Get Your Game On!

Wouldn't it be fun to fill the bowling alley with classmates on Saturday, September 26 at 1:45 p.m.? Surely, out of 52 classmates that were part of the bowling club, we'll be able to get a decent turnout. We also encourage you to bring a family member or friend with you to this fun event. Sheldon Christener and Ted Rich, both league bowlers, are assisting. Mike Doherty is another local league bowler, and if his work schedule allows, will join us. So for those of you who like competition, you'll enjoy comparing scores with those three.

And for those who are more familiar with gutter balls than strikes, you can join me (Terri) for a good time. I had a practice round with my son last week. He tried to get me to put a spin on the ball--you know, start with your palm up and end in the handshake position. That ball ended in the gutter half-way down the lane. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, he told me to just try throwing the ball straight. Well, that's easier said than done! My straight ball wasn't exactly straight so he kept adjusting my starting position, "start behind the line," "move over to your left," "a little more to your left," "maybe try it more to your right." You get the gist of it. Only luck was knocking some pins down as the next throw was just as likely to miss the remaining eight pins. Then it was time to try changing the weight of the ball to see if that made a difference. I finally seemed to have the most control when I threw an eight pound ball. You're suppose to use a ball that is 10% of your weight so I was hardly following guidelines. My grandson, age seven, would probably use that weight. How sad is that?! Sometimes on my approach I would lose my balance and almost fall over making my son shake his head and yell "What are you doing?" Of course, if you throw enough balls, every now and then a spare or strike happens, just enough to encourage me that things might improve and I could actually break 100 so we continued playing. Is 100 a respectable score to aim for? Well, if the first game is 67, then 100 looks pretty good.

My son's high game that day was 195 and he rarely bowls. When he was in high school the bowling alley in Decatur offered a great deal to students, so he and his friends bowled often. I'm a little concerned that bowling is like riding a bike--a skill that is once learned, isn't forgotten. Since I wasn't one of the 52 classmates in the bowling club, that means I'm at a definite disadvantage. Or at least, that will be my excuse.

So come out and join the fun. You already know it's unlikely you'll be the low scorer! Games will be $3 each and shoe rental is free. There will be some snacks provided but drinks must be purchased at the bowling alley.

Remember, registration for the various reunion events is due September 12. I expect to see some checkmarks in the bowling column.

Terri Habegger Coolman

P.S.
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