Bowlers hit homestretch

By By Mike Carson / Bowling Columnist
March 19, 2002
Spring has sprung! OK, not quite, but it's only a couple days away. It's hard to believe that all leagues are headed down the homestretch racing for the finish line and the season ending roll offs.
Before we get into the local bowling news we should offer a big pat on the back to our local Women's Bowling Association. Each night during the month of February the ladies sponsored a Mystery Doubles Tournament in conjunction to league play. The tournament was part of the national WIBC campaign called "Bowl for the Cure". It's purpose was to support the national Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. Thanks to the hard work of our ladies, the Meridian Women's Bowling Association will be donating in excess of $2000 to the campaign. I hesitate to try to name everyone involved because I know I will overlook someone but I would like to single out Phyllis Clay and Mary Formby for their part in this worthwhile cause. I know there were many others involved, and to you, also, we extend our thanks and congratulations. The MWBA would like to thank everyone who helped and participated, including men's president Ronnie Thomas and the MBA members who assisted with the effort. Our ladies have been involved in the last few years in many worthwhile causes and have brought both statewide and national attention to our city. Hats off to all of you, ladies and keep up the good work.
Speaking of the ladies, let's take a look at top scorers from last week. Shirley Gaines topped all the gals with a 255 game/641 series while bowling in the Ball &Chain league. Janie Tisdale posted a 245 game along with a 614 series and Matar McClinton strutted her stuff with a 255 game/612 series in the Monday Nighters league. GG Settlemires pounded the pins for a 230, Nita Fike punched out games of 225 and 222 while Nonie Embrey checked in with a 222, 228/620 set. Pat James rounded out the top scorers with a 226/600.
There was also plenty of action on the men's side with Rodney Bounds shining bright, and no, that wasn't just the light reflecting off his head! Rodney led all bowlers with a 299, 279, 223 while recording an outstanding 801 series during action in the Ball &Chain league. Rodney's "8" was only the fifth 800 series recorded at Dixie Bowl and the first in over a year since Johnnie Blackmon turned the trick last season. Congratulations, Rodney on a job well done. Jim Broderick made his own bid for perfection, but instead followed Tim Van Doren's lead from the previous week when he uncorked a lemon on the final shot to finish with a 296. Oh well, Jim, at least it was good enough for second place. Fred Dozier was quite composed in the Hucklebuck league when he spared and then strung the next eleven strikes for a nice 290 game. Since we have a truckload of high scores this week, I won't be able to enumerate every one, but the long list of pinbashers last week included Barry Woods, Johnnie Blackmon, Leon Fike, M.A. Copeland, Fred White, David Cross, Jeff Gaines, Shayne Barfield, Andrew Clayton, Stan Bottorff and William Allen.
Finally, guys don't forget that your banquet and annual meeting is this Sunday at 3:30 at the Scottish Rite Building, located on 11 Street and 23rd Avenue. Cost of the meal is $11 per person and you may bring a guest. Sign ups for this have been very slow and it is important that you make your plans to attend known so the association will know how much food to order. Please sign up at the counter at Dixie Bowl or contact Ronnie Thomas, Ken Miller or any member of the Board of Directors.