hosted by the Jets head coach -- benefited the Carmine and Frank Mangini Foundation, the Chelsea Piers Scholarship Fund and Play Smart, charities that are committed to providing athletic and academic opportunities for under-resourced children.
"It was great to see Coach Mangini working to raise money for kids and I think it's important to do that for people that can't afford sports equipment," said Mathis, whose seven-man bowling team included Jets center Nick Mangold. "It was great for all of the sponsors who came through and provided the auction items and good to see the Jets support a worthy cause."
The bowling contest was the highlight of the night, as members of the Red Bulls and Jets were teamed up with local corporate sponsors to battle for bowling bragging rights. With seven players per team -- many of who were professional athletes -- the level of play was high and the competition friendly, but intense.
The Kingpin of the Red Bulls?
Jon Conway, who set the pace with a 169. That total is not surprising considering his rich bowling lineage. Nicknamed "Pins," Conway's father James was the skipper of the Villanova bowling team and was the Mid-Atlantic Doubles bowling champion while he was in college.
"I feel like I did my family proud, seeing as a I haven't played in a while," said the younger Conway. "Especially after I rolled a turkey.
"For those of you not familiar with bowling vernacular, that means I rolled three consecutive strikes," added Conway.
His career high is a 225.
As for the Jets?
Defensive end David Bowens -- whose father was a professional bowler -- and linebacker Anthony Schlegel were among the better pinseekers in the house, as they both broke into the high 100s. However, it was future NFL Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin who brought home the high score of the night, posting an impressive 211.
"The Jets guys have clearly spent time at the lanes. Most of them brought their own ball and shoes. Some of them were even monogrammed with their initials and nicknames," said Conway.
The 300 guests in attendance also participated in a silent auction for sports and entertainment memorabilia and a live auction highlighted by a one-hour quarterback lesson from Jets quarterback Chad Pennington.
At the end of the auction, Martin grabbed the microphone and helped raise an additional $33,000 by contributing $10,000 of his own and convincing his teammates to do the same.
"I was happy to be part of raising money for a good cause," said Conway. "It was great to get out there on the lanes and talk with some of the Jets players and fans of Jets football and Red Bulls soccer."
