By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
November 9, 2004
Once again it's time to give our junior bowlers top billing. Or maybe I should say, at least one of our junior bowlers.
We would like all of you to join us in sending out a big round of applause for 15-year-old Hope Ferguson, who was recently given the honor of being selected as the Mississippi YABA Female Bowler of the Year.
This prestigious award is given to a YABA member who not only exemplifies good sportsmanship and enthusiasm on the lanes but also takes into consideration scholastic and civic achievements as well.
Hope is a junior at Southeast Lauderdale and has been bowling practically since she could walk.
During this time she has won numerous league and tournament awards, including First Place Singles and Third Place All Events in last years YABA City Tournament. She has been listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students, a member of the National Honor Society and won Miss Congeniality at Southeast while in the eighth grade.
In addition, Hope has been an Honor Roll student, a perfect attendee and has been awarded a National Merit Scholarship. She is a member of the cheerleading squad, SADD, Future Farmers of American and the Zeta Phi Beta Archonnette Club.
Hope attends New Hope Blackwater Baptist Church where she sings in the Youth Choir and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has received a community service award and volunteered at Rush Hospital as a Teen Volunteer.
Her ambition is to be a pediatric nurse. And did I mention she is also an active soccer player?
No wonder this young lady was selected for this honor! Congratulations, Hope. You have made all us proud to have you as a member of our bowling community.
The Mississippi State Mixed Tournament got underway this past weekend at Rebelanes in Tupelo. If you have not entered, you may still do on a lane availability basis. You may contact Tournament director Jim Lacy in Hattiesburg or see M. A. Copeland for assistance in entering.
The Nov. 15 entry closing date for the Mississippi State Seniors Bowling Tournament is now just six days away. This year's event will be hosted at Paradise Lanes in Jackson on Dec. 4-5 and 11-12.
Several local bowlers shined on the lanes last week during local league action beginning with Jason Pierce who carded a career high 738 in the Queen City league.
Mike Cothern became the fourth bowler in four weeks to just miss perfection when he fired off a 299 game in the Friday Night Mixed league. He ended the night with the week's high series of 751. Ron Coleman finally found the new surfaces to his liking after punching out a 724 series. The long list of guys poking out some big games during the week include, Keith Fike, Bob Timms, Barry Woods, Ricky Nelson, Steve Eastman, Leslie Hagwood, Johnny Tinsley, Roy Sibless, Jim Broderick Jr. and M. A. Copeland.
Shirley Gaines was the shining star for the ladies after blasting a 279 game/632 series in the Dixie Belles league and followed that up with a 612 in the Monday Nighters. Anita Wysocki carded an impressive 255, while Yolanda Edmonds cranked out a 242. Dana Carson fired a 226, and Matar McClinton reeled off a 222 and a 220 during the week.
That's all for this week. Until next week, good luck and good bowling.