I have heard a number of stories over the years that took place in out-of-town bowling tournaments. It seems many bowlers "let their hair down" when not in close proximity to neighbors or acquaintances. Most of these humorous events took place after the participants had consumed a beverage or two. I'll leave it to you to decide the main reason for behavior. It just might be a combination of location, consumption and the inevitable "boys being boys."
My favorite story was one that involved some current bowling and golfing buddies, though it occurred before I met them. I have told the story many times, but it is worth a repeat.
It seems one of my friends saw no need to have a bag for his bowling ball. He carried it in a grocery bag or simply in his hands. This was not a problem in terms of getting the ball into an establishment. It became a problem in terms of storing the ball when not in use. Therein lies the story.
After completing the singles and doubles portion of a tournament in the Canton area, the boys went to a few "night spots" during the evening. As they were returning to their hotel in a van, the "bagless" bowling ball became an issue. The ball was lying on the floor of the van. When the van slowed for a traffic light the ball would roll all the way to the front of the vehicle. Accelerating the van made the ball return from whence it came.
After this took place a few times, the van driver, along with his trusty navigator decided the ball had to go. At the next stop, the offending bowling ball was tossed out the window. As my buddy put it, "it seemed like the right thing to do at the time."
The next day, as team competition was about to take place, one bowler could not find his bowling ball. He started searching the racks of the center thinking that perhaps he had left it in the establishment. When the ball "tossers" - who had forgotten the incident - saw their friend looking, they laughed so hard they couldn't tell him what happened to his bowling ball for several minutes. Boys, as they say, will be boys.
This week I heard of another incident that took place several years ago, and it struck me as similar to the above mentioned story. I do not know who the bowlers were that took part in this escapade and perhaps it is better I don't. The story, though, is quite humorous.
It seems this one particular bowling team, taking part in an out-of-town bowling tournament, also was (imagine this) having a few cocktails. They were getting a little rowdy and the proprietor of the lanes was becoming a little unhappy with their behavior. One bowler in particular was a major source of concern as he was having difficulty staying behind the foul line.
It is never a good thing to stray out on to the oiled lanes. It was not long before the proprietor made his way to the lanes where the craziness was taking place. He warned the team their behavior was getting a little too wild and if it did not improve, they would be removed from the premises. He particularly made it clear he wanted them to make sure the one bowler stayed behind the foul line.
The guys apologized and said they would take care of the matter, and they did. It's the "how they took care of it" that made the story. A couple of the bowlers went out to the parking lot and returned with a rope. They proceeded to tie the rope around the waist of the "fouling" bowler. They gave him enough slack to get to the foul line and then stopped him before "reeling" him back to his seat.
If you now have a mental picture in your mind, you are just like me. The owner of the lanes did not find the solution to his liking (as he shouldn't), and the team was tossed from the tournament.
Both these stories, though amusing, should not be relived. Boys being boys is great for folklore, but more appropriate behavior should be expected today. Remember, the life you save may be your own.
By the way, that last line was not an original thought.
Taking a look at local bowling league action, Gary Golden shot 752 to top the charts in the Sunday Night Rock N Roll League. Jim Hershberger was right behind with a 744, but his score included a perfect 300 game. Congrats Jim. Tom Tiell shot 645, Brian Kidwell 644, Tim Bollenbacher 623, John Funk 622, Brett Babcock 616 and Beth Jones 544. Big 8 League scores included John Sauers 697, Jeff Smith 616, Jim SanGregory 611, Bob Wilson 610 and Greg Tiell 583.
At the K of C Lanes Chris Johnson shot 608 in the Tuesday Night League. Dave Depinet had 584, Gary Gaietto 566, Andy Hess 557 and Bill Lord 556. In the Lady Knights League, Nerita Streaker shot 454, Theresa Carp 433, Carol Burmeister 418, Val Krombach 412 and Marge Wilhelm 406. Jim Ruess topped the 55 Plus League with 586, while Bob Reinhart shot 554, Paul Gosche 519, Rick Hanna 518 and Jim Ferstler 501.
Kerry Wertz shot 611, Ron Jordan 591, Mike Babcock 559, Kevin Reynolds 533, Dan Morlock 519 and Jere Morlock 519 in the Grange League. For the ladies Amy Morlock 526, Carol Elchert 477, Joyce Babcock 421, Nicole Babcock 414 and Marty Factor 413. In the Imperial-Majorette League Steve Steinmetz Jr. shot 718, Dawn Davis 633, Rhonda Fitch 590, Brian Jakupca 586, Steve Steinmetz Sr. 576, Rusty Kuhn 576 and Linda Brookes 511.
In the Alley Cats League, Robin Dickman rolled a 542, Carla Siebenaller 530, Jan Houk 500, Jani Hartzell 499, Cindy Bowman 498, Kim Weaver 498 and Donna Schreiner 485. Twilight League scores included Joe Brickner 641, Denny Lofay 622, Tom Tiell 620, T.J. Morrow 617 and Al Slosser 602. On the ladies side Robin Brownell shot 496, Robin Fitch 470 and Kristin Fitch 465. Tyson Shope paced the Rocket League with 726. Tim Sturgill shot 687, Tom Tiell 664, Dave Depinet 623, Mick Thallman 603 and Sandy Coppus 448.
Al Stephenson is The A-T
bowling columnist.
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