South Dakota bowlers celebrate 50 years at USBC Women's Championships
April 25, 2018
By Tony Contini and Christian Seaborn
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Reaching a milestone at an event like the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships is a special occasion, and getting to share the moment with friends makes it even better.
Joani Nelsen and Evelyn Meier of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, were able to share in a special experience this week at the National Bowling Stadium as they became the first bowlers of the 2018 event to join the tournament's 50-Year Club.
Nelsen, 76, made her tournament debut at the 1966 event in New Orleans, while Meier, 77, started her journey at the 1968 tournament in San Antonio.
At the NBS on Sunday, each received a plaque, chevron and necklace to commemorate their dedication to the world's largest participatory sporting event for women.
When Nelsen started her tournament career in New Orleans, her mentor told her to try her best to reach 25 years. The camaraderie she's been able to share on the lanes with Meier and many others made it easy to continue her journey.
"We don't care how we bowl," said Nelsen, who has traveled to 35 cities and 24 states during her time at the USBC Women's Championships. "We just like the fun and being together. And goofing off."
Meier echoed the sentiment of how the sport is able to bring people together, and she and Nelsen have no plans of slowing down.
"Bowling has been good to me," said Meier, who's dedication to the sport has earned her induction to the South Dakota and Sioux Falls Regional USBC Halls of Fame. "It has provided many friends and has been a good activity. Number 51 is on the way. We're going to Wichita."
Nelsen said she was embarrassed and thrilled when she and Meier were recognized before the start of their team event at the 78-lane venue. She was shocked by how many people received awards for their longevity at the event.
"That's why they say bowling isn't dead," Nelsen said. "Just look at how many people received awards tonight."
Nelsen and Meier met each other while working in the insurance industry. Nelsen started bowling first and was a coach for 10 years before Meier became one as well. Their friendship was fused while bowling in a two-team league sponsored by their insurance office.
They remain close and help each other however they can. Meier usually does all the arranging for the tournament and housing.
"Evelyn is a very kind-hearted person," Nelsen said. "We look up to her because she takes care of us, just like a big sister."
Their team features a variety of bowlers with different amounts of experience at the Women's Championships, including several competitors making their debuts this week in Reno. Nelsen even competes with bowlers she's taught.
"They look for us to lead," Nelsen said. "We try to encourage these kids."
Getting to explore the United States together also made each tournament special, and the team celebrated that journey by wearing shirts with stars representing each of the states Meier and Nelsen have been to while bowling.
"Everyone of the tournaments had a side trip," said Meier, who has traveled to 33 cities and 24 states for the event. "In Hartford, we went to a play. In Kansas City, we went to a murder mystery. There have just been so many, it's hard to just pinpoint one or another as the best because they were all different."
In their 50th appearances, Nelsen rolled sets of 487 in team, 441 in singles and 420 in doubles for a 1,348 all-events total. Meier had 402 in singles, 387 in doubles and 312 in team for 1,101.
Nine bowlers are scheduled to make their 50th Women's Championships appearances this year.
Joining Meier and Nelsen in the club will be USBC Hall of Famer Annese Dunleavy of Boynton Beach, Florida; Bonnie Anderson of Kingsland, Texas; Ann Keerbs of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Helen Kidwell of Indianapolis; Phyl Knoll of Hawthorne, California; Carolyn Leifheit of DeKalb, Illinois; and Eva Lou Rhoads of Englewood, Florida.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Reaching a milestone at an event like the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships is a special occasion, and getting to share the moment with friends makes it even better.
Joani Nelsen and Evelyn Meier of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, were able to share in a special experience this week at the National Bowling Stadium as they became the first bowlers of the 2018 event to join the tournament's 50-Year Club.
Nelsen, 76, made her tournament debut at the 1966 event in New Orleans, while Meier, 77, started her journey at the 1968 tournament in San Antonio.
At the NBS on Sunday, each received a plaque, chevron and necklace to commemorate their dedication to the world's largest participatory sporting event for women.
When Nelsen started her tournament career in New Orleans, her mentor told her to try her best to reach 25 years. The camaraderie she's been able to share on the lanes with Meier and many others made it easy to continue her journey.
"We don't care how we bowl," said Nelsen, who has traveled to 35 cities and 24 states during her time at the USBC Women's Championships. "We just like the fun and being together. And goofing off."Meier echoed the sentiment of how the sport is able to bring people together, and she and Nelsen have no plans of slowing down.
"Bowling has been good to me," said Meier, who's dedication to the sport has earned her induction to the South Dakota and Sioux Falls Regional USBC Halls of Fame. "It has provided many friends and has been a good activity. Number 51 is on the way. We're going to Wichita."
Nelsen said she was embarrassed and thrilled when she and Meier were recognized before the start of their team event at the 78-lane venue. She was shocked by how many people received awards for their longevity at the event.
"That's why they say bowling isn't dead," Nelsen said. "Just look at how many people received awards tonight."
Nelsen and Meier met each other while working in the insurance industry. Nelsen started bowling first and was a coach for 10 years before Meier became one as well. Their friendship was fused while bowling in a two-team league sponsored by their insurance office.
They remain close and help each other however they can. Meier usually does all the arranging for the tournament and housing.
"Evelyn is a very kind-hearted person," Nelsen said. "We look up to her because she takes care of us, just like a big sister."
Their team features a variety of bowlers with different amounts of experience at the Women's Championships, including several competitors making their debuts this week in Reno. Nelsen even competes with bowlers she's taught.
"They look for us to lead," Nelsen said. "We try to encourage these kids."
Getting to explore the United States together also made each tournament special, and the team celebrated that journey by wearing shirts with stars representing each of the states Meier and Nelsen have been to while bowling.
"Everyone of the tournaments had a side trip," said Meier, who has traveled to 33 cities and 24 states for the event. "In Hartford, we went to a play. In Kansas City, we went to a murder mystery. There have just been so many, it's hard to just pinpoint one or another as the best because they were all different."In their 50th appearances, Nelsen rolled sets of 487 in team, 441 in singles and 420 in doubles for a 1,348 all-events total. Meier had 402 in singles, 387 in doubles and 312 in team for 1,101.
Nine bowlers are scheduled to make their 50th Women's Championships appearances this year.
Joining Meier and Nelsen in the club will be USBC Hall of Famer Annese Dunleavy of Boynton Beach, Florida; Bonnie Anderson of Kingsland, Texas; Ann Keerbs of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Helen Kidwell of Indianapolis; Phyl Knoll of Hawthorne, California; Carolyn Leifheit of DeKalb, Illinois; and Eva Lou Rhoads of Englewood, Florida.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.