North Carolina bowler perseveres, bowls in 50th Women's Championships
April 28, 2017
By Scott Simon and Aaron Smith
USBC Communications
BATON ROUGE, La. - A determined Marilyn Davidson of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, celebrated her 50th United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships appearance Thursday at the Raising Cane's River Center.
Several months prior to her milestone appearance, Davidson was battling health issues and unsure if she would be able to compete in Baton Rouge. The 78-year-old left-hander started bowling again three weeks ago in order to prepare for her trip into the record book.
"One thing I had to do to bowl this tournament was get a lighter ball," said Davidson, who bowls at Planet Fun in Shallotte, North Carolina. "So it's kind of like I'm starting all over again.
Davidson's tournament career began at the 1961 USBC Women's Championships in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and this year marked her 41st consecutive appearance. She has visited 36 cities and 26 states during her time on the tournament lanes, and her 25th appearance, a homecoming to her native central Michigan, served as a personal favorite.
"I received my 25-year award during the 1992 tournament in Lansing, Michigan," said Davidson, who also was a Professional Women's Bowling Association member. "I am proud to be the first woman to reach this milestone from my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan."
Davidson received a plaque, chevron and necklace to commemorate the achievement during a special presentation on the lanes prior to her team event. She was joined by her cousin Karen Johnson for the honor.
Davidson finished her 50th appearance with sets of 294 in singles, 292 in doubles and 230 in team for an 816 all-events total. Though disappointed with the score, she was not discouraged from adding onto her participation record.
"I would like to stay in it because it gives me a social life," Davidson said. "This gives me an incentive. If I can continue to do this in good health, I'm happy."
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
BATON ROUGE, La. - A determined Marilyn Davidson of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, celebrated her 50th United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships appearance Thursday at the Raising Cane's River Center.
Several months prior to her milestone appearance, Davidson was battling health issues and unsure if she would be able to compete in Baton Rouge. The 78-year-old left-hander started bowling again three weeks ago in order to prepare for her trip into the record book.
"One thing I had to do to bowl this tournament was get a lighter ball," said Davidson, who bowls at Planet Fun in Shallotte, North Carolina. "So it's kind of like I'm starting all over again.
Davidson's tournament career began at the 1961 USBC Women's Championships in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and this year marked her 41st consecutive appearance. She has visited 36 cities and 26 states during her time on the tournament lanes, and her 25th appearance, a homecoming to her native central Michigan, served as a personal favorite."I received my 25-year award during the 1992 tournament in Lansing, Michigan," said Davidson, who also was a Professional Women's Bowling Association member. "I am proud to be the first woman to reach this milestone from my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan."
Davidson received a plaque, chevron and necklace to commemorate the achievement during a special presentation on the lanes prior to her team event. She was joined by her cousin Karen Johnson for the honor.
Davidson finished her 50th appearance with sets of 294 in singles, 292 in doubles and 230 in team for an 816 all-events total. Though disappointed with the score, she was not discouraged from adding onto her participation record.
"I would like to stay in it because it gives me a social life," Davidson said. "This gives me an incentive. If I can continue to do this in good health, I'm happy."
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.