State Games bowling draws near

By By Mike Carson / bowling columnist
June 22, 2004
The State Games of Mississippi bowling competition will take place this weekend at Dixie Bowl Lanes. As usual, there will be six separate average divisions in the ABC (men) and WIBC (women) classes and five divisions in the YABA (youth) class. All bowling is scratch within your class and division. ABC and WIBC entrants will bowl six games. YABA entrants will bowl four games.
Shift times are 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, and noon and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in all classes and divisions following the conclusion of the last shift on Sunday. The entry fee is $26 for ABC and WIBC bowlers, and $24 for YABA participants. Even if you have not turned in your entry form, you may do so up to 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the shift you wish to bowl. All bowlers will use their highest 2002-03 average of 21 games or more. If there is no 2002-03 average, bowlers may use highest 2003-2004 average.
We encourage all local bowlers to take part in this annual event. We need your participation to help keep bowling a part of State Games.
Ladies, don't forget to get your entries for the 17th annual Mississippi 500 Club tournament, which is slated to be held July 17-18 at Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier. For the first time, bowlers may invite either a 400 bowler or a 600 bowler to participate with them. The closing date for entries is July 10, and no late entries will be accepted. Entry forms are available at Dixie Bowl.
The second of the bi-weekly Summer No-Tap tournaments was held last week, with M.A. Copeland using a pair of no-tap 300s to claim the top spot with 839. Second place went to Jeff Pierce while Sue Kirkpatrick claimed third. High scratch out of the money went to Tyrone McAlpine. The next tournament will be next June 30 at 7 p.m.
In summer league action, both Denise Rutledge and Shelia Dearman continued their hot starts. Shelia used a 234 game to knock down a 644 set while Denise claimed a 245/622. Mike Parker reeled off a nice 256 game and M.A. Copeland used a 259 to help him climb the ladder to a 707.
That's all for this week. Until next week, good luck and good bowling.