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|  | Feature
 Queer Sports
Spring–Summer 2005
Women’s Bowling League
In 1984, a woman named Tammy formed a bowling league for the women’s community. The league began with sixteen teams on board and played at Cottonwood Bowling. They remained there for five years before moving league play to Sue Rich Bowling, which remains their current home. The bowling league’s season runs from September to April of each year.
The women’s bowling league is comprised of a group of women who not only enjoy the sport of bowling, but have also developed strong bonds of friendship with one another. Perhaps these friendships go further, as they all appear to be a very strong family unit. They have extended their friendships beyond league play by socializing with one another through other activities and social events throughout the year. It’s evident the bonds of friendship are strong as you watch the interactions of the bowlers as they all convene to participate in their league play each Sunday.
This year, the league is under the leadership of Jean Myrup (president), Vickie Oakden (vice-president), and Ann Christensen (secretary). All three women volunteer their time toward making sure the league is well-organized and functioning at a fun, and yet professional, level each week.
Currently, the league has ten teams competing. With team names ranging from “B The Ball” to “Cardiac Kids,” these women enjoy the friendly competitiveness that occurs on any formalized league play. As of March 13th, “B The Ball” and “Whatever” were in the top standings, although league rankings can change from week to week. Also, the league has recognized Stephanie Thomas for scoring a 277 during a single game and Nancy Moore for holding the highest score ever at 279.
The unique aspect of this women’s league is that they have managed to stay active for twenty years—and they intend to stay around for many more years to come. What draws the women to participate and stay active varies with each one. The president of the league, Jean Myrup, sums up the importance the league holds for her and so many others. “In winter,” Myrup said, “it is often hard to get together with friends. During our winter league we get the opportunity to see each other every week.”
Myrup says that some of the bowlers have been with the league since 1984. As she sees it, it’s been a great honor and privilege to become a family and grow older together. “I consider them all family,” she says.
Another bowler, Lori “Murt” Bennett, who also has been playing with the league for twenty years, adds to Myrup’s vision and says that she has a love and friendship like none other for the women who play on the league.
While most bowling leagues hold an end-of-year banquet within the city, the women’s bowling league dares to be different. Each year at the conclusion of the season, they all venture to Wendover. They spend a weekend together enjoying each other’s company and recognizing the bowlers that have gained top honors within the league. This family of bowlers not only plays together, but travels together too.
LEAGUE STANDINGS AS OF MARCH 13
1. “B” The Ball
1. “Whatever”
3. Any Action
4. Cardiac Kids
5. Lois Lanes
6. Pin Spankers
7. Split Happens
8. Lickitty Splits
9. Lucky Strike
10. S.O.L.
If you are interested in joining the league, please contact Rich at the Sue Rich Bowling Lanes at 467-0642.
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| Queer Sports
Spring-Summer 2005
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