California bowler joins 50-Year Club at 2015 WC
May 31, 2015
By Matt Cannizzaro and Wishelle Banks
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - In 50 years at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, Yvonne Carrel of Buena Park, California, has been fortunate enough to see much of the country, meet bowlers from around the world and share the lanes with many great teammates.
The 76-year-old was surrounded by her friends and current teammates at the National Bowling Stadium this week as she was recognized for her dedication to the USBC Women's Championships with a ceremony she simply didn't expect.
"I was just overwhelmed, and I had no idea I was going to be escorted down Center Aisle," said Carrel, who made her Women's Championships debut at the 1962 event in Phoenix. "I've never had an occasion where I've been in the limelight, so to speak, like that."
Doing anything for five decades definitely comes with its challenges, but the happiness and memories Carrel experienced along the way made the journey so much easier.
"To have made 50 years is just remarkable for me," Carrel said. "Sometimes, when you have health issues, you wonder if you're going to make it. But you just hang in there, and through the support of your friends, you do make it. And I was here because of them - all my friends. There really are so many memories and not enough time to talk about them all."
Still an active league bowler, competing every Tuesday morning in the Early Birds women's league at Valley View Lanes in Garden Grove, California, the right-hander turned in a solid performance at this year's Women's Championships, shooting 375 in singles, 354 in team and 351 in doubles for a 1,080 all-events total.
She competed in the Amethyst Division, which includes bowlers with entering averages of 130-144.
"Even though I did not bowl very well, it was an awesome experience," Carrel said. "I had no idea that USBC does all this to honor 50-year award people. I've had so many people come up to me and congratulate me. Even the lady that subbed for us last year made a point to come by today, to look at my plaque and see my pendant. I was on a high last night. I even had a hard time getting to sleep."
Carrel was the fourth of seven bowlers still expected to join the 50-Year Club this year in Reno.
Martha Johnson of Johnson City, Tennessee, was slated to make the milestone march down Center Aisle on Sunday, but a sudden health issue forced her to reschedule her 50th appearance for the 2016 event at the new South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - In 50 years at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, Yvonne Carrel of Buena Park, California, has been fortunate enough to see much of the country, meet bowlers from around the world and share the lanes with many great teammates.
The 76-year-old was surrounded by her friends and current teammates at the National Bowling Stadium this week as she was recognized for her dedication to the USBC Women's Championships with a ceremony she simply didn't expect.
"I was just overwhelmed, and I had no idea I was going to be escorted down Center Aisle," said Carrel, who made her Women's Championships debut at the 1962 event in Phoenix. "I've never had an occasion where I've been in the limelight, so to speak, like that."
Doing anything for five decades definitely comes with its challenges, but the happiness and memories Carrel experienced along the way made the journey so much easier.
"To have made 50 years is just remarkable for me," Carrel said. "Sometimes, when you have health issues, you wonder if you're going to make it. But you just hang in there, and through the support of your friends, you do make it. And I was here because of them - all my friends. There really are so many memories and not enough time to talk about them all."
Still an active league bowler, competing every Tuesday morning in the Early Birds women's league at Valley View Lanes in Garden Grove, California, the right-hander turned in a solid performance at this year's Women's Championships, shooting 375 in singles, 354 in team and 351 in doubles for a 1,080 all-events total.
She competed in the Amethyst Division, which includes bowlers with entering averages of 130-144.
"Even though I did not bowl very well, it was an awesome experience," Carrel said. "I had no idea that USBC does all this to honor 50-year award people. I've had so many people come up to me and congratulate me. Even the lady that subbed for us last year made a point to come by today, to look at my plaque and see my pendant. I was on a high last night. I even had a hard time getting to sleep."
Carrel was the fourth of seven bowlers still expected to join the 50-Year Club this year in Reno.
Martha Johnson of Johnson City, Tennessee, was slated to make the milestone march down Center Aisle on Sunday, but a sudden health issue forced her to reschedule her 50th appearance for the 2016 event at the new South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.