowling,” he said.
Lubanski was born in Detroit, a son of the depression but tough times did not get him down. Baseball was his first love, “I got to play for my dad in American Legion Baseball and in Federation ball. He was hard on me but I knew it was for my best. My cousin Leonard was a star with the Ternstedt Post- #166 team. He was the State of Michigan MVP in 1954. He won the Kiki Cuyler Award. The factory was on Livernois Avenue.”
That was Eddie Lubanski, deflecting the attention to somebody else.
Eddie was dominant on the diamonds in his own right. “We loved it when we got to play on Diamond # 1 at Northwestern. The infield was manicured like a pool table,” he said. Lubanski signed as a pitcher with the old St. Louis Browns and bounced around in the minors. “I got my perseverance from my father, Edward. The minors were depressing. I was playing in Wisconsin and decided that I had a better future in bowling. It wasn’t a good life for Betty.”
He started to talk about me. We wanted his stories, but he acted interested in us. “Ray, I heard you and Tom Paciorek speak about perseverance. That is the key. I told my boys during their youth hockey, don’t give up. You two played baseball at Wayne State, I followed that. Mark, I used to watch your brother play football. I am Michigan State through and through, you know. My boys are Spartans.” We were stunned. How would Eddie Lubanski know that? Why would he know that? “Mark, you caught Doug Konieczny. He is the only baseball player from Wayne State to make the Major Leagues,” Lubanski added. Danielewicz and I looked at each other in amazement.
The astonishment of Eddie Lubanski’s sports knowledge had not worn off yet. Another former NPASHF Chairman, Buck Jerzy put it in perspective. Jerzy got to talk and travel with Lubanski extensively during the Detroit All-Star Classic days in the 60’s. Jerzy said, “Eddie was class, he was a gentlemen’s-gentleman. Classy and humble, he would focus and help the younger guys. He helped me; we would talk bowling and college hockey. He always gave me the angle.”
During our dinner at the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Lubanski reminisced, “My father took me to the old Chene-Trombly Recreation Lanes. Joe and John Paulus were the owners and they were instrumental in getting me started as a pin setter. I started with the Stroh Team and Fred Wolf really helped me.” Wolf had a televised Bowling show, ‘Championship Bowling’ that ran from 1954-1965. It was carried in more than 200 cities. “Wolf got me into the big time of bowling,” he added
That future was fulfilled and bowling brought Lubanski international notoriety. His television matches on ABC-TV with Johnny King were legendary. King would sport giant Churchill cigars, much bigger than Eddie’s. During the pro-ladder matches Lubanski would use body-English to coax his pin roll. It was pure theater. King was known to jump over the ball returns after a double strike. King would trash talk and play to the crowds. Eddie was more reserved and ever so watchful. It was the equivalent of Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier. The King-Lubanski matches always got the largest ratings, they were the heavyweight performers. Don Carter and Dick Weber were other notable and popular television foes.
Lubanski’s two-finger, five-step delivery began to show great results along his bowling tournament travels. He won the World’s Invitational Championship in Chicago in 1958, and then followed that with an amazing four titles in the 1959 at the American Bowling Congress tournament in St. Louis. He was voted Bowler of the Year in 1959 and named to the All-American Bowling Teams in 1958 and 1959. He won numerous BPAA titles.
“I loved the feel and control the two-fingered ball gave me and most especially the revolutions I was able to manufacture,” said Lubanski. He also told about the old Detroit Recreation Center on Lafayette and Shelby. “It had six floors of lanes and billiard tables, and a lot of ‘sharpies’. It was a bowler’s palace,” he said. “Eighty-eight lanes and the best cigar stand in the city. I won a lot of money there. People came there just to see the place, so much action. That was Detroit.”
He is noted in the Guinness Book of Records for carrying a 204 average for 25 years. “The fifties and sixties were so alive and exciting in Detroit,” he added.
Also, in 1959, Lubanski got to icon status when he bowled a 300 game on television. He had the “Great Double 300” in Florida at Miami’s Bowling Palace. “I was in a zone that you only find a few times in a career,” he told me about that night in 1959. “It was easily my proudest moment as an athlete. Don’t think bowlers aren’t athletes. Most times we would bowl six games and that took a toll. I advocated bowling to become a varsity sport in the NCAA.”
Lubanski has been inducted to five separate Halls of Fame. He was inducted into the NPASHF in 1978. He was very proud to advance Polonia. “Everything I earned was related to my Polish-American upbringing, he said. With a smile and a twinkle he added, “And my wife’s faith in God and family.” Betty overheard, she smiled even longer.
Most recently along with writers Kevin Allen and Del Reddy he was promoting his autobiography, “King of the Pins”. He was forthcoming about a past drinking problem and his new passion was for mentoring in Alcoholics Anonymous. “I owe my life to Betty,” he said. “I can afford to give back.”
In all, Lubanski posted 11 sanctioned 300 games. He captained the Detroit Thunderbirds in the team National Bowling League in 1961 and 1962. They won the championship.
Son Paul said, “My father was a hero, a true hero and he inspired. He defeated his alcoholism and he anonymously helped save the lives of others.”
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Oak Park. Lubanski is survived by his wife Betty. They were married for 62 years and travelled the world together because of bowling. Children, Janis, Edward, Paul and Robert survive their father. A daughter, Denise, predeceased him and he will be cremated and interred with her. All the Lubanski children graduated from Oak Park High School in Michigan. Edward and Paul played hockey at Michigan State.
Osiecki New Head Coach at OSU – Gets First Win by Raymond Rolak
Hamden, Conn.– Ohio State got their 2010-2011 college hockey season is in full swing as they blanked Quinnipiac, 4-0 to give Mark Osiecki his first NCAA head coaching win. The Burnsville, Minnesota native said, “It feels good and Cal really kept us in the game.”
Junior goalie Cal Heeter blocked 32 shots and the Buckeyes earned a road split at Quinnipiac of the ECAC.
Senior forward John Albert scored once and added two assists while freshman forward Chris Crane, got his first college goal. Senior forward Sergio Somma and sophomore defenseman Devon Krogh also tallied for the Buckeyes.
“This was a good response from last night’s loss,” Osiecki said. “It was a lesson learned as you have to take care of the puck to win. We played smarter with the puck and had a lot less turnovers tonight. Cal gave us an opportunity to stay in the game early and made some big saves. Albert had a lot of jump and created a lot of things offensively.”
With Heeter’s second career shutout, he was named CCHA Goaltender of the Week.
Quinnipiac won Friday, 2-1.
Osiecki, was previously an assistant at Wisconsin the last six years. OSU will play its first CCHA game October 22, at Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan. This is the 40th anniversary of the start of the CCHA.
Morris Moorawnick Knew The Sports Landscape by Raymond Rolak
DETROIT– Longtime Detroit sports figure Morris Moorawnick — A celebrated statistician and professional scorekeeper, died recently at 83. He had been ailing from a series of strokes. He was very proud of his Russian-Polish-Jewish heritage and upbringing, and was a great ambassador of Judeo-Christian relations.
Moorawnick, a native Detroiter, was best known for keeping stats for the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings, starting in 1947. He worked for the Piston’s before they moved to Detroit from Fort Wayne in 1958. Prior to that, he was the sports statistician for Wayne State University. He also helped with the great Wayne State basketball teams of Coach Joel Mason in the 1950’s. He was shy of getting his degree by three credits as he was on a music scholarship at WSU in the early 50’s. He went on to become a professional baseball scorer, with a national reputation.
As a youth he was a professional pin-ball player, table tennis champion and master piano player. His father Jacek, would often call to him in Yiddish, “Morrie the Guntcher”, which loosely translates to ‘one who can play without tilting’.
He loved to show off his NBA Championship rings from the ‘Bad Boys’ days. Also, his Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup Rings. Last year he was celebrated by American Legion Baseball for his longtime support. In fact, he went on tour showing off his championship rings. He was also honored at Comerica Park by the Ilitch Family for his contributions to amateur sports and excellence of sportsmanship.
Native Detroiter and former sports statistician Morris Moorawnick (center) being honored at Comerica Park last year. Detroit Tiger Manager, Jim Leyland personally congratulated 'Morrie' on his honors. Photo courtesy of ROLCO SPORTS NETWORK
Moorawnick worked for nearly every media outlet in the sports departments, including the Associated Press, the Detroit Times, the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press.
He lived to talk sports. “He was the greatest uncle,” said David Manning. “The highlight of my uncle’s life was being around the teams. The only thing better than that was eating all their food before the games.” He loved to eat and tried to keep a kosher table. He tried.
He prided his special friendship with hockey legend Gordy Howe and was a fixture at Olympia and Joe Louis Arena’s. He also travelled with and did stats for the University of Michigan baseball team. Morrie was well known in Ann Arbor and at Ray Fisher Baseball Stadium. He was known for his precise and small printing. He made keeping score of a baseball game an art. Moorawnick was chronicled in the 2009 book by James Robert Irwin, “Playing Ball with Legends: The Story of Don Lund”.
He cherished his ‘Black Bat’ trophies of which he had many. These were replica Hillerich and Bradsby, Louisville Slugger baseball bats with all the teammate’s names engraved in gold on them. They were given to national championship teams as a trophy. Lund, when he was coach of the 1962 NCAA baseball champions at Michigan included Moorawnick as an interregnal part of the team. Moorawnick also contributed to Detroit Pepsi, Detroit Edison Post-187, Detroit Adray, Detroit John F. Ivory, Detroit Stan Long Pontiac, Detroit Larco and Detroit I.T.M. national championship teams
He was known nationally for his knowledge of sports and immediate recall of trivial sports facts. “He was a walking encyclopedia of sports,” said longtime friend and former Detroit Tiger, Willie Horton. In 1959 he covered the NABF National Tournament in Altoona, PA and then hitch-hiked to Hastings, NE for the American Legion World Series. “I don’t know how he did it, but he was everywhere,” continued Horton. “He was a fixture at Northwestern Fields in Detroit.” Moorawnick never learned to drive.
During the summer to supplement his income, Moorawnick would provide room and board for visiting elite baseball players that played in the old Hearst, Free Press and Adray summer leagues including baseball great, Steve Garvey. When he still traveled, he was a fixture every year at the All-American Amateur Baseball Association Tournament in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Dearborn, Michigan sportsman Mike Adray used to host Moorawnick anonymously.
In his golden years Moorawnick enjoyed reading and tending to his tomato garden. He is survived by a sister, Marian and nieces and nephews. The family asks that memorial donations be made to one’s charity of choice in Morries name.
Tech-Fair coordinator Frank Collins emphasized that this was the highlight of last years Film Festival. He added, “We have a great line-up willing to share their unique skills, abilities and knowhow with the attendees. The presenters bring to light the best of cinema education and networking.”
A Pennsylvania native, Musial enjoyed a 22-year Major League Baseball career as an outfielder and first baseman with the Cardinals. He started out as a promising pitcher. With his unorthodox coiled stance, he batted .300 or better in each of his first 16 seasons and finished with a .331 career batting average. His average ranks 32nd all-time in baseball history and fifth highest in Cardinals history. 
Junior goalie Cal Heeter blocked 32 shots and the Buckeyes earned a road split at Quinnipiac of the ECAC. 