ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT BOCCE

INTERVIEW WITH A.J. HOBBS & TRENT ROCCO

BY MIRA HALE CRIGLER

Although our bocce program is relatively new at Grey Oaks, the game of bocce in its current form has been around since 264 B.C. Notable bocce players included the Roman Emperor Augustus, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates and the astronomer Galileo. Early Americans also participated in the sport with George Washington building a bocce court at Mount Vernon in the 1780s.

Grey Oaks’ foray into bocce began in 2017 with the expansion of the Wellness Center. Member Dave (Dino) Pauldine assisted club management with the original design of the program. Two courts were available for member play until the summer of 2019 when the Club added two additional bocce courts along with a viewing area and outdoor grill. The program has grown exponentially over the past few years under the leadership of A.J. Hobbs and Trent Rocco.

Recently, l sat down with A.J. and Trent to discuss the enormous popularity of the sport among our membership.

Q: When did you join Grey Oaks? How long have you been involved with the bocce program?

A: A.J. - After graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University and interning at various resorts in Southwest Florida, I joined the Grey Oaks team in 2016 as an aquatics supervisor overseeing pool operations. During the summer of 2019, when the Club expanded the bocce complex, I gratefully accepted the newly created role of recreation manager.

A: Trent - I joined the Grey Oaks team in 2017 as a pool attendant working alongside A.J. in the Aquatics Department. When the bocce court expansion was unveiled to the membership in 2019, I transitioned into the role of bocce coordinator.

Q: How many members participate in the bocce program at Grey Oaks?

A: This past winter, we set a record with 48 teams, consisting of over 450 players, in our bocce program! Grey Oaks also has a travel team that competes against other clubs in the Naples Bocce League.

Q: Does the Club offer league play?

A: Yes, Grey Oaks offers two terms of league play for the fall and winter seasons that typically run 8-10 weeks per session. League play is held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with games starting at 4:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Q: Are the teams competitive? Can a beginner join in on the fun?

A: We host competitive matches on Monday and Tuesday nights. Our Wednesday night league, however, is suited more for the social player, so we highly encourage beginner players to join on Wednesday nights.

Q: What does it take to be a Super Bocce Bowl Champion?

A: There are two answers to this question. From a technical standpoint, it takes winning four matches. Each match consists of two games, so a Super Bocce Bowl Champion must endure eight games before being crowned. This total excludes any possible “roll offs.” A roll off occurs when two teams split their match 1-1 necessitating a third game which is abbreviated to seven points. The Super Bocce Bowl tournament takes place over three days and, in many ways, is an endurance test.

The second answer to your question is more of a subjective response. To be a Super Bocce Bowl Champion takes skill, poise under pressure, teamwork, communication and strategy.

Q: What special bocce events are held throughout the year?

A: Many special bocce events are scheduled throughout the calendar year. Our “Bocce, Burgers and Brews” is a social event typically held on the last Friday of each month. All game play is organized prior to the event into quick 2 vs. 2 and 4 vs. 4 match settings, allowing plenty of time for members to eat and enjoy beverages and music by our D.J. in between games. These social events are for players of all levels.

Q: What would you say to members interested in bocce play?

A: Bocce is the perfect mix of fun, entertainment and competition. Anyone can play, and it’s the ultimate couple’s sport.

Q: How do members register for teams, leagues and social events?

A: All bocce team play, leagues and events are posted on the Club’s app and website at www.greyoakscc.com and promoted in the weekly Club Activity Newsletter. If you have questions regarding bocce, please email us at Trocco@greyoakscc.com or Ajhobbs@greyoakscc.com or call us at 239-262-5550 ext 182.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON THE BOCCE COURTS!