By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The Virgin River Bowling Lanes were filled on Saturday morning with competitors in the Mesquite Senior Games bowling tournament.
Bowling is one of the most popular events in the Mesquite Senior Games lineup said MSG Bowling Event Director Toni Gans.
“Bowlers are always a happy group of friendly people,” Gans said.
Registration for bowling fills up quickly, as Linda Lewis of Provo, Utah found out. Lewis heard about the Mesquite Games while participating regularly in the St. George Senior Games. She called right away to sign up, only to find that the event was already filled up. She asked to be put on the waiting list, just in case.
The day before the local event began, Lewis received a call that one of the team players was taken ill. They needed a sub. Would she fill in?
Lewis and her daughter made the four-hour drive to Mesquite to take part. They had to get a hotel in St. George because Mesquite hotels were full. All of this proving that bowlers are not only friendly, they are dedicated.
“I am having a lot of fun,” Lewis said. “My teammate is the same age as me, 72. The games seem to be well organized. I will be signing up early next year.”
Lewis is in two leagues in Provo, both going to the nationals.
The MSG Bowling consists of doubles and singles tournaments, men’s, women’s and mixed. Handicap is based on 100 percent of 240. Five-year age divisions starting at age fifty, through 90-plus.
I love my bowlers!” said MSG Director Amy Bradshaw. “They are a happy, friendly clan that really knows how to have a good time. I can’t wait to see them all next time! They know the meaning of our motto ‘You must have fun’.”
Several Special Recognition Awards were presented for personal best. First place single winners were as follows: Woman – age 85-89 Martha Wilks, 78-79 Margret Baron, 70-74 Patricia Elmore, 65-69 Francine Gastellum, 60-64 Marieta Canfield, 55-59 Joyce Hokana.
In the men’s contest: age 90+ Ray Malinski, 85-89 Lloyd Warner, 80-84 Jerry Holloway, 75-79 George Huston, 70-74 Alan Jacobson, 65-69 Chuck Werner, 60-64 Larry Cote, 55-59 Mike Saldivar.
Doubles Women: ages 75-79 Marget Baron & Sherry Serrano, 70-74 Patricia Elmore & Patricia Hager, 65-69 Linda Bonino & Sheila Steadman,60-64 Marieta Canfield & Debra Winrow, 55-59 Natalie Hafen & Lydia Martinez.
Men’s Doubles: ages 58-89 ray Malinski & Lloyd Warner, 75-79 George Huston & Nicholas Medina, 70-74-Larry Moutrie & John thistle, 65-69 Harold Tusler & Chuck Werner, 60-64 Alan Bauer & Patrick Oatman.
