By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
Aug. 12, 2003
The 2003-2004 Fall &Winter season is officially underway as league meetings began yesterday and continue through the end of the week. Actual competition begins Monday for most adult leagues.
We hope you have had a nice summer and are looking forward to the new season. Openings for teams and individuals are available in all leagues and of course new bowlers are always welcome.
If you are new to the area, or are just interested in joining a league contact Dixie Bowl Lanes and any of the staff will be happy to assist you in finding a league that is right for you.
As the new season begins, there is the excitement in the air along with the hopes and expectations that always accompany the start of each year. This year is no different in that respect.
But we also begin the season with yet another hole poked in our hearts. Having already lost Thomas Willis earlier in the summer, our bowling community was struck with another blow when longtime bowler D.D. Hawkins passed away on Aug. 3 following complications from surgery.
When I began bowling over 30 years ago, D.D. was already an icon in the bowling circles. At the time he was consistently the high average bowler each year and was looked up to by all.
Though his bowling had been slowed over the years due to age and various illnesses, his love of the sport never diminished. Even a few days before his surgery he expressed to me the hope that he would be able to rejoin us as soon as possible. Sadly, that is not to be.
His smile, his wit, his laughter will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him. The respect and esteem of his fellow bowlers has never lessened, and though he was no longer "top dog" in the average category, he will always continue to be a shining example of the person we should all want to be.
To his wife Gloria, his children and his family we extend our deepest sympathies and love. Please know that D.D. Hawkins will always continue to be remembered by all who knew him as our shining star.
As the summer leagues wind down, several local bowlers continue to strut their summer stuff. Tyrone McAlpine crunched the pins for a nice 725 while senior bowler Bob Timms cranked out a 703. Dan Kalvaitis continued his hot summer with a 712 in the Summer Trio league last Thursday. Nonie Embrey led the ladies with a 229 game and Denise Rutledge was close behind with a 227.
Don't forget the 2nd annual Handicap Doubles tournament going on each weekend through Labor Day. The $4,000 top prize seems to be attracting bowlers from a wide area and we hope you will participate as well. You may bowl as often as you like and may have up to three partners each time you bowl. Complete entry forms and shift times are available at Dixie Bowl Lanes or you may enter online at bowling100.com.
That's all for this week. We look forward to seeing you for the new season. Good luck and good bowling to all.