Texas bowler makes 50th trip to USBC Women's Championships
June 21, 2018
By Tony Contini and Aaron Smith
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Bonnie Anderson of Kingsland, Texas, became the ninth and final bowler to celebrate 50 years of participation on the championship lanes at the 2018 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships.
The 77-year-old right-hander was awarded a plaque, chevron and necklace at the National Bowling Stadium on Tuesday to commemorate her longevity on the lanes.
In addition to the excitement already in store, Anderson and her teammates were selected to be the squad's honorary grand marshals, helping lead the team event to the lanes.
Anderson began her USBC Women's Championships career at the 1966 event in New Orleans, and she's been an annual participant since 1972, visiting 33 cities and 23 states along the way.
She enjoyed her first trip so much that Anderson and her team quickly decided to make it a yearly event.
"We had so much fun," said Anderson, who's dedication to the sport has earned her induction to the Thompson Falls Hall of Fame. "I didn't have 50 years as a goal. My goal was to show up the next year and have fun."
Over the course of those trips, the teammates may have changed, but the good times have not. Anderson always is looking for new bowlers among her friends and acquaintances.
"It's so much fun bringing new bowlers," Anderson said. "They were scared to death. They are used to leagues back home, and one asked me who was going to keep score. I told her the only thing she needs to do is walk in the door and get her bowling ball and shoes. I don't need to convince anyone, I just tell them."
When Anderson was 8 years old, she followed in her mother's footsteps and started bowling. She found success as a youth bowler, and her knack for the sport turned into a lifelong passion.
As she got older, she worked as a manager at Don Carter's All-Star Lanes in Dallas, where her youth program featured future Professional Bowlers Association Tour champions Norm Duke, Del Ballard Jr. and Chris Warren.
As she continued toward her journey to 50 years at the Women's Championships, Anderson also hoped to make an impression. Her teams always would do their best to also standout with their uniforms at the event.
"We decided since we weren't great bowlers," Anderson said. "We would at least look good and better than everyone else."
In her 50th appearance, Anderson only competed in team and rolled a 328 series.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Bonnie Anderson of Kingsland, Texas, became the ninth and final bowler to celebrate 50 years of participation on the championship lanes at the 2018 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships.
The 77-year-old right-hander was awarded a plaque, chevron and necklace at the National Bowling Stadium on Tuesday to commemorate her longevity on the lanes.
In addition to the excitement already in store, Anderson and her teammates were selected to be the squad's honorary grand marshals, helping lead the team event to the lanes.
Anderson began her USBC Women's Championships career at the 1966 event in New Orleans, and she's been an annual participant since 1972, visiting 33 cities and 23 states along the way.
She enjoyed her first trip so much that Anderson and her team quickly decided to make it a yearly event.
"We had so much fun," said Anderson, who's dedication to the sport has earned her induction to the Thompson Falls Hall of Fame. "I didn't have 50 years as a goal. My goal was to show up the next year and have fun."
Over the course of those trips, the teammates may have changed, but the good times have not. Anderson always is looking for new bowlers among her friends and acquaintances.
"It's so much fun bringing new bowlers," Anderson said. "They were scared to death. They are used to leagues back home, and one asked me who was going to keep score. I told her the only thing she needs to do is walk in the door and get her bowling ball and shoes. I don't need to convince anyone, I just tell them."
When Anderson was 8 years old, she followed in her mother's footsteps and started bowling. She found success as a youth bowler, and her knack for the sport turned into a lifelong passion.
As she got older, she worked as a manager at Don Carter's All-Star Lanes in Dallas, where her youth program featured future Professional Bowlers Association Tour champions Norm Duke, Del Ballard Jr. and Chris Warren.
As she continued toward her journey to 50 years at the Women's Championships, Anderson also hoped to make an impression. Her teams always would do their best to also standout with their uniforms at the event.
"We decided since we weren't great bowlers," Anderson said. "We would at least look good and better than everyone else."
In her 50th appearance, Anderson only competed in team and rolled a 328 series.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.