By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The Mesquite Senior Games 2021 Fall Season ended on Saturday with a Holiday Bowling Tournament at the Virgin River Lanes. The 9-pin, no tap tournament consisted of three games, within multiple age categories.
“I am glad we were able to hold the tournament this year,” said tournament coordinator Toni Gans. “Last year we had to cancel due to the pandemic. This year we have bounced back with a full house of 88 bowlers. “
In the men’s results there were two who bowled a 300 9-pin no tap game. Mike Saldivar with a 766 pin Series and Darren Simonds with a 722-pin series.
There were no 300 games within the women’s results. But close were Norma Bello, 266 and a 631 pins series, and Ann Rasmusen with 242 and 632 pin series.
Besides the normal medals within each age category, MSG added a little holiday fun with a Santa Surprise Team completion. First place went to team 11 with a team total of 3407. Second place went to team 14 with a team total of 3275 and third place went to team 6 with a total of 3274.
The MSG organization also added a little incentive and fortification in the tournament. Since the snack bar at the bowling alley was not open, all who bowled a strike in the second game on the 5th frame received a Payday candy bar. There were many of these tasty awards handed out by a group of volunteers which Gans called the “Lane Deers.”
“Lane Deer’s are the volunteers that monitored each of the 22 lanes during the competition and assist the bowlers,” Gans explained. “They are vital to our success. The games would not be possible without them “
Tournament competitors had positive things to say about the event.
“I love Bowling and I love the competition,” said contestant Vicki Lammack. “It is good for us seniors just to be able to participate.”
“The games are always so fun and very well organized,” added participant Ann West.
This tournament featured a few little extras in view of the season. A contest was held to determine the players with the most festive holiday-themed outfit at the tournament. First and second place winners each got a $25 prize. Sheila Steadman won first place with a Santa-themed outfit. Betty Leth took second place with a colorful Christmas sweater and proud set of reindeer antlers. Cindi Sabo won third place and a $15 prize. Ann West took fourth and a $10 prize.
Each tournament participant also received a Christmas welcome gift from MSG. The gifts were all bagged in clear wrap made by Nancy Hewett. Inside was an MSG t-shirt, a tree ornament with their own name hand painted on it by board members, and plenty of sweets.
Tournament participant Barbara Cagianese was quite impressed with the gift. “How wonderful!” she said. “Mesquite Senior Games go above and beyond, I really appreciate it.”
