By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
July 16, 2002
The 37th Annual YABA State Tournament has now concluded at Dixie Bowl Lanes here in Meridian. 74 teams of youth bowlers have invaded our area for the past three weekends and 24 champions in four divisions were crowned. A recap of this weekend's action can be found elsewhere in the sports section of today's paper. Once again I would like to thank Austin Bishop and Ryan Satcher of The Meridian Star for their excellent job in covering this event and keeping you current on all the action. You may find a complete list of the standings online at www.bowling100.com.
Candace Blackmon and Leon Fike would like to thank everyone who helped make the tournament a success. The list of contributors and volunteers is quite lengthy and it is impossible in this space to list them all. Many area businesses donated literally hundreds of items needed in the hosting of this event. To all those who donated food items, gift bag items, and of course, their time and effort, the local YABA sends you their sincerest thanks. The YABA would especially like to recognize the following individuals and businesses for their contributions: Dixie Bowl Lanes, Mars &Steel Inc., NAS McCain Lanes, Joe Sanders &Sanders Gas Co., C.W. "Shine" Gray and Shi-Nell Industries, Rick Goforth &Goforth Forest Management, Inc., Mike Jones &Winn Dixie, Marilyn Allen and Bill Fike. There are so many individuals and businesses who deserve recognition and I apologize to those I could not list here. But please be assured your contributions and assistance are greatly appreciated.
Next up is the First Annual Meridian Bowler Camp July 22-26 at Dixie Bowl Lanes. The camp runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day and is open to both adult and youth bowlers. The cost to participate is just $45 per person for the five day event. To sign up or get more information, call or come by the counter at Dixie Bowl or you may contact Betty Dorough at 482-2220.
The Stan's Classics Tournaments Handicap Doubles Tournament will begin the first weekend in August and run each weekend through Labor Day. You may pick up entry forms at Dixie Bowl or register online at bowling100.com. Remember, you may bowl as often as you like and may have up to three partners each time you bowl.
The start of the 2002-2003 Fall &Winter Season is set to begin August 12-16 with all leagues holding organizational meetings during that week. Actual league competition will begin August 19. If you are interested in joining a league come by the counter at Dixie Bowl and we will be glad to help you find a league that is right for you.