Bowling column for Tuesday, September 29, 2020
By: Bette Addington
–CBT CALI GROUP TRAVELS TO SOUTH CAROLINA FOR TOURNAMENT
In these depressing times of our pandemic, it is always so great to hear an uplifting story and bowlers who don’t let restrictions hamper their chance to travel to a tournament—a tournament they’ve never been to—and make the most of it.
Several months back, CBT (Competitive Bowling Tournaments) became the leading tournament club to seek out locations that were not too far from our CA state line that would allow them to conduct events like St. George, Utah and Mesa, Arizona. CBT’s Ramsey Basurto felt the need to do this since there were so many CA bowlers looking for tournaments or just wanting to get out and bowl again. He started scheduling the events along with running his weekly raffles and the bowlers came! CBT was starting to grow into a family of bowling friends with all the traveling to go bowl events.
Along comes the notice of a bowling tournament held the weekend of Sept. 26-27 in Little River/Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The CBT family thought why not? Let’s see if there’s any interest in getting a group from CA to go bowl this event?? Interest was there and soon a group was committing. This event had a registration deadline so bowlers had to commit and pay a deposit if they wanted to bowl in it, book flights and it was a go. Before they knew it the week of the tournament was upon them.
CBT’s Cali Bowlers included Ramsey Basurto, Elysia Basurto, Brandon Simcox, Cindy Harrison, Rebecca Azurmendi, and the group from Bakersfield—Patricia Alonso, Joe Smith, Andrew Svoren and Kevin Hale. Late last week they embarked to South Carolina. What they were met with was a weekend full of fun and adventure and bowling. Their early arrival adventures included a walk on the beach at midnight and a tornado touching down in their neighborhood! They rented a condo where the whole group stayed and they had a blast.
The tournament they bowled in was the Freestyle Fall Trios at Little River Lanes in Little River, South Carolina. Although they worked hard to represent Cali, they were happy to report that Patricia Alonso placed 4th in Singles and the Freestyle Trios Team of Ramsey Basurto, Joe Smith and Zachary Vasquez (from Colorado) placed 10th.
Caught up with the group to get some feedback on their east coast adventure. Here’s what they had to say:
1) How was it to bowl at Little River Lanes in South Carolina? “Ok,” Andrew Svoren. “Like east coast Sam’s Town,” Joe Smith. “Sticky approaches. Lot of action matches,” Patricia Alonso. “Hospitality was wonderful, bowling great!” Ramsey Basurto.
2) Compared to CBT, same number of entrants? “160 teams, full house in 5 squads,” Patricia Alonso. “Highly encouraged pre-registration. These entries had to be in two months in advance. No walk-ins and each person had to pay a deposit,” Joe Smith.
3) Was this an annual event? “Runs multiple events every two months,” Ramsey Basurto.
4) How were COVID restrictions? Masks had to be worn on concourse, only on concourse, step down on lanes and masks were off. All people there think it is baloney. Bowlers were high fiving, no elbows.
5) How many balls did you take? “7 balls and used my Global 900 Redemption Hybrid & Storm All-Road for my 4thPlace Singles win,” Patricia Alonso. “15,” Andrew Svoren. “10,” Ramsey Basurto.
6) Were there as many female bowlers as at CBT events? “Lots of female bowlers and quality female bowlers,” Ramsey Basurto. “Yes! Our local female bowlers would have a tough time against the female bowlers here,” Joe Smith. “Had 2 all female Trios teams. 150-160 single female entries within trios teams,” Patricia Alonso.
7) How were the lanes? Easy! Too easy for handicapped. Lots of 300’s.
8) Oil pattern? “42’ house shot,” Patricia Alonso.
9) Anything else to add? Shit talking with camaraderie. Lots of love. These bowlers here bet on every frame, every shot, every match! Nice experience.
“Put me up against King of the east coast and I reeled him in! Bowled 195 my first game against him. Everyone was betting against me. Shot 836 to do it! Clean sweep! Reeled in the fish!” Joe Smith.
–SET YOUR DVR/TV’S
On Fri., October 9th, check out Bowlero Corp. CCO Colie Edison on the Undercover Boss episode that airs at 9pm/8pm (central).
–CA STATE REGULATIONS
A month ago we were given the Governor’s new Covid 19 Level Tiers and Kern County, like many other counties in CA, is currently in the Purple range which is the worst. In order for us to see bowling centers open, we must get out of the Purple, then the Red and be in the Orange level. This Orange level would allow centers to be opened at 25% capacity which would allow for bowlers only, no spectators.
As of today, Kern County is still stuck in the Purple and must stay in that category for 3 weeks minimum. Roughly, we can hopefully reach the Red level in 4 weeks or around Oct. 12. Then we have to stay in the Red level for 2 weeks minimum so hopefully we can reach the Orange level by Nov. 16. This is just a rough estimate. Hopefully things will change more rapidly than this.
Golden Empire USBC President Zack Long recently released a statement saying, “the recent guidelines from the Governor’s office that bowling is to remain closed for at least a minimum of 42 days.”
–BOWL.COM HAS YOUR BOOK AVERAGE LISTED
With the delay in Fall/Winter leagues getting to start, did you know you can look up what your Book Average is on Bowl.com? You can also purchase your 2020-21 sanction card or wait until leagues do start and purchase your card through your first day/night of league bowling.
–TOURNAMENT CLUB CANCELLATIONS CONTINUE
Be sure to check with the tournament director whether an upcoming event is a go or not as it changes from day-to-day, even hour-to-hour! Many of them are trying their darndest to provide events for bowlers to compete in but are up against city, county and state health regulations.
–DARLENE SHARP’S SERVICE
- Darlene Sharp suddenly passed away on September 14 at the age of 53. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thurs., October 1 at 2pm at Greenlawn Southwest (2739 Panama) in the small chapel (capacity is 50 and MASKS ARE REQUIRED). Darlene was a big 49ers fan so they are asking that everyone wear 49ers colors if possible.
After her service, family will be meeting up at Rancho Rio Equestrian Center (5320 Peacock Park Lane, 93308) for the reception. If anyone would like to help with drinks, side dishes or a dessert, please message her daughter, Rebecca Mundschau on Facebook. They plan to have this catered by Pork Chop & Bubba’s BBQ. So if you are interested in attending the reception, let Rebecca know so they can get an estimated head count.
–CONDOLENCES - Our sincere condolences to the family of Kenneth Hancock whom we lost on September 9, 2020. Ken was a member of the GEUSBC Hall of Fame. He was 87. Ken bowled mostly at Regency Bowling Center and had a career (4) 300 games, (1) 299, and (1) 800 series. He was inducted into the GEUSBC Hall of Fame in May, 2011, along with Jim Zimmerman. Ken was involved in many sports besides bowling including golf, fast pitch softball, hunting and fishing. He was employed with PG&E for 35 years. His services were held on Sept. 21. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the American Cancer Society.
–LOCAL BOWLING CENTERS - The BLVD! – CLOSED for Bowling, Food & Alcohol!!–3200 Buck Owens Blvd., BLVDBakersfield.com, 661/873-4477
Military Service (Active, Reserve, Retired, Law Enforcement, Fire & First Responders) get 15% off Food, Soft Beverages, Bowling, Laser Tag, Ropes Course & Arcade Play Every Day!
Live Music on the Patio – Every Friday from 6pm-8pm – FREE!
Sign Up for The BLVD!’s E Club, connect with them to get exclusive offers & updates. Join via their free WiFi or fill out a card today! (Like & follow @BLVDBAKERSFIELD.)
Monday-Thursday (Open-Close) $4.25/Game, per person
Friday (Open-5pm) $4.25/Game, per person
Friday (5pm-Close) $42/Hour, per lane*
Weekends (Open-Close) $42/Hour, per lane*
Shoes – $4/person—Socks – $2.50/pair
*Up to (6) people per lane - AMF Southwest Lanes – CLOSED –3610 Wible Road – 661/834-2695, amf.com.
Hours of Operation
Mondays – CLOSED
Tuesdays – 4pm – 10pm
Wednesdays* – 4pm – 10pm
Thursdays – CLOSED
Fridays* – 4pm – 12 midnight
Saturdays – 12 noon – 12 midnight
Sundays – 12 noon – 10pm
*may open earlier on these days
ROBB’S PRO SHOP (inside AMF Southwest Lanes) –661/833-2695:
Hours of Operation
Mondays – CLOSED
Tuesdays – 4pm – 8pm
Wednesdays – 2pm – 8pm
Thursdays – CLOSED
Fridays – 4pm – 8pm
Saturdays – 12 noon – 6pm
Sundays – 2pm – 8pm - West Side Lanes – CLOSED–500 Cascade Place, Bldg. D, Taft, 93268 – 661/763-4246 or 765-6677
- Mt. Mesa Lanes – CLOSED–4612 McCray Road, Mt. Mesa, CA 93240 – 760/379-3131, www.Kernvalley.com/mtmesalanes
“I can do ‘to go’ food, but nobody can come inside.”–Gabriella Mayfield - High Desert Lanes – CLOSED–205 Fitzgerald Blvd., Edwards AFB, CA 93523 – 661/275-2695
–BOWLING COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Now-Oct. 4: Summer Doubles Tournament, Winks Silver Strike Lanes, Gardnerville, NV, 775/762-6018
Tues., Sept. 29: PBA League Live, 4pm – Final Four, FS1
Wed., Sept. 30: PBA League Live, 4pm – Elias Cup Finals, FS1
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 2-4: PBA Battle at Black Oak Casino, Toulumne, CA, pba.com
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 2-4: 2020 Nor Cal BC Nugget Resort Summer Jubilee Team Tourn. (first weekend), Coconut Bowl, Sparks, 925/485-1855, cindys@norcalbowling.com
Sat., Oct. 3: Elite Bowling Club Women’s Scratch 6 Gamer, 9am, Canyon Lanes, Cabazon, 909/450-9415
Sat., Oct. 3: Elite Bowling Club Senior Scratch event, 9am, Canyon Lanes, Cabazon, 909/450-9415
Sat. & Sun., Oct. 3-4: Cal Bowlers Tour Reno Team 4 Gamer, National Bowling Stadium, Reno, NV, squads at 10am & 2pm both days, teams of 4 (Men, Women or Mixed), handicap 80% of 220, optional Scratch, 925/757-2695, CalBowlersTour@aol.com
Sat., Oct. 3-Tues., Dec. 8: Sam’s Town Fall Tournament, 4-person teams, Sam’s Town, Las Vegas, 702/454-8022
Tues.-Fri., Oct. 6-9: Camp Bakes, Sunset Station, Vegas, markbakerbowling.com
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 9-11: 2020 Nor Cal BC Nugget Resort Summer Jubilee Team Tourn. (second weekend), Coconut Bowl, Sparks, 925/485-1855, cindys@norcalbowling.com
Sat. & Sun., Oct. 10-11: 645 Anchor Girl Trios Handicap Tourn., Sat.-9:30/1:30, Canyon Lanes, Cabazon, 645anchorgirltrios@gmail.com
Sat.-Fri., Oct. 10-16: Columbus Day Sr. Team Tourn., The Orleans, Vegas, 800/257-6179, high-roller.com
Mon.-Thurs., Oct. 12-15: Camp Bakes, Sunset Station, Vegas, markbakerbowling.com
–UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS ON THE HORIZON
Sat. & Sun., Oct. 17-18: CBT Doubles/Singles, Sat.-10/12/2/4; Sun.-10/12/2, Bowlero Mesa, Mesa, AZ, 661/418-8007, cbtbowling.com
Sat. & Sun., Oct. 17-18: Elite Bowling Club tournament, TBA
Sun., Oct. 18: October Beast Eliminator #8, 10am, La Habra Bowl, La Habra, tbebowling.com, TheBeastHandicapEliminator@gmail.com
Sat. & Sun., Oct. 24-25: CBT, Sunset Lanes, St. George, UT, 661/418-8007, cbtbowling.com
Sat. & Sun., Oct. 24-25: Elite Bowling Club tournament, TBA
Sat., Oct. 24-Nov. 22: 51st CA State Senior (CSSBA) Open Championships, Sacramento—CANCELLED
Sun., Oct. 25: Valentine Any Age Scratch Tourn., 8am, Canyon Lanes, Cabazon, 645anchorgirltrios@gmail.com
Fri., Oct. 30-Sun., Nov. 1: Cal Bowlers Tour Team 4 Gamer, Fri.-2pm, Sat.-10am & 2pm; Sun.-10am & 2pm, National Bowling Stadium, Reno, 925/757-2695, CalBowlersTour@aol.com, Venmo: @CBTGina
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