By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
June 11, 2002
The 55th Annual Mississippi Bowling Tournament has completed its six week run at Dixie Bowl. Tournament Director Jim Lacy characterized it as "one of the most successful tournaments we've ever had." Look for the final top ten standings on the front page of the sports section. All-Events rankings can be found online at www.bowling100.com. We would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a success including those who bowled and those who assisted with the tournament itself. Without you we couldn't have done it. I would also like to thank Austin Bishop, Ryan Satcher and Jeff Byrd of The Meridian Star for their assistance in covering and promoting the tournament. One final handshake goes to Lindsey Hall and Clay Miller of WTOK-TV for their coverage of the tournament.
The conclusion of the tournament doesn't mean the end of action on the lanes however. This weekend Dixie Bowl will be hosting the State Games of Mississippi bowling competition. In addition to the regular Saturday (10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m.) and Sunday (12 noon, 2 p.m.) shifts, a special shift has been added Thursday night at 7 p.m. for those who can't make it over the weekend. Check-in is thirty minutes prior to shift times. If you are not already entered you may do so at that time. The registration fee is $14 for youth bowlers and $16 for adults. Remember, you will compete against people in your average division only. We invited everyone to come out and support your State Games.
Following that, the young people take over as the Mississippi State YABA Bowling Tournament will be coming to town for three consecutive weekends beginning June 29. If your child is entered you may contact Leon Fike or Candace Blackmon to find out the dates and times they are scheduled to bowl.
With all the attention on the men the last several weeks, it's time to look to the ladies who have been competing in their own state tournament in Natchez. Congratulations go out to the Meridian Women's Bowling Association who recently brought home the Silver Pin trophy for most money collected per member in the annual BVL drive. This is the third consecutive year our ladies have captured this award. They also placed second in overall donations and second in donations to "Bowl for the Cure." Congratulations, ladies on a job well done. Also congratulations to the Meridian team of Bobbie Hodgins, Sandra Evans, Mary Copeland, Jan Kasper and Kim Shirley who won the "Early Bird" entry award and will receive a $75 cash prize.
Summer leagues are off and running. Two members are still needed to complete a team in the Tuesday Summer Mixed league. If you are interested in joining, contact Dixie Bowl or be at the lanes tonight at 6 p.m.