Christmas time at the lanes
By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
Dec. 23, 2003
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the center, not a ball was rolling, no pins were asplinter. The shoes were all tucked under the counter with care, in hopes that a real bowler soon would be there. The balls were nestled all snug in their racks while visions of strikes danced through their tracks. And the mechanic in his jeans and the manager with his keys, had left me in the building to do as I please.
When out in the parking lot there arose such a clatter I ran to the door to see what was the matter. Around the counter I flew in a blast, pressed my face to the door and peered through the glass. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but nine pro bowlers with all their gear.
With a coach whose teeth were as white as pearl, I knew in a moment, it must be St. Earl. More rapid than eagles his followers they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name. "Now Aulby! Now Duke! Now Weber and May! On Healy! On Barnes! On Criss and Walter Ray! From the top of the first, Go out to the wall! Three hundred! Three hundred! Three hundred for all!
Into the center and to the lanes they flew, with all their equipment and Mr. Anthony, too. And then in a twinkling, I heard on the lanes, the claps and the shouts as they got on with their games. As I drew back my head and was turning around, into the locker room Mr. Anthony ran with a bound.
He was dressed all in cotton, except for his shoes, which appeared to be Linds in bluish hues. A big bundle of gear was slung on his back. And he looked like a bowler searching a snack. Balls, bags and shoes, accessories, too. Towels and wrist bands were ready to use.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work. He filled all the lockers, then turned with a jerk. And pointing a finger toward the door, away they all ran with a great big roar. He ran to his van, to his team gave a whistle and away they all drove like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight. "Happy Bowling to all, and to all a good night!"
May each of you have a safe and happy holiday season. I will be back with my regular column next week.
