Ohio bowler reaches 50 years at 2021 USBC Women's Championships
May 11, 2021
RENO, Nev. - Ruth Heath-Trott of Montpelier, Ohio, has served bowlers across the United States for more than 50 years through her work on the local, state and national levels, but this week, the spotlight was on her as she reached a milestone appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships.
Heath-Trott competed in her 50th USBC Women's Championships this week at the National Bowling Stadium, becoming the first bowler to reach the achievement at the 2021 event. She received a plaque, chevron and pendant to recognize her longevity.
Heath-Trott, the recipient of the 2017 Helen Baker Award for Outstanding Association Service, began her tournament career at the 1970 tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after attending the national convention as a delegate in San Diego in 1969, which was held alongside the Women's Championships.
"I was a local association manager in a tiny town in Ohio and found out there was a national convention and tournament," Heath-Trott said. "The first national convention I attended was in San Diego, and I didn't even take my bowling ball with me. I just went out for the meeting. While we were there, we went and watched the bowlers. The next year, I took my bowling ball with me to see if anyone needed a sub, and I bowled with a lovely group of ladies from Champaign and Urbana in Illinois, who I kept in touch with for a long time. That's the fun part about it - being together with your friends."
She's only missed one tournament appearance since beginning her journey at the tournament, and the 1994 trip to Salt Lake City holds a special place for the president of the Ohio State USBC.
"Our women's association won a national award at that year's convention, and I was the one who got to accept it," Heath-Trott said. "That's why that year and trip is exceptional to me. We didn't know we were getting it, and it was a huge surprise. That was probably the most elated I've ever been at the national meeting."
Heath-Trott's service, dedication and performance in the sport has earned her induction into four halls of fame in Ohio, and her path to working on the association level began with a passion to see things run well.
"I'm one to step in and try to make things right," Heath-Trott said. "I can't sit back and let others do things that aren't right, which was happening at home at that time. I then started going to the state meetings and watching, and eventually reached the state board. We've had some very good years in Ohio."
In her 50th appearance, Heath-Trott rolled sets of 494 in singles, 492 in team and 445 in doubles for an all-events score of 1,431, which currently places her eighth in the Amethyst Division.
The Amethyst Division features bowlers with entering averages of 125-137.
Heath-Trott competed in her 50th USBC Women's Championships this week at the National Bowling Stadium, becoming the first bowler to reach the achievement at the 2021 event. She received a plaque, chevron and pendant to recognize her longevity.
Heath-Trott, the recipient of the 2017 Helen Baker Award for Outstanding Association Service, began her tournament career at the 1970 tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after attending the national convention as a delegate in San Diego in 1969, which was held alongside the Women's Championships.
"I was a local association manager in a tiny town in Ohio and found out there was a national convention and tournament," Heath-Trott said. "The first national convention I attended was in San Diego, and I didn't even take my bowling ball with me. I just went out for the meeting. While we were there, we went and watched the bowlers. The next year, I took my bowling ball with me to see if anyone needed a sub, and I bowled with a lovely group of ladies from Champaign and Urbana in Illinois, who I kept in touch with for a long time. That's the fun part about it - being together with your friends."
She's only missed one tournament appearance since beginning her journey at the tournament, and the 1994 trip to Salt Lake City holds a special place for the president of the Ohio State USBC.
"Our women's association won a national award at that year's convention, and I was the one who got to accept it," Heath-Trott said. "That's why that year and trip is exceptional to me. We didn't know we were getting it, and it was a huge surprise. That was probably the most elated I've ever been at the national meeting."
Heath-Trott's service, dedication and performance in the sport has earned her induction into four halls of fame in Ohio, and her path to working on the association level began with a passion to see things run well.
"I'm one to step in and try to make things right," Heath-Trott said. "I can't sit back and let others do things that aren't right, which was happening at home at that time. I then started going to the state meetings and watching, and eventually reached the state board. We've had some very good years in Ohio."
In her 50th appearance, Heath-Trott rolled sets of 494 in singles, 492 in team and 445 in doubles for an all-events score of 1,431, which currently places her eighth in the Amethyst Division.
The Amethyst Division features bowlers with entering averages of 125-137.