Returning from an exhausting 'Bowling Story' Florida vacation

It was not easy. You go to Florida to find a bowling story and all your friends want to do is golf. Despite HAVING to play five rounds of golf, I did manage to break away from my captors long enough to head to Spanish Springs Lanes to see if I could reunite with one Missy Klug. Last year, she rolled a perfect game on her way to an 802 series. It made for quite a story. On Monday evening – after a grueling day on the links – I stopped in at the bowling establishment. I noticed her name on the video board. She had the high game and series from the previous week. Obviously she was still bowling. Now to find her A quick scan did not reveal my quarry, so I asked the gentleman behind the desk what nights she would be bowling. He told me Wednesday and Fridays. So it was back to golf for a couple of days. I told you this was exhausting! Wednesday evening found me back at the lanes and it didn’t take long to find Missy. To my delight her husband Sean was with her, and as a bonus for me he was also bowling. Last year he was just a spectator, but I found out he was a pretty good bowler and I was anxious to see him in action. When I approached, it was instant recognition (such is my lot in life, being a famed bowling columnist) as they greeted me like an old friend. I remember how gracious they were last year. They have not changed. Sean did not disappoint as he shot 237 in his opening game. Missy struggled, but this night would be more of a social event. I spent most of an hour chatting with both and found out some interesting facts. Though bowling has been a lifelong obsession for Sean, he told me he wouldn’t be bowling if Missy didn’t want to. His passion is golf, but interestingly enough, he doesn’t do that either. Not enough time. Both are busy during the week with work and the weekends are spent on another hobby. It seems that they both own motorcycles and weekends are for riding. They actually owned racing bikes before moving to Florida. Now they enjoy “cruising” the countryside. I asked Missy about her plans to go on the LPBT and she said a tournament was going to take place in Tampa this summer. She took my email address and promised to let me know if she entered the tournament. Stay tuned. On Thursday evening I found myself back at Spanish Springs Lanes. This time I was looking for my golfing buddies, who seemed to be playing a little hide and seek with yours truly. They were not present, but I did notice a familiar name on Lane 24. In last year’s article, I wrote about Missy Klug and a fellow named Don Ferguson. He shot a healthy 700 series, but was somewhat overshadowed by Missy’s night. I went over to him and introduced myself. He said, “I know who you are.” I’m telling you this fame thing He then explained that he was the guy behind the desk on Monday evening when I inquired about Missy. I guess fame is fleeting I spent a little time talking to Don. He is originally from Carlisle, Pennsylvania and has been in The Villages for a number of years. He asked if I was thinking about retiring to this incredible Florida community. When I suggested that my wife might not be keen on the idea, Don’s story came forth. According to Don, it was the only ultimatum he ever gave his wife. When the golf season ended in central Pennsylvania, he said he was moving to Florida. Fortunately she came along. When she saw a house in The Villages and said, “I could live here” he went straight to the realtor. As the lady was doing the paperwork, Don’s wife said she was unsure about moving for one reason. She didn’t want to be away from the grandchildren. The lady looked up and said, “Honey I’m from Ohio and I can tell you that your grandkids will love you no matter where you live.” That seemed to be enough and the real estate transaction was completed. Just to be on the safe side, Mrs. Ferguson got all her grandkids season passes for Disney at Christmas a couple of years ago. As Don tells it, “all the grandkids really love her now.” As for her children? Well, not so much. As usual, some great bowling scores were shot while I was away. The one that really caught my eye was a 657 shot by Samantha Wiley. Great shooting, Samantha! Here’s a look at the honor roll of scores for the past week. Sportsman: Tom Wilkinson 669, Brian Harrold 614, Bob Hill 605, Rich Yates, Sr. 593, James Lord 580, Rich Yates Jr. 580 and Jim Mason 576. Alley Cats: Kathy Breidenbach 540, Lorrie Williams 527, Heather Butler 486, Pat Cook 475 and Kate Reser 472. Allen Eiry: Phil Miller 369, Jim Donaldson 345, Bob Reinhart 333, Sandy Smith 326, Harry Smith 314, Ken Jones 312, Dave Everhart 296, Joanne Elchert 294, Ed Wise 285, Larry Cobb 267 and Jane Hemminger 262. Rocket: Steve Barnes 655, Tyson Shope 650, David Jones 645, Samantha Wiley 620, Dave Coppus 605, Isaiah Franklin 575 and Beth Jones 558. 55 Plus: Jim Ruess 600, Dick Gabel 539, Bob Reinhart 533, Paul Gosche 523, Jim Donaldson 494, Dave Everhart 493, Bill Mizen 488, Jerry Gillig 487, Rick Hanna 479, Mike Kimmet 471, John Ferstler 468, Ken Jones 459 and Jim Ferslter 436. Al Stephenson is The A-T’s bowling columnist. Read his blog at: www.advertiser-tribune.com