Congratulations to The Alliance team for their 1st Place finish in the 2024 US Bocce Nationals in the Open A Tournament. Team Alliance is a combination of players from New York and Michigan. Brad Thayer, from Long Island and a staple of the American Bocce Club and Methuen Sons of Italy, is not a stranger to the US Nationals medals podium, including winning the bronze in the Mixed Doubles PRV event this week. Michael Scialdone of the BBN who worked hard all week and joined this first place team, is from Upstate NY. Rounding out the team are long time exceptional players from Michigan who play at Palazzo di Bocce, Sal Lini and Dr. Joe Masternick.
The I Amuse You team won the silver medal this year. This team is a mixutre of players, too. Miles Russell, who was on the 2022 US Mixed Doubles PRV Champion team and played in the Worlds in Turkey that same year, and Anthony LaBarbera, both play in the Chicago area at Highwood Bocce Club and Mazzini. Anthony had a spectacular performance at the Nationals this year, ending the week winning 2 golds, 2 silvers (including this event) and 1 bronze. Natale Scala, from Up State NY, is another fantastic player who has represented the USA in international events. Hunter Gallero has been on many top placing teams over his career and also finished 2nd this year in the Men’s Singles PRV contest. He’s been a member of the Palazzo di Bocce in Michigan for over 10 years, even working there for a few years.
The 2 Bronze medals are awarded to Volorama is made up of local players to the IABC, the host club in St. Louis, and Highwood 7. All the players from Highwood 7 are members of the Highwood Bocce Club, including Tom Holleman who won the Gold medal in the Precision Raffa Shooting contest and will represent the USA in Turkey at the Worlds later this fall.
Open A / STL Money (Open Bocce Rules), Fri – Sat, 6/28 – 6/29
Gold: The Alliance: Brad Thayer and Michael Scialdone (NY), Sal Lini and Dr. Joe Masternick (MI)
Silver: I Amuse You: Miles Russell and Anthony LaBarbera (IL), Natale Scala (NY), Hunter Gallero (MI)
Bronze: Volorama: Susan and David Zona, Rich Robertson, John Denando (all from MO)
Bronze: Highwood 7: Tom Holleman, Gordon Gruenes, Tim Tolari, Todd Mikell (all from IL)