'Beat The Champ' bowling show begins on WBBZ

Chris Musial, president and general manager of WBBZ-TV, "Your Hometown MeTV Station," has announced one of Buffalo's most iconic shows is returning to Western New York airwaves: "Beat The Champ," a weekly bowling competition showcasing the best bowlers in Western New York, can be seen Saturdays at 4 p.m. starting Jan. 9, with encore presentations Sundays at 11 p.m.

The program originally aired for decades on Channel 4 with legendary hosts Chuck Healy and Van Miller. While it has not been seen for close to 20 years, the program remains one of the longest-running bowling programs on television.

Now, "Beat The Champ" will be co-hosted by veteran sportscaster Paul Peck and Greater Buffalo USBC Association Hall of Fame bowler Sue Nawojski. Peck worked for decades at "News 4" before becoming a financial adviser and play-by-play broadcaster for the UB Bulls football team. Nawojski remains active in the area bowling scene, notably at Transit Lanes.

The first four programs were recorded at the Rapids Bowling Center in Niagara Falls. Hometown bowlers competing in the first show are: Brandon Digati, 22, of Grand Island; Jason Ciliberto, 34, of Gasport; Chris Labiak, 31, of North Tonawanda; and Joe Pohlman, 44, of Clarence.

Bowlers can qualify to compete in "Beat The Champ" at 12 area Western New York bowling venues, including Classic Lanes, Kenmore; Manor Lanes II, Amherst; Manor Lanes, Tonawanda; Jamestown Bowling Co., Jamestown; Kerns Avenue Bowling Center, Buffalo; Tonawanda Bowling Center, Tonawanda; Allie Brandt Lanes, Lockport; Mancuso Bowling Center, Batavia; Mallwitz Island Lanes, Grand Island; Lucky Lanes, Fredonia; Transit Lanes, Williamsville; and Rapids in the Falls.

The next round of qualifying matches will be held at the Kerns Avenue Lanes in Buffalo, 163 Kerns Ave., at 7p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16; then again at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17; and 7 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 19. Interested bowlers can call 716-892-3331 for information on times and registration fees.

The next four episodes of "Beat The Champ" will be recorded from Kerns Avenue Lanes starting at approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Noting the return of the program, Musial said, "Buffalo has always been a bowling town. It is the No. 1 participation sport in America, and more and more young people are enjoying the sport. We think viewers will enjoy watching the competition, then head to the nearest lane and go bowling!"

"Beat The Champ" is produced by WBBZ-TV in cooperation with the WNY Bowling Proprietors. Information can also be found at the station website, www.wbbz.tv.

WBBZ is seen throughout Western New York. It is Western New York's only locally owned and operated television station.