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Saginaw Scores a Major ‘Strike’ with $6 Million Infusion from Bowlers Across the State Can a Bowling Tournament Help with Saginaw's Struggles? Surprise: Yes! By Mike Thompson Amid so much economic hardship, skeptics may scoff at the idea (or irony) that Saginaw and mid-Michigan will receive a shot in the arm from a bowling tournament; but how about a $6 million infusion from 12,000 bowlers from across the state, most staying the night and a good number with family members as cheerleaders. The 2011 United States Bowling Congress state open tournament is booked for LeFevre's Family Bowl in Saginaw Township and for Candlelite Bowl in Bridgeport. Leading organizers for the bid are Wendy Scott with the Saginaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Mark Sedlar with the Saginaw Bowling Association. Local bowlers know what this means, but for the unfamiliar, they should know that Saginaw's success is more than it may seem. First, “tournament” may imply something that lasts a few days. The state tournament will consume no less than 14 weekends, with about 800 entrants per weekend recording their scores in singles, doubles, and team competitions. Second, “tournament” may cause a perception that these are cream of the crop bowlers. Yes, some of Michigan's best will come to town, but also some who aren't much better on the lanes than Barack Obama. A handicapping system is in place, based on bowlers' regular league averages, so that everyone has a chance and so that men and women can compete together, rather than in separate divisions. “We have people come in with 220 to 230 averages, but also people with 100 averages,” Mark Sedlar says. He has invested many volunteer hours, serving as Zone 11 (northeast lower Michigan) director to the United States Bowling Congress state board. Sedlar admits concern that the sour economy could curtail participation, but he retains overall optimism. Bowling is among the most affordable forms of recreation, and the state tournament last winter showed an increase of 53 teams despite statewide hardship. Saginaw last hosted the state tournament in 1973, another year of perceived economic crisis, and the event was a huge success. 2011 may seem slightly distant but at least the event comes during the first four months, January through April. Wendy Scott notes that this is generally an “off season” when the convention and visitors business is slower than usual, which means the state bowling tournament will not overlap with other events. “There's a lot of excitement,” Sedlar says. “Michigan's open tournament is the second largest in the United States, and 'open' means just what is says. Anyone can participate.” For information, leave a message for
Mark Sedlar at the Saginaw Bowlers Association hotline, 792-6126. |
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