By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
The Mesquite Senior Games (MSG) annual spring bowling tournament was rolling at Virgin River Hotel & Casino during the weekend.
There were 88 bowlers Saturday and 76 slated on Sunday for the 10-pin showcase.
“Our local bowlers are outstanding and are always offering to help any way they can, and many participate in multiple events during the spring,” said Toni Gans, director of the seniors showcase.
What’s more, she added, there have been “repeat” bowlers from Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
Athletes pay a registration fee, which permits them to participate in any and all events, explained Sandy Tudor, president of the MSG Board.
She explained the event’s format was stretched into two days because “six games in one day had become difficult” for some elderly competitors.
“In all of our competitive events, gold, silver and bronze medals are given for winning, for high scores,” Tudor said. “For bowling, we tally high scores by age group,” so there are more medals handed out.
All registered participants received a T-shirt; there was also a raffle for various prizes.
Among the faces in the crowd Saturday was that of Tom Knight, an aptly named Army veteran who served in Germany, where he met his wife, Tina.
“I’m here just for fun,” he said moments before the tourney kicked off. After 20 years of military service, Knight repaired restaurant equipment while working for the Hobart Corp.
“Bowling is something social my wife and I can do together,” he said.
Mesquite residents Mike Saldivar and his wife, Carol, were also on hand for the two-day competition. They bowl four times per week, according to Mike, no stranger to rolling a 300 – as evidenced by his framed photo on the casino alley’s wall.
When asked if he was ready to earn another perfect game, he smiled and replied, “I don’t know.”
Avid bowler Molly Gomes, another local resident, gave credit to the MSG volunteers.
“They are an amazing group of people who put on amazing events,” said Gomes, who bowls three times a week. “I love it.”
In addition to its annual spring bowling contest, the MSG Board coordinates a similar December spectacle – of the 9-pin variety – with a Christmas theme.
The organization’s mission statement, according to Tudor: “To promote the health and well-being of our citizens 50+ and help promote the economy of the city we live in and love.”
Shaun Edwards, sports director of MSG, handled the competition’s scoring system. “Fortunately, we have lots of new board members to help with all the planning and execution of the events,” he said.
Edwards’ personal satisfaction stems from “seeing the smiling faces of the seniors with whom we interact,” he explained.
“As past MSG Board President Herb Calhoun often said, ‘If you’re not having fun, you’re in the wrong place!’” said Edwards. “Activity is very important for seniors, because when you become sedentary, you tend to get older faster.”
