The good Cornellians can do: Mike Rapolas Jr. ’94

Bowling has been a big part of Mike Jr.’s life for the past 45 years. He started bowling with his father, Mike Sr., when he was four years old and began coaching the sport when he was just 14. He now runs Slocum’s Junior Program at Slocum’s Bowling, Bar, and Grill in Ewing, New Jersey.

Mike Jr. moved to Ewing in 2001, to work in finance and business strategy. He soon met and befriended Bob Bucci, manager at a local bowling alley. “Bob dedicated a great amount of time to youth bowling and was instrumental in introducing me to the youth bowling scene in this area,” Mike says.

When Bob passed in 2011, Mike established the Bob Bucci Memorial Tournament to honor his friend. Over the past fourteen years, the tournament has raised more than $100,000 in scholarships to benefit over 300 youth bowlers.

“The most rewarding part of the sport for me now is working with youth bowlers, helping them develop, offering scholarships, and seeing their successes in both bowling and life,” Mike says. “My goal is to help the students continue growing with the sport and get prepared for their futures—whether that be through college, trade school, or a variety of post-high school educational ventures.”

Mike also actively volunteers on behalf of Cornell, currently serving as president of the Class of ’94 and recently joining the Cornell Association of Class Officers (CACO) board and Cornell University Council.

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