By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
March 12, 2002
Both the Meridian Women's Bowling Association and the Meridian Bowling Association have announced plans for their annual meetings.
First up will be the women who will hold their annual meeting Sunday, March 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Building located at 23rd Avenue and 11th Street. Ladies, this is your opportunity to have a voice in how your association operates for the next year. During this meeting prize money from the recently completed city tournament will be distributed and, more importantly, officers and board members for the coming year will be elected. We urge you to take part in this important meeting and express your views.
The guys turn comes one week later at the same location. Their annual meeting and banquet will be held Sunday, March 24 at 3:30 p.m. and will feature a catered meal. The cost for the meal is $11 per person and advanced sign up is strongly encouraged. You may bring a guest if you wish. Contact Ken Miller, Ronnie Thomas or any board member for more information or to secure your reservation. You may also sign up at the counter of Dixie Bowl. As with the ladies, the meeting will include distribution of city tournament prize money and election of officers and board members for the coming year. Make your plans now to attend and get your name on the list.
Many local bowlers are making plans for this weekend as several teams of local bowlers will be traveling to Gautier to participate in the Double Diamond Invitational Tournament at Spanish Trail Lanes. Those who will be going should double check your shift times and be at the lanes in plenty of time to check in before you bowl. Good luck to you all.
In local action last week, newlywed Tim Van Doren earned all the brownie points with both the high game and high series for the week. After slamming eleven straight strikes in the pocket Tim went through the nose with the the "wienie ball" to record a 297 game and an impressive 791 series. Leon Fike keeps flirting with the big one as he once again started with a spare and then strung the last eleven to pick up yet another 290 game. I just know that one day he will get past that one pesky frame. Rodney Bounds pounded the pins for a 720, Robert Brown continued to shine with a 710, Shayne Barfield chalked up a 707 and Robby Relinski chipped in with a 706. Barfield and Tyrone McAlpine each recorded games of 277.
While scores from the guys were somewhat lacking, several of our ladies stepped up and showed the men how things are done. Shirley Gaines captured the high game with a 246 while picking up a 600 series. Judy Bounds was close behind with a 243 game. Marlene STokes took the high series with a 225/616. Denise Rutledge posted a 220/607 and Janie Tisdale rounded out the top series category with a 605. Other ladies strutting their stuff last week were Cathy Jones (234), Billie Coleman (228), June Thomas (227), Annette Palmer (225) and Matar McClinton (224). Debbie Jones and Renee Chisolm each recorded games of 220.
Finally we extend our sympathies and condolences to Ron Looney, manager of NAS McCain Lanes on the recent death of his wife Jo. Both Ron and Jo have been avid bowlers at both McCain and Dixie Bowl for the past several years and we will all miss her smile and outgoing personality. A special "Mystery Doubles" was held during both Wednesday and Thursday night leagues last week with money raised being donated to the Cancer Fund in Jo's memory.