By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
June 15, 2004
It looks like the summer is off to a hot start. If you don't believe me, ask Robby Relinski, who has been on fire since the season got underway. Already carrying a 234 average on Tuesday nights after only a couple of weeks, Robby turned up the heat even more last week by not only recording his first career 300 game, but also picking up his first career 800 series in the process.
Relinski's 236, 265, 300/801 ranks as the top local series bowling in the last 10 months and is the only one claimed by a local bowler in the official 2003-2004 bowling year, which runs September through August. All in all, I would say that's not too shabby for a guy who had to have the end of his finger reattached following a freak accident last summer. Keep up the good work, Robby!
Congratulations also go out to Dixie Bowl manager M.A. Copeland, who claimed a perfect game last weekend while participating in the men's state tournament in Diamond Head. I also understand that Bill Fike also recorded a perfect game during the tournament, and Tim Van Doren zoned in on a 298.
Entry forms are available for the State Games of Mississippi bowling competition. The competition will take place June 26-27. Shift times will be 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, and noon and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded immediately following the conclusion of the last shift. There are six separate average divisions in the ABC and WIBC classes, and five divisions in the YABA class. Entry fees are $26 for adults and $24 for youth. Contact tournament director Shayne Barfield for more information.
Also on the agenda later in the summer is the annual Mississippi 500 Club tournament. This WIBC event will take place July 17-18 at Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier. The closing date for entries is July 10. For the first time, 500 bowlers may invite both a 400 and a 600 bowler to participate with them.
Other events taking place over the summer include the doubles tournament at Playland Bowl in Selma, Ala. during the month of July and the Stan's Classic Tournaments doubles tournament at Dixie Bowl from July 31-Sept. 6.
That's all for this week. Until next week, good luck and good bowling.