South Shore bowlers test skills at nationals in Reno

By Kathryn Reed

After wrapping up the first round just before midnight, the South Shore contingent was back at the National Bowling Stadium the next morning at 7 to compete in the national event.

Although it’s called the Men’s Nationals, women also are going after strikes.

The 10 locals didn’t fare as well as they had hoped last weekend, but those who went said it was a great experience.

National Bowling Stadium in Reno.

“We had a good time, but it was definitely a struggle,” Arlene Hailey said.

The Reno facility is designed just for tournaments — no leagues allowed. This means the lanes are geared for that caliber of competition.

“It’ a reverse block which means there is a lot of oil on the lanes so it’s harder for the bowling ball to react before it gets to the bowling pins,” Hailey explained. “You have to be more precise and accurate.”

Others from the South Shore who competed were George Alm, Joel Morris, Shannon Spivack, Scott Spivack, Mike Steward, Pat O’Connell, Ed Ledwig, Phil Harwood and Tom Otomo.

Most of them bowl in the Tuesday nigh league at Tahoe Bowl, but not on the same team.

“We got waxed,” Alm said of his team’s showing. Still, he said it was a fun experience. “A lot of houses only oil 20-27 feet. You want a drier end so the ball has more reaction.”

All bowling lanes are 60-feet long.

Alm explained that the lane conditions dictates which ball a bowler uses. The blocks inside the balls and the outer core shell make a difference for the balls that can cost $300.

The USBC Championships continue in Reno through July 5.