Bowling season off and rolling

CEDAR RAPIDS - It's that time of year once again with bowling leagues already underway.

Bowlers are needed, so please check with your nearest bowling center to sign up. You are sure to find one that fits your schedule.

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

The CRUSBC BA will again be hosting a couple of fun tournaments - the Bowlers to Veterans Link and Bowling for a Cure.

Every year to celebrate Veterans Day, the Iowa State USBC BA sponsors the Bowl for a Cause tournament. The cost is $5 and of $2.20 of each entry is divided between the two VA Hospitals (Iowa City and Des Moines) and the Veteran's Home in Marshalltown. All of the money raised stays right here in Iowa and the money for the Veteran's Home in Marshalltown pays for the veterans to have their own bowling league.

The Bowl for a Cure helps support research, education, screening and treatment of breast cancer. Last year our association had 1,030 entries of the 4,100 statewide. We raised a total of $2,260 for this cause and this money also stays in Iowa.

The awards program implemented in 2015 still is in place. Awards will be given for 800 (open), 700 (women), 11 in a row and 300 game (all). For Seniors (must be bowled in sanctioned senior league), there are awards for 700 (men) and 600 (women) series. There will other awards given, as well. Check with your bowling center.

We have one of the biggest, if not the biggest, associations in the state based on bowlers per capita. We have handed out the following awards - five 300 games for the women, two 800 series for women (Kendra McCullum, 826; and Cassandra Neff, 816). There were 161 300 games for men (28 had multiple 300s) and a total of 68 800 series, with the highest being Alex Brice at 877.

Dues are staying the same for this next season at $20 per bowler.

It doesn't matter your age or skill level, bowling leagues are for all. Anyone can do this and it's something you can do for life. Enhance your skill level, learn different patterns or just get away from the daily grind. Did I mention fun?

Lane Lafler is a director, Hall of Fame committee member and public relations committee member of the Cedar Rapids USBC Bowling Association.