Commonwealth Games bowling results in this week’s ‘In The Zone’

GIRLS 8 & UNDER (from left) Emily Coe (Silver) of Christiansburg, Kabree Kenney (Gold) of Chester, and Skyler Tenan (Bronze) of Gloucester

Summer always brings the Subway Commonwealth Games Bowling Tournament to the NRV SuperBowl. Once again, the July event recently concluded with two measurable items.

To begin with, the tournament was well-run and a successful and fun event. Second, there were many successful New River Valley participants in the event.

Emily Coe, who has enjoyed a great summer of bowling, finished with a silver medal in the girls’ 8-and-under handicap division.

Brianna Boyd captured the bronze medal in the girls’ 9-12 scratch division (“Scratch” means the score bowled is the score that is counted. No one is given any extra pins toward their score based on their average coming into the tournament).

A trio of Christiansburg bowlers grabbed the medals in the girls’ 9-12 handicap division. Nikki Keith took home the gold, Brittney Stike had the silver as her reward, And Danielle Perdue was close behind with her bronze medal.

Andrew Carney of Christiansburg, whose name is always at or near the top of the local leaderboards, won the bronze medal in the boys’ 9-12 handicap division.

Christiansburg resident Michael Boyd ended the competitive tournament with a silver medal in the boys’ 13-15 handicap division.

A pair of local bowlers also did well in the boys’ 16-19 handicap division.  Brandon Lawson of Draper finished in the top position to capture the gold, while Jacob Ratliff of Christiansburg was awarded a bronze medal for his outstanding bowling.

Moving on to the adults, Oliver Edwards of Pearisburg finished in second place to walk away with a silver medal in the men’s open handicap division.

On Friday of each year during the tournament, the senior bowlers across the state compete in the Games.  This division is one of the most well-attended and spirited. Once again, 2012 did not disappoint.

Cecil Sowers of Elliston won the gold medal in the senior men’s 75-and-over handicap division. The affable gentleman edged his friend Warren Coates of Christiansburg, who finished in second place. Dublin resident Len Smith, who rolls a magnificent sweeping hook from the left side of the lane, finished in third place to help the New River Valley seniors sweep the medals in this age category.

Don Strock finished in the bronze-medal position in the highly competitive senior men’s 65-74 handicap division.

Pearisburg resident James Donathan left the lanes and headed home with a gold medal in the senior men’s 55-64 handicap division. The short drive proved to be successful for a number of Pearisburg bowlers as evidenced by their success in this special competition.

SENIOR WOMEN 65-74 W/ HDCP (from left) Anna Farley (Silver) of Christiansburg, June Snodely (Gold) of Scotsville, and Athelia Stone (Bronze) of Stuart

A pair of senior women bowlers from our area also performed with admirable results. JoAnn Britt won the gold medal in the senior women’s 75-and-over handicap division. Anna Farley won the bronze medal in the senior women’s 65-74 handicap division. Both Christiansburg residents were once again proof of the strength of the seniors program at the NRV SuperBowl.

Normally, this is the section of the column in which I salute a bowler as the “Bowler of the Week.” However, this week, I would like to congratulate all the local bowlers who for years have helped to make this special event a success in Christiansburg.

Almost all of the events in the Games are held in the Roanoke area. However, the bowling competition remains in Christiansburg and continues to be a well-deserved honor bestowed upon both local bowlers and the management and staff at the SuperBowl.

As a reminder, fall leagues are now forming at the NRV SuperBowl.

As a celebration of hosting the Virginia State Tournament and the Commonwealth Games, as well as other special events this summer, the local bowling and entertainment center is hosting its Family Fun Week from Sunday to Friday.

I will be there during the week to celebrate with 25 cents games and 25 cents hot dogs. I will be the one with hot dog chili and mustard all over his shirt. Come out and enjoy the fun next week.

Until next week, good bowling to everyone!

-By Randy Thompson, special to The Burgs

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