By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
Dec. 17, 2002
Scarcely three weeks since Eric Embrey became the first local bowler to record a 300 game/800 series, the trick was turned again Friday, Dec. 6 by Mike Cothern. With games of 300, 256 and 263, Mike punched out 31 out of 36 possible strikes to record the season's highest series to date with an 819. After more than fifty years of bowling history in Meridian, to have this feat accomplished twice in less than a month borders on mind boggling. It was the fifth perfect game of his career and his first foray into 800. Talk about being in a zone! After years of patience and endurance he has gradually come to be one of our area's top bowlers and we are all pleased to extend our congratulations to Mike. I am sure he will continue to add to his accomplishments in the future.
All league actions will continue this week before concluding Monday, Dec. 23 for the holiday break. Several leagues are holding 2nd round Position Rounds this week while others will conclude the halfway mark when we come back from the break. League play will resume Thursday, Jan. 2 with the Dixie Belles and Queen City Leagues.
During the break Dixie Bowl Lanes, along with the Meridian Bowling Association and the Meridian Women's Bowling Association will present a 9-pin No Tap tournament to benefit Relay for Life. Squad dates will be Thursday, Dec. 26, Friday, Dec. 27, Monday, Dec. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 31. All squads will begin at 6:30 p.m. This will be a scratch tournament with men competing against men and women competing against women. You may enter as often as you like, buy may only cash once in the tournament. An optional "Mystery Doubles" will also be available each squad. The entry fee is $15 for the No-Tap. If you wish to enter the Mystery Doubles bring along an extra $5.
In other action last week, Andrew Clayton cranked out a 269/740 effort in the Queen City league while Brian Mattox put together ten in a row for a 288 game and a 700 on the nose, cracking that barrier for the first time this season. Tim Van Doren added a 703 on Wednesday night. M.A. Copeland captured the rare triplicate with three 217s, also on Wednesday. Barbara Holden grabbed the high game of the week for the ladies with a 243/601 in Dixie Belles action while Janie Tisdale grabbed the high series with a 233/606. Judy Harwell rolled an impressive 241 and Cassandra Hall checked in with a 222. Congratulations to senior bowler Betty Robertson who collected a 75 pin over average award with a 201. Monday afternoon, I understand Annette Palmer is doing well following recent surgery. Best wishes for a continued improvement and we look forward to seeing her back in action as soon as possible.