August 8, 2008
By: Mark Martin
NEW BOWLING SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING
The call for league bowling is in the air.
If you are not signed up for a league as yet why not call your local bowling center and inquire about openings. Every bowling center will help place you in a league, which matches your skill and interest level.
League bowling is the most reasonably priced recreational opportunity a person can have. For an average of $13-$18 each league session you can enjoy the physical exercise the sport provides, the camaraderie of being with others with like interests and the competition.
Speaking of the physical exercise the game provides, make sure to stretch those muscles before competition so you don't end up on the disabled list. Be sure to get to your league session a few minutes early and throw a few practice balls.
If you haven't bowled for a while, like since last spring, visit your local bowling center and work on your mechanics. By doing this you won't be surprised when that first league session comes.
If you are unsure about joining a league, encourage one of your friends to join with you. This can make the experience much more pleasant.
Bowling centers offer leagues at every level of competition. There are leagues for all women, all men, mixed and youth leagues at virtually all local centers.
For parents this is the chance to get your children involved in the game that you probably enjoyed in your youth. In addition to youth leagues there are also many family leagues, where youth bowl with adults. There is much flexibility built into these league structures to accommodate every family's needs.
Nearly all bowling centers offer a youth program. Even if your local center has not had one in the past, check with the center personnel about their current programs.
Local bowling centers have done a tremendous job of keeping up with the times. The summer time is when your local bowling center prepares for the busy fall winter season.
The United States Congress (USBC) offers certified organizational support for leagues. The annual cost is very nominal and only has to be paid in one league to be covered in your other local leagues.
Annual membership in the USBC through the Metro Detroit USBC is $19.
The USBC through the MDUSBC offers league structure support, standardized rules, bonding, awards program; standardization of the equipment used and recognized league averages. The MDUSBC also offers our own brand of local awards program and other opportunities only available to our members.
The MDUSBC will continue to offer a new improved plastic membership card direct mailed to each bowler this season, an improved awards program for bowlers 170 average and under, discount opportunities and a $20 savings coupon on a purchase of $150 or more at participating pro shops. There are over 40 bowling pro shops participating in the program. The entire list is available at www.mdusbc.com.
Your best value in sports is still certification, as it has been for over 100 years.
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GAVIE
TOURNAMENT
The league bowling season is fast approaching and one of the ways to know is that the 72ND Annual John Gavie Memorial Tournament will be held on Monday, Aug. 18.
Thunderbowl
Lanes in
There are three divisions. They are open, women’s and senior. The Open Division is based on actual scores, while the others are based on 80 percent handicap from 1,050.
The cost is only $100 per team, $20 per bowler to participate in the traditional opening to the bowling season in Metro Detroit. The Open and Women’s Divisions will bowl at 7 p.m. and the Senior Division at 3 p.m.
This
year’s event is dedicated to Roger Philipi of
Additionally at scholarship tournament will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16 for youth bowlers. An additional $600 in scholarship money is available in this event.
For more information or to enter any of these events please contact Thunderbowl Lanes at (313) 928-4688 or Dick Smith at (586) 489-1379.
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HONOR SCORES
300
Games
Date,
Name, Hometown, Center, League
July
30, David Silverman,
July
30, Nathaniel Wilkerson,
800
Series
Mark Martin writes a weekly bowling column for The Daily Oakland Press and is the association manager of the Metro Detroit USBC Association. He can be reached at (248) 443-2695, faxed at (248) 443-2690 or e-mailed at mark.martin@mdusbc.com.