It’s time to go bowling

Editor's note: Lane Lafler is a director the Cedar Rapids USBC Bowling Association Board.

By Lane Lafler, community contributor

CEDAR RAPIDS - it's that time of year again when bowling leagues are starting to take form.

It seems it was yesterday when everyone had their end of season banquets while handing out money and awards.

Leagues are now forming. Check with your nearest bowling center to sign up yourself or a team and get ready to have a blast. Most leagues start the last week of August and you are sure to find one that fits your schedule.

It's a great way to meet new friends or bowl with old ones and get a little exercise while having fun.

While everyone was enjoying their time off the lanes - or even if you bowled in summer leagues - things changed quietly behind the scenes in order to improve the new season for all bowlers.

The first change you will notice is the men and women joined forces to merge both associations into one, a trend going on throughout the state. There are familiar faces on the new board with new and exciting ideas to make this the best association in the state. The youth association decided not to join at this time and will continue on its own.

An awards program for our association also was put into place. The USBC is only giving out rings for a 300 game, 800 series and 900 series. These are once-in-a-lifetime awards. If you already have had one of these, you no longer will get a free ring, but can order and pay for one. The only thing USBC will do is keep track of 300 games and series of 800 and above for your record on www.bowl.com.

The new program was implemented Saturday and is a great start. A plaque will be given out for 800 (open), 700 (women), 11 in a row and 300 game (all). For seniors (must be bowled in sanctioned senior league), there will be plaques for 700 (men) and 600 (women) series. There will be numerous other awards given accordingly for triplicate, all spare, dutch 200, 100 pins over game and 150 pins over series. For averages under 150 and seniors there will be awards for 75 pins over game and 125 pins over series.

All bowlers are eligible to win each award once per season since these are not considered once-in-a-lifetime awards.

You will see our new board in new and matching shirts. The color will be green with our logo on the left side of the shirt and name tags showing each person's name and position on the board. It is going to be an exciting time, as well as a challenging one, but fun for all.

It doesn't matter what age or skill level you are because there are leagues for all - youth, regular and senior. Anyone can do this - and it's something you can do for life. You can enhance your skill level, learn different patterns or just to get away from the daily grind, relax and be around friends.

Did I mention fun?

What are you waiting for? Grab a ball, shoes and tear ‘em up. I hope to see many of you out on the lanes this fall.