Barker gets 2002 off right

By By Mike Carson/bowling columnist
Jan. 15, 2002
2002 is off and rolling in style thanks to the efforts of several local bowlers. Mike Barker made sure things started off with a bang by firing off the first 300 Game of the new year during action in the Hucklebuck league.
In doing so, Mike also set a bit of local bowling history by becoming the first bowler from Philadelphia to roll a perfect game at Dixie Bowl.
Congratulations to Mike and we hope there will be more great accomplishments in the future. Also, during the opening week of the new year, Greg Taylor strung 10 strikes in a row to record a 289 game while also picking up his first career 700 Series with a nice 748. Robert Trout and Don Waldron each connected for games of 279 while Tyrone McAlpine, Alan Topcik and Don Sabella recorded 278s.
As for the ladies, Lisa Willis reached a career high by rolling a nice 231 game in the Bowlerettes league while Angie Thomas turned in the High Game of the week with a 234. Sue Kirkpatrick had the High Series with a 224/609.
Ruth Hoy showed she still has the stuff by scattering the pins for a 226 and Mary Reed turned in a career-high 221. Billie Coleman added a 224 Game to round out the top scorers for the week.
Entry forms for both the MWBA and the MBA City Tournaments are now available.
For the first time the ladies and the men will be holding their respective championships at the same time during the last two weekends in February. The deadline for the men's tournament is January 31. The ladies entries close February 1.
For those bowlers looking to travel, Doubles tournaments continue to run at Red Carpet Lanes in Vicksburg through January 27 and also at Cotton Bowl Lanes in Jackson through February 10.
Meanwhile, reserved entries for the Double Diamond Invitational Tournament at Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier close today. However, late entries will be accepted through January 31.