Virginia bowler makes 50th consecutive appearance at Women’s Championships
June 02, 2023
LAS VEGAS – Bowlers who come out to compete at the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships hope to experience new sights and bring home new memories from each appearance. Other times, it is to reconnect with friends at the tournament from year to year.
For one bowler, all of these reasons brought her back to the lanes each year for 50 consecutive appearances.
Sandra Graves of Linden, Virginia, made her first USBC Women’s Championships appearance in Las Vegas at the 1973 event. Since her first visit, Graves has traveled to 31 cities and 23 states to compete in her career.
She was presented with a plaque, chevron and necklace to commemorate her dedication to the tournament this week at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Graves was set to make her first appearance in 1971, but due to having two young children at home, she waited until they were a little older before making her tournament debut.
“My sisters were bowling, and they had asked me if I wanted to come,” Graves said about her start at the Women’s Championships. “My family was bowling, and I came along with them.”
With all of her travels, Graves doesn’t have just one favorite place. However, one of her earlier appearances during the 1978 event is a standout for her.
“We were in Miami and bowling a late shift for team, when we were told to stop by the tournament office,” Graves said. “As it had turned out, our team took the lead in our division.
“We all were so excited that we went out after and celebrated. We ended the tournament in fifth place, which still was such a cool thing to experience.”
Graves isn’t done yet with her Women’s Championships journey, either. She hopes to reach 60 appearances and looks forward to the coming years.
When she was asked for any words of wisdom for those who might just be starting their bowling career at the event or those inching closer to 50 years, Graves simply stated, “Go out there and just have fun.”
Graves is the second of five scheduled bowlers to reach 50 years at the 2023 Women’s Championships. Edith Winge of Clifton, Illinois, was the first to reach the milestone.
Lucy Ash of Glendale, Kentucky; Janice Hebberd of Walsh; Colorado; and Cathy Simmank of Edgecliff Village, Texas, all are scheduled to make their 50th appearance this year at the Bowling Plaza.
The 2023 Women’s Championships started April 23 and will conclude July 2. The event will run for 71 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza and feature more than 4,200 four-player teams and nearly 17,000 bowlers.
Follow updates and more from the official USBC Women’s Championships Facebook page.
For one bowler, all of these reasons brought her back to the lanes each year for 50 consecutive appearances.
Sandra Graves of Linden, Virginia, made her first USBC Women’s Championships appearance in Las Vegas at the 1973 event. Since her first visit, Graves has traveled to 31 cities and 23 states to compete in her career.
She was presented with a plaque, chevron and necklace to commemorate her dedication to the tournament this week at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Graves was set to make her first appearance in 1971, but due to having two young children at home, she waited until they were a little older before making her tournament debut.
“My sisters were bowling, and they had asked me if I wanted to come,” Graves said about her start at the Women’s Championships. “My family was bowling, and I came along with them.”
With all of her travels, Graves doesn’t have just one favorite place. However, one of her earlier appearances during the 1978 event is a standout for her.
“We were in Miami and bowling a late shift for team, when we were told to stop by the tournament office,” Graves said. “As it had turned out, our team took the lead in our division.
“We all were so excited that we went out after and celebrated. We ended the tournament in fifth place, which still was such a cool thing to experience.”
Graves isn’t done yet with her Women’s Championships journey, either. She hopes to reach 60 appearances and looks forward to the coming years.
When she was asked for any words of wisdom for those who might just be starting their bowling career at the event or those inching closer to 50 years, Graves simply stated, “Go out there and just have fun.”
Graves is the second of five scheduled bowlers to reach 50 years at the 2023 Women’s Championships. Edith Winge of Clifton, Illinois, was the first to reach the milestone.
Lucy Ash of Glendale, Kentucky; Janice Hebberd of Walsh; Colorado; and Cathy Simmank of Edgecliff Village, Texas, all are scheduled to make their 50th appearance this year at the Bowling Plaza.
The 2023 Women’s Championships started April 23 and will conclude July 2. The event will run for 71 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza and feature more than 4,200 four-player teams and nearly 17,000 bowlers.
Follow updates and more from the official USBC Women’s Championships Facebook page.