By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
Dec. 31, 2002
In just a few hours, the clock will chime the midnight hour and 2002 will pass into history. I hope your year has been a good one and wish you all the best in 2003. For us in the bowling community, the new year signifies the renewed hopes of big games, high series, and league championships.
All leagues will resume regular schedules Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003 for second half action. While some leagues have already completed second round action, others will be holding position rounds over the next several days.
The junior leagues will resume play on Wednesday, Jan. 8 and Saturday, Jan. 11. Openings are available in both of these leagues. Contact any member of the YABA Board of Directors or Dixie Bowl for more information on how to get your child signed up.
As we take a quick look back at the season so far, we see a season that has featured fewer big scores than in recent years, but some quality play nonetheless. At the midpoint Janie Tisdale leads the ladies in the high average race with a 190, with last year's leader Shirley Gaines close behind at 187. Shelia Dearman is a close third with a 186. On the men's side of the fence, Andrew Clayton hangs on to the top spot with a 229. Mike Cothern is second with a 224 and Johnnie Blackmon is breathing down his back with a 222.
To this point, Meridian bowlers have combined for a total of 70 700 Series, with Mike Cothern carrying the torch with 12. And how could we forget the two 300s and two 800s by Eric Embrey and Cothern, marking the first time that feat has ever been accomplished the same night in league play.
Eric set the pace with an 809 in November and Mike followed suit a few weeks later by punching out an 819. Several bowlers have come close to perfection, only to come up short in the 11th and 12th frames.
All in all, it has been a very exciting first half of the season and we are all looking for big things in 2003.
Looking ahead, the Mens' and Ladies' City Championships will be held the first two weekends in February. Entry forms are already out for the ladies while the men's should be on the board soon. Again this year, both tournaments will be held simultaneously. You are urged to get your entries turned in as soon as possible.
The Youth City Championships will take place in the near future also. And, of course, Dixie Bowl will be hosting the Ladies' State Tournament in May and June.
It looks like a busy year ahead of us. I hope each of you has had a happy and safe holiday season. Now, it is time to once again hit the boards. Good luck and good bowling!