By By Mike Carson/Bowling Columnist
Feb. 19, 2002
City tournaments for both the men and women are at the halfway point. Current standings for both championships are posted at Dixie Bowl. Both tournaments conclude this weekend. We'd like to remind the men that you may still enter your tournament up to 45 minutes prior to the start of any shift. Entries will not be accepted past that deadline so if you are planning to enter, be sure and get to the lanes at least one hour before you plan to bowl so you can get your entry in on time. Participants in both tournaments who are already entered should be at the lanes for check-in thirty minutes prior to beginning of your shift.
Don't forget that entry forms are also available for both the men's and women's State tournaments. The closing date for entries for the women is now about three weeks away. If you haven't gotten your entry in yet, you need to do so soon. Remember, ladies, your tournament does not accept any entries past the closing date. The ladies will be traveling to Rivergate Lanes in Natchez while the men will stay here in Meridian.
Entry forms are also available for the Y.A.B.A State Tournament which will also be held at Dixie Bowl in June and July. Parents of our youth bowlers are reminded to get their children entered as soon as possible. The local Y.A.B.A. association is also seeking your help during the tournament with score keeping, food service and assisting our visitors. Contact Candace Blackmon or Leon Fike if you would like to help. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
In local action this week Chuck Gray held down the high series for the week with a 745 and Walter Capers recorded his highest career game with a 280 to take the top spot in that category. Shayne Barfield and Johnnie Blackmon each posted games of 279. Mike Cothern chalked up two 700 series with a 725 and 713, Johnnie Blackmon added a 729, Robby Relinski jumped in with a 713 and Leon Fike rounded out the top scorers with a 708. Chuck Haguewood pounded out his first career 200 game with a 202.
Big numbers permeated the ladies scoreboard in abundance beginning with Matar McClinton who posted a 235 and 223 while on her way to the week's high series with a 671. Shirley Gaines had the ladies high game with a 276 while chalking up a 631 series. Other big scores were turned in by Sheila Dearman (245), Janie Tisdale (235), Bettye Simmons (234/604), Sharon McDonald (224), GG Settlemires (223), Anita Bounds (223) and Renee King (222). Congratulations to Alicia Majure on reaching the 500 plateau for the first time with a 508 in the Bowlerettes league.
Sadly, we extend our sympathies to the family and friends of longtime bowler Bruce Posey who passed away last week after an extended battle with cancer. Bruce bowled every Monday night with the State Farm team out of Philadelphia for many years. We will miss him greatly.
A final reminder to our men: If you are planning to participate in the City tournament and you have not already entered, please be sure and get to the lanes at least an hour before the scheduled shift time if you want to bowl. We need your participation to make this tournament a success and we don't want to have to turn anyone away. I have been told that the 45-minute time limit will be strictly adhered to , so please make it a point to arrive early enough to make the deadline.