Published: June 05, 2006 11:24 pm      

Bowling Column: Shirley’s Legacy, Go Get ’em collect top bowling honors

With the summer season in full swing, I need to take a few minutes to finish up a little leftover business from the fall & winter season. The final three leagues held their season ending roll offs prior to my deadline a couple of weeks ago and I need to recognize the champions in those leagues. In the Dixie Belles league the team “Shirley’s Legacy” surged to the top with team members Phyllis Clay, Lori Evans, Marcella Carney, Sue Kirkpatrick and Mary Formby. The team is named in honor of former Meridian bowler Shirley Johnson, who passed away a few years ago. I know Shirley would be proud of her teammates.

Meanwhile, a few lanes away the “Go Get ‘em” team of Willie Clark, Willie Griggs, C.L. Walk, Lee Walk, Milton Hudson and Melvin Walk were strutting their stuff after taking home top honors in the Queen City league.

And on Friday night, the ceiling nearly came down when the “Old Balls” team became the top dogs. Team members are Bill Harford (yes, you read right), Angela Massey, Terrie Scott and Dairl Stark.

One other league championship I failed to report was the Senior Non-Smoking league which bowled a straight season with no rounds. Ironically, the league title had to be decided in a one game roll off following the final week of regular play. Congratulations to Bettie Larkin and Linda Genin on their success in grabbing the top spot in that league.

Coming up next will be the State Games of Mississippi bowling competition and Stan’s Classic Tournaments 16-game Sweeper. Both tournaments will take place at the same times June 24-25.

Last year, the same scenario occurred and several bowlers bowled in one competition Saturday and the other on Sunday. A few hardy souls even bowled both in the same day. Entry forms are available for both events at Dixie Bowl. Adults will bowl six game in the State Games in one of six different average divisions. Youth bowlers will compete in a four-game block. You may only participate once in the State Games. Participants in the Sweeper will bowl an eight-game block. You may bowl on either Saturday or Sunday, or, if you choose, you may bowl both days. Bowlers who choose to bowl both days will be eligible for extra prize money. Youth bowlers may not take part.

Dixie Bowl manager M.A. Copeland has announced a summer special to get you out of the heat. Monday through Friday from 11a.m. -5 p.m. you may come in and pay only $2 a game per person and only $1 shoe rental per person.

Action will soon be wrapping up in both the Mississippi Women’s Bowling Association State Tournament in Natchez and the Mississippi Bowling Association State Tournament in Hattiesburg. We wish all of our local bowlers the best of luck in these events.

That’s all for this week. Until next week, good luck and good bowling.