Let’s Go Bowling: Jasper County bowling centers prepare for big tournaments

The next two weekends Mustang Lanes in Monroe will host the annual Jasper County Team Championships. Twenty-four teams have entered in what should be a fun tournament as loads of door prizes and opportunities to win cash are available. The tournament has been re-formatted to a team-only tournament for 2009. Historically, it’s had team, doubles and singles events, but the Jasper County Bowling Association is trying a new wrinkle to try to increase participation, while helping to reduce the cost to bowlers at the same time. There also are side events for singles and doubles that allow bowlers to use their team scores. Team entries remained about the same as 2008. Results of the tournament will follow upon completion. The Jasper County Women’s Bowling Association annual tournament will be held March 14-15. Team events will be at Monroe and singles and doubles in Newton. A new scholarship will be available this year for Newton Youth League bowlers. Laird and Julie Trusler have established a new scholarship in the name of Laird’s father, Morris Trusler. The annual award worth $300 will be for youth bowlers of all ages and will be based on participation and sportsmanship. Meanwhile, the Jasper County Bowling Association will award $250 to one boy and one girl again this year. The award is for high school juniors and seniors and is based on academic and bowling performance. Application forms are available at our local bowling centers and at www.iowabowl.com/JCUSBCBA/. The Newton boys bowling team was scheduled to bowl in Pella on Saturday but weather forced the Cardinals from traveling. The boys will compete at Plaza Lanes in Des Moines Saturday at 2:30 p.m. while the girls team travels to Clinton for a tournament at 2 p.m. On a side note, I would like to give a word of encouragement to the Newton boys basketball team. It’s been 17 years since my class of 1992 — led by area star Eric Foote — went as far as the state tournament. The tradition of basketball is as long as football in our community. Newton also has more state titles in basketball than football. But from the games I have witnessed this year, I see potential and some wins in the near future. It won’t be easy to get on the winning track. Jimmy Valvano once said, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Tom Vanderlaan is a good coach. I think with his leadership and support from our community, the season can finish on a high note.