By By Mike Carson/bowling columnist
Jan. 29, 2002
The end of the month is only a few days away, and that means closing dates for entries into both the men's and ladies' City Tournaments are at hand.
With both tournaments slated to run concurrently the last two weekends in February, entries are slow coming in. You only have three days left to get your teams, doubles and singles entered. We realize that this years championships are being held earlier than usual, but time is running out! These are your championship tournaments, so on behalf of both the Meridian Bowling Association and the Meridian Women's Bowling Association, I implore you to your entries in now before it is too late. And remember, ladies, NO late entries will be accepted after the closing date.
Men may enter their tournament after the closing date on a "lane available" basis only! Why isn't your entry in? In order to make these tournaments successes we must have your cooperation. Contact Phyllis Clay (ladies) or Jeff Gaines (men) for assistance if you need it. Any member of the staff of Dixie Bowl will also be happy to help you get your entry in.
Entry forms are also on hand for State Championships for both the men and the ladies. The women will travel to Rivergate Lanes in Natchez where the tournament will be conducted each weekend beginning April 6 and ending June 16. The entry deadline is March 6. As with the City Tournament, late entries will not be accepted after the deadline.
The men will be hosting their State Championship here in Meridian at Dixie Bowl May 5-June 9. Reserved entries must be postmarked by midnight April 4.
Many local bowlers are also preparing for their respective National Championship Tournaments which run daily from February through June. The ladies tournament takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin while the men will travel to Billings, Montana for their championship.
In local action this week, the multitude of big numbers fell a little bit as bowlers adjusted to a new shot on the lanes. Janice Kasper was the only lady to crack six, but she did it in a big way by firing a 267 game and a 627 series to lead the women.
Only six 700-series were recorded by the guys this week, certainly a big drop from the numbers we have been seeing lately. Leon Fike was the top scorer with a 277/765 while Shawn Kasper had the high game with a 10-strike 289 in the Wednesday Night Mixed league.
Other guys making the board included M.A. Copeland (756), Ken Miller (278/734), Ryan Relinski (731), Ron Coleman (725) and Mike Cothern (703). Ronnie Thomas also posted a 278 and Jim Broderick, Jr. checked in with a 277.
Until next week … Good luck and Good Bowling. Don't forget to get those City Tournament entries in!