TERRE HAUTE — A breath of fresh air has been enjoyed — at least by most people — inside Terre Haute’s open-to-the-public bowling establishments since Vigo County enacted a clean indoor air ordinance which went into effect on July 1.
In the past, cigarette smoke used to hit people in the face upon entering Vigo Bowl, Terre Haute Bowling Center or Imperial Lanes.
But that is no longer the case.
The Bowling Center and Imperial Lanes still allow smoking in their enclosed lounges, but Vigo Bowl took the concept one step further.
“We are nonsmoking in the whole building,” stated Vigo Bowl’s Gordon Geckeler. “I’d say the majority of the people like it … maybe a half-dozen [bowlers] go outside to smoke. We provide them covers for their [bowling] shoes.”
“It definitely smells better. Most nonsmokers are grateful,” stated THBC general manager Rick Braden. “I wish it had happened years ago. We lost a couple, three teams to the [Kerman] Grotto so they could smoke.”
“We hoped [the ordinance] would help our open bowling, but with the economy the way it is it’s hard to tell if this has been a factor.”
“Certain league bowlers are not happy having to go the bar [to smoke],” noted Imperial Lanes’ manager Phil Cooper. “But family groups like bringing kids into a nonsmoking building.
“Our open bowling is down, but that is probably due in part to the economy. It has been more detrimental to business in our pool room.”
Cooper is philosophical about the situation, adding, “It is what it is … it’s not going to change.”
Bowlers at the local Elks Country Club, Grotto and Eagles can still smoke inside their facilities. Vigo County’s nonsmoking ordinance currently exempts civic organizations, service clubs, fraternal or patriotic organizations or private membership organizations.
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• 700 Club — The local 700 Club has already completed two of its tournaments. No word has been received on results from the Team Tournament at Paradise Bowl, but I did hear that Guy Johnson won the club’s Singles Tournament at the Bowling Center in November.
The following is the remaining schedule for the club —
Dec. 16 — Doubles Tournament at Imperial Lanes
Jan. 13 — Floyd Morgan 700/YABA Doubles Tournament at Vigo Bowl
Jan. 27 — Singles Tournament at Imperial Lanes
Feb. 17 — Trio Tournament at Brazilian Lanes
Mar. 9 — 14th Match Games Tournament at Terre Haute Elks
Note — All tournaments begin at 11 a.m. EST.
• High school — The IHSAA-sponsored high school bowling season is already under way as well. Area teams fielded this year include Terre Haute North (boys and girls), Terre Haute South (boys and girls), South Vermillion (boys and girls) and North Central (boys only).
Next competition for these teams will be at Imperial Lanes starting at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
• Men’s Association news — According to a recent e-mail from Greater Terre Haute Men’s Association secretary Tony Leturgez, “Nothing is definite at this time” on the Officer’s Tournament and the [local] Association Tournament.
We’ll keep you abreast on developments.
Leturgez did send in the following list of early season high games and three-game series:
The Bush League — Tom Barr 290 (10/24/07), Rob Auterson 300 (11/14/07), Brad Burris 300 and 813 (11/14/07), Matt Wilkins 290 (11/14/07), Kenny Carmichael 290 (11/28/07), Les King 290 (11/28/07).
Davison Service and Equipment League — Chris Drake 290 and 836 (10/11/07), Trey Minett 290 (11/1/07), Iane Hatfield Triplicate 265 (11/8/07), Bill Furry Triplicate 248 (11/29/07).
Monday Bush Mixed — Larry Hatfield 300 (10/29/07).
Lang’s Body Shop — Ryan Nichols 823 (no date), 300 and 854 (10/30/07), Mark Harvey 830 (11/13/07).
Eagles No. 291 —Jason Hiddle 290 and 814 (10/20/07).
Affordable Awards —Bryan Barton 300 (11/4/07).
Wims Lounge —Philip Anderson 300 (10/1/07).
Smith Trucking — Crystal Sullivan 300 (10/24/07), Mike Blackburn 299 (11/14/07), Mike Fisher 299 (10/31/07), Guy Johnson 801 (10/31/07), 299 (11/21/07).
• Holiday tournaments — Local bowlers can celebrate the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day holidays in style on the lanes. A little over a month later, bowlers can also celebrate another holiday of sorts, the Super Bowl.
On New Year’s Eve, Imperial Lanes will host a 40-frame game tournament at 6 p.m., Vigo Bowl is putting on a more traditional no-tap tournament at 7 p.m., while the Bowling Center features four different bowling options for revelers.
On New Year’s Day, THBC holds its 2nd New Year’s Day Sweeper starting at 3 p.m. The tournament is scratch, bowling six games across 12 lanes with an entry fee of $45. Entries close at midnight on Dec. 30, but walk-ins ($55) are welcome.
On Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 3, 2008), Imperial Lanes will put on its all-day tournament. This year, it’s called Super Bowl VI — that’s No. 6 for you Latin language-challenged. Entry forms will be out sometime this week.
For further information on these tournaments, contact Vigo Bowl (232-6800), Terre Haute Bowling Center (238-2911) or Imperial Lanes (232-1319).
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• PBA Tour news — The Professional Bowlers Association’s ESPN telecast of the finals of this week’s tour stop, the Lumber Liquidators Championship, will be shown in prime time — albeit, tape-delayed — from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. EST today.
This week’s tournament featured a round-robin match play format with the top eight bowlers advancing to the championship round. Normally, the top five advance to the final round in standard round-robin events.
The bowlers qualifying in fifth to eighth place will compete in a one-game play-in match with all four bowlers rolling one game simultaneously, the high scoring bowler advancing.
After that round, the rest of the finals takes on the usual stepladder format.
This week’s top eight finals qualifiers: 1. Patrick Allen; 2. Wes Malott; 3. Mike Wolfe; 4. Rhino Page; 5. Walter Ray Williams Jr.; 6. Chris Warren; 7. Mike DeVaney; 8. Chris Barnes.
• Women’s pro news — Do you believe in miracles? While this miracle doesn’t compare with the United States men’s hockey team defeating Soviet Russia in the 1980 Olympics, the following is a miracle of sorts.
Diandra Asbaty, a second alternate for the PBA Women’s Series, was able to compete in last week’s final event, the Great Lakes Classic, through an unusual set of circumstances.
Exempt player Wendy Macpherson withdrew from the tournament, then just prior to the tournament, first alternate Robin Romeo slammed her hand in her car door. If that was not enough, Asbaty’s grandmother was in the hospital.
Asbaty not only got the opportunity to compete, but went on to win the tournament, defeating Carolyn Dorin-Ballard 236-225 in the ESPN-televised finals last Sunday.
Dennis Clark can be reached by e-mail at dennis.clark@tribstar.com; by mail at P.O. Box 149, Terre Haute, IN 47808; or by fax at (812) 231-4321.
Vigo County Bowling Leagues
Vigo Bowl
Affordable Awards — High games: Christina Smith 236, Casey Coffee Shop 912. High series: Nancy Effner 601, Dede Tools 2,544.
Wolfe’s Auto Auction — High games: Ashley Alexander 267, Affordable Awars 702. High series: Alexander 585, Affordable Awards 1,954.
Thursday Senior Mixed — High games: Herb Gosnell and Richard Stephens 236, Ida Taylor 190, Cobras 799. High series: Gosnell 633, Taylor 530, Cobras 2,201.
Bell Welding — High games: Kelly Rayhel and Dan Weaver 279, Bogey’s 1,062. High series: Weaver 756, Bogey’s 3,060.
Springhill Wholesale — High games: Alusta Kneeves 190, Bell’s Bowlers 490. High series: Kneeves 554, Vigo Bowl 1,370.
Distributor’s Terminal — High games: Shirley Pounds 205, Gutter Gals 652. High series: Sandy Kelly 529, Gutter Gals 1,803.
School Staff — High games: Ed Beasley 246, Marsha McQueary 180, South Vigo 740. High series: Beasley 666, Marilyn Daniel 476, South Vigo 2,182.
Mic’s Pics — High games: Jeri Russell 237, Bowling Belles 566. High series: Russell 588, Bowling Belles 1,572.
Eagles Mixed — High games: Lenny Selvia Jr. 289, Crystal Sullivan 216, Four Skinz 787. High series: Jason Hiddle 699, Sullivan 603, Four Skinz 2,299.
Church — High games: John Smith 265, Foursquare 798. High series: Smith 602, CCC No. 2 2,038.
Vigo Bowl Bantams — High games: Jevan McCoskey 88, Victoria McMillen 88, Hot Shots 268. High series: McCoskey 175, McMillen 172, Hot Shots 511.
Vigo Bowl Preps — High games: Levi Elrod 157, Kianna Sweatt 128, Silver Dragons 582. High series: Elrod 378, Sweatt 351, Silver Dragons 1,573.
Vigo Bowl Juniors — High games: Dylan Wilson 244, Brooke Howard 184, Team 3 828. High series: Wilson 608, Howard 500, Team 3 2,440.
Vigo Bowl Seniors — High games: Nicholas Fields 229, Amanda Perry 217, The Dirty Dogs 853. High series: James Conger 560, Sara Shepherd 546, The Dirty Dogs 2,465.
Terre Haute Bowling Center
THBC Seniors — High games: Andrew Reed 277, Mackenzie Pepper 209. High series: Cameron Bolinger 690, Pepper 556.
THBC Juniors — High games: Ian Bartlett 225, Madison Peabody 188. High series: Bartlett 607, Jessica Hill 490.
THBC Preps — High games: Michael Tremmel 134, Kelly Combs 178. High series: Harrison Barnes 337, Combs 454.
THBC Bantams — High games: Aiden Fellows 106, Madison Rice 88. High series: Fellows 285, Rice 200.
THBC Majors — High games: Wade Sons 192, Brittany Wence 172. High series: Sons 510, Wence 504.
THBC Minors — High games: Cole Walker 173, Kellee Edington 126. High series: Walker 406, Kadi Troxel 333.
Affordable Awards Ladies — High games: Cathy Wortman 243, Poplar Flower Shop 864. High series: Lori Martin 589, Poplar Flower Shop 2,524.
Guarantee Roofing — High games: Delbert Chesshir 268, Affordable Awards 1,121. High series: Austin Marsh 738, Affordable Awards 3,140.
Wednesday Prime Timers — High games: Jay Scamihorn 247, Judy Meng 211. High series: Rob Klemaszewski 639, Meng 596.
Wabash Valley Christian — High games: Donald Vibbert 236, Lucy Cutts 178, Odd Balls 619. High series: Tony Morris 549, Cutts 629, Odd Balls 1,817.
Air National Guard Mixed — High games: Estel Nightingale 266, Jodi Moan 255. High series: Nightingale 739, Moan 624.
THBC Prime Timer — High games: Jay Scamihorn 257, Ruth Johnson 202. High series: Scamihorn 706, Johnson 560.
Chandler Construction — High games: Donald Rutledge 204, Kitty Kerns 222, Lucky Strikes 729. High series: Rutledge 554, Kerns 532, Lucky Strikes 2,095.
Affordable Awards Mixed — High games: John Walton 278, Janie Martin 248, THBC 825. High series: Matt Lugar 735, Martin 675, Affordable Awards 2,398.
Russ Fisher Truck Parts — High games: Mysti Fisher 280, Team 13 1,119. High series: Fisher 752, Team 13 3,145.
Imperial Lanes
WIMS Lounge — High games: John Hansford 290, Amanda Taylor 279, Fifth Third 1,005. High series: Mike Blackburn 745, Taylor 739, Fifth Third 2,812.
Archie’s Sports Bar — High games: Coty Gaskins 276, TGI Friday’s 1,110. High series: Mike Fisher Sr. 739, TGI Friday’s 3,145.
Junior — High games: Scott Higginbotham 298, Samantha McGran 146, Team Extreme 609. High series: Higginbotham 666, Tiffany Fields 351, Team Extreme 1,546.
Smith Trucking — High games: Jim M. Smith 287, Becky’s Cafe 1,227. High series: Phil Cooper 767, Becky’s Cafe 3,269.
Sunday Mixed — High games: Tonya Maesch 254, Imperial Lanes Pro Shop 931. High series: Phil Cooper and Jim Shepherd 289, Imperial Lanes Pro Shop 2,531.
Pizza Works Mixed — High games: Matthew Willett 256, Sherry Morley 232, Fitzpatrick Pearce 1,017. High series: Allen Fagg 677, Morley 585, Fitzpatrick Pearce 2,930.
Tuesday Ladies — High games: Betty Swan 190, 3 Plus 1 488. High series: Swan 524, 3 Plus 1 1,339.
John Curry Lanes (Elks)
Tuesday Men — High games: Jack Myers 268, Allen County Cleaners 970. High series: Phil Cooper 660, Green Leaf 2,733.
Thursday Men — High games: Dave Jozwiak 267, Coca-Cola 1,042. High series: Jozwiak 734, Coca-Cola 2,903.
Kegler's Korner
December 9, 2007
Kegler's Korner: Nonsmoking alleys a breath of fresh air
- Kegler's Korner
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KEGLER’S KORNER: New members of GTHBA Hall of Fame
The “winter” bowling season has come to a close, and with that realization, it’s time to find out who are the newest inductees to the Greater Terre Haute Bowling Association Hall of Fame.
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KEGLER'S KORNER: GTHMBA takes interesting new approach to men’s city tourney
When I served on the Greater Terre Haute Men’s Bowling Association Board many, many moons ago, much discussion was devoted to increasing participation in the annual Men’s City Tournament.
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KEGLER'S KORNER: Valley bowlers in Women’s State Championship
No members of the Greater Terre Haute Women’s Bowling Association are atop any of the leaderboards, but several teams and individuals are listed in the top five of the ongoing 84th Indiana Women’s State Bowling Championship.
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KEGLER'S KORNER: Indiana Women’s State tourney continues today at Vigo Bowl
The 84th Indiana Women’s State Tournament will complete its third weekend of bowling competition at Vigo Bowl (team) and Terre Haute Bowling Center (doubles/singles) today.
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KEGLER'S KORNER: City has history as state tourney host
The 84th Indiana State Women’s Championship Tournament began its lengthy run in Terre Haute on Saturday and will run each weekend — except Easter weekend — until May 8.
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KEGLER’S KORNER: Spare nothing trying to get those extra pins
Throwing strikes are sexy and glamorous, but converting spares (ho-hum) is still the difference between winning and losing — at all levels of bowling.
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KEGLER’S KORNER: South team fourth at state finals
Terre Haute South’s boys team capped off a standout season with a fourth-place finish at the Indiana High School Bowling team state finals at Cooper’s Sport Bowl in Anderson last weekend.
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KEGLER’S KORNER: Bowlers still rolling on ice
While many sporting events around the Wabash Valley fell victim to the recent snow and ice storm, not so for bowlers. But we’re not surprised. Bowlers are a hardy breed.
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Kegler's Korner: South Vermillion boys secure sectional title
South Vermillion extended its recent success in the Indiana High School Bowling Sectional competition, both individually and collectively, last week.
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KRGLER'S KORNER: Tournament action abounds over Turkey Day holiday week
The days leading up to and including the Thanksgiving holiday found Vigo Bowl busy with tournament action.
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Kegler's Korner: Team Drake wins THBC Shootout
Nine teams competed in the 20th Terre Haute Bowling Center Shootout last weekend (Oct. 30-31) with Team Drake emerging as the champion by a slim nine-pin margin.
Team members Chris Drake, Rick Fugate, Sean Pepper and Trevor Monroney had a score of 8,663. Second place went to Team Nichols (Ryan Nichols, David Paulin, David Monroney, Mike Gambill) at 8,554. -
Kegler's Korner: Team Drake takes THBC Shootout
Nine teams competed in the 20th Terre Haute Bowling Center Shootout last weekend (Oct. 30-31) with Team Drake emerging as the champion by a slim nine-pin margin.
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KEGLER’S KORNER: Team Shootout at THBC coming this weekend
Hard to believe, but the Terre Haute Bowling Center is ready to run its 20th — count ’em — 20th Team Shootout next Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 30-31).
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Kegler's Korner: Leturgez, Russell and Bolinger members of TH Bowlers Hall 41st class
A trio of local bowlers were inducted to the Terre Haute Bowlers Hall of Fame in their 41st recognition dinner at the Excalibur in West Terre Haute on May 10. Brandy Leturgez was the lone men’s inductee (bowling achievement). Jeri Russell (achievement) and Lynn Bolinger (meritorious service) were the women’s inductees.
- Kegler's Korner: U.S. Open returns to Hoosier state The U.S. Open returned to the Hoosier state this week at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis, with the nationally-televised finals (ESPN) scheduled for 12:30 p.m. today.
- Kegler's Korner: A little snow can’t stop bowlers from getting in their rounds While a little snow has slowed down the process of playing boys and girls high school basketball games around the Wabash Valley recently, the white stuff rarely keeps bowlers from their appointed rounds.
- Kegler's Korner: Kulick becomes first woman to win PBA event If you missed it, female professional bowler Kelly Kulick defeated Chris Barnes 265-195 in the championship game of the Professional Bowlers Association Tournament of Champions. The victory marked the first female to win a PBA national tour event in, well, ever.
- KEGLER'S KORNER: PBA TH Open set to roll June 10-12
- KEGLER'S KORNER: Crystal Sullivan shoots 299 on tough Greencastle lanes Crystal Sullivan has been a dominate force among women bowlers in Terre Haute through the years. In fact, just as good, if not better at times, than the male bowlers she regularly bowls alongside.
- Kegler's Korner: Scamihorn still a force around lanes Jay Scamihorn has been a frequent high scorer in senior — that’s older folks! — leagues in recent years, frequently recognized for high game or high series (usually both).
- Kegler's Korner: TH Open Pro-Am set for June 12 The Greater Terre Haute Open Pro-Am will be at 7 p.m. on June 12 at the Terre Haute Bowling Center. This is being run in conjunction with that weekend’s (June 13-14) Professional Bowling Association Midwest/Central Regional Tournament.
- Kegler's Korner: TH bowlers hold their own with best in Indiana at Women’s State
- Kegler's Korner: Professional bowling returning to Wabash Valley this summer Professional bowling returns to the Wabash Valley in the form of the PBA Central/Midwest Region Terre Haute Open at the Terre Haute Bowling Center on June 12-14.
- Kegler's Korner: Vincennes University defends championship It must be spring. Vincennes University wins the National Junior College Athletic Association men’s bowling championship and their coach, Gary Sparks, is named NJCAA Coach of the Year.
- Kegler's Korner: TH native Marc Pruett takes on some of PBA’s finest While perusing daily standings from this week’s Professional Bowlers Association Etonic Marathon Open at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis this week, I happened upon the name of Terre Haute bowler Marc Pruett.
- Kegler's Korner: Valley high school bowlers rolling along in state tournament Wabash Valley high school bowlers excelled at the Indiana High School Bowling Association regional at Laurel Lanes in Washington on Feb. 7.
- Kegler's Korner: South’s Dowell rolls 234 to defeat South Vermillion’s Johansen for sectional crown Austin Dowell of Terre Haute South defeated South Vermillion’s Scott Johansen 234-226 to win the high-scoring championship match of the Indiana High School Bowling boys individual sectional tournament at Vigo Bowl on Friday.
- Kegler's Korner: Wabash Valley High School Travel League holds singles tournament As mentioned in last week’s column, a monthly Wabash Valley High School Travel League singles tournament was hosted by Terre Haute Bowling Center last Saturday.
- Kegler's Korner: Unlike NFL, no ties on lanes Take note Philadelphia Eagles quarterback — there ARE ties in regular season National Football League games, but there are NO ties in bowling. Ryan Nichols emerged victorious and claimed the $500 first prize in the 3rd New Year’s Day Sweeper at the Terre Haute Bowling Center. But not after settling a championship match deadlock against long-time bowler Dave Paulin.
- Kegler's Korner: The Landing now offers latest in boutique bowling The Landing at Fort Harrison mini-resort opened to the public last week and its eight-lane bowling facility is nestled right in the midst of this ambitious business undertaking.
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