Stadium Lanes Hosts Week-Long Bowling Tournament

San Angelo United States Bowling Congress (SAUSBC) hosted their annual week-long tournament that started on March 28 and finished today.

The first few nights had teams playing three games starting at 7 p.m. and finishing around 10 p.m. The last games started at noon and 4 p.m. today. The three divisions included teams of four members, doubles and singles.

Two types of scoring for the tournament were used: scratch and handicapped.

 “Scratch score is just your raw score, whatever you bowled, however many pins you knock down,” said Beverly Wildes, Tournament Director.

The handicapped scoring was used to help participants who bowled at a lower average compared to higher average players going into the tournament.

“We have a handicapped built into your score so it helps even out the playing field for your lower scoring bowlers and higher scoring bowlers. Everybody has a chance,” Wildes said.  

Current standings were used at the end of every night to determine placement for the league.

“At the end of the league, we have a computer program that we use to punch in all of the scores and update all of our ranks. This will determine who the winners are for each division," Wildes added.  

The SAUSBC decided to host this tournament to help with making an easier schedule for the participants.  

“Instead of just having a traditional tournament, what we do at San Angelo’s Stadium Lanes is have weekly leagues,” said Suzanne Torres, President of the ASUSBC.   

Stadium Lanes hosts leagues every week, Monday through Friday, and the Youth League on Saturdays.

“We decided, why not just make it really easy and have a tournament during one of our bowling weeks?" Torres said.

The SAUSBC board has been hosting these tournaments annually to build up an interest for bowling in the community.

“We are trying to reinvigorate the sport of bowling, so we are trying to get everybody out to these annual tournaments,” Torres said.

These tournaments are not the only plans the new board has made to encourage participation from the community. The USBC has hosted youth tournaments that allow participants to build up points that go into a “smart fund,” Gary Carr, SAUSBC board member, said. After graduating high school, youth members can use these points to help pay for tuition at a college they want to attend.

“The Pepsi tournament is a scholarship tournament where all the kids have to earn their way," Carr said. They have to qualify to attend, and, if they finish in the top 10 of their age group, they earn money that goes into the smart fund.”        

Torres mentioned the annual fees for the USBC are $18 and this allows members to participate in any tournaments throughout the nation.

Torres is a certified coach for bowling and encourages anyone, regardless of experience, to come try the sport. She works with coaching the youth league that has ages as young as 3 participating, and can work with any age group.

“We welcome anybody. What people need to know is it’s not just for parties; we have leagues, competitions [and] awards. If you just want to have fun, or be serious, we fit all those categories,” Torres said.    

On April 23, the SAUSBC is hosting their first ladies tournament called the Diva Doubles. Awards will be given out for the best dressed divas. Call Torres at (325)-651-2695 regarding any information for the events mentioned.