By C.J. CARNACCHIO
Oxford Leader Editor
For more than 1,000 years, Roman conquers filled their ancient city’s imperial palaces with gold and other treasures ? spoils from their victories on the battlefield.
Today, another son of Italy has filled his palace in Orion with gold ? spoils from victories on the bocce court.
Tony Battaglia, owner and founder of Palazzo di Bocce, won a gold medal at the 2005 United States Bocce Championships held at his beautiful Orion Township establishment June 18-25.
The 63-year-old Oakland Township resident earned first place in the Men’s Volo Singles event and the right to represent the U.S. at the Volo World Championships in Turin, Italy later this year.
‘Volo? is a type of bocce played with brass balls according to international rules.
Other types of bocce featured at the tournament ? the ‘Raffa? and ‘Team Open? competitions ? are played with plastic balls.
This is Battaglia’s very first gold medal at the national championship tournament conducted by the United States Bocce Federation since 1979.
‘I got two silvers before. I never got a gold,? he said sporting a big grin. ‘At 63, it felt pretty damn good to beat kids in their 30s.?
Battaglia is also quite proud of his gold medal winning Palazzo di Bocce team consisting of Jorge Moreno and Jason Wisniewski.
The dynamic duo took first place in the Men’s Volo Doubles event and will travel to Turin, Italy with Battaglia to compete in the world championships.
Battaglia is grooming Wisniewski and Moreno to be Palazzo’s powerhouse team in future bocce competitions.
‘These guys are great. They’re getting really good,? said Battaglia of his young proteges. ‘That’s the team I want to see win for Palazzo.?
In the Team Open event, Moreno and Wisniewski, along with Brian Polantz and Dr. Joe Masternick, won silver medals on behalf of Palazzo.
On his own Wisniewski, who manages Palazzo’s dining area and bocce courts, won bronze medals in the Men’s Raffa Singles and Men’s Volo Singles events.
‘The simplicity of (bocce) is what drew me in,? said the 22-year-old Wisniewski, of Waterford. ‘How easy it is to play. How easy it is to learn. Anybody and everybody can play.?
In September, Palazzo di Bocce will play host to the 2005 World Bocce Championships for three events ? Men’s and Women’s Raffa Singles and Under 21 (Juniors) Raffa Singles.
More than 100 players from 30 countries are expected to participate in the world event.
For more information about Palazzo di Bocce visit www.palazzodibocce.com or call (248) 371-9987.