LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Hundreds of local bowlers were aiming for strikes on their way to becoming the next Lima City Singles Champion. This weekend marked the first of four rounds in the region’s longest-running competitive bowling championship, celebrating its 61st year for men and 57th year for women.
Around 170 men and 40 women competed at 20th Century Lanes, throwing their best strikes and spares to qualify for the next round. The bowling center is proud to be part of a six-decade tradition of competitive bowling in the area.
“The bowling center has a tradition of supporting the sport of bowling, and in today's climate where that's kind of been lost and bowling has become more of a recreational sport, we still pride ourselves on on that competitive sport, you know, brings the top bowlers from around the area in to compete, and they're competing for a title other tournaments that are going on. It's all about money. There's no money here. They're competing for a title. They're competing to have their name etched in the legacy of the tournament and that's what it's about,” said Jim Riepenhoff, co-owner of 20th Century Lanes.
Bowlers faced more than just the person in the next lane.
“Well, it's not just one on one against everybody else. It's one on one against the pattern. The shot, we don't put out an easy shot. The shot has always been a tournament pattern, and that makes the bowlers have to be a lot more accurate on making their shots. Spare making is much more critical, because the strings of strikes are not quite as easy,” added Riepenhoff.
The top 72 men and top 30 women will advance to the next round, set for January 3-4. Here are the results of the first round.
