Competition was fierce at the National Senior Bowling Championships in Cincinnati August 6-9. A total of seven bowlers qualified from Rimrock Lanes and four others from throughout Montana. There were six divisions of women's bowlers and six divisions of mixed bowlers in the Senior Championship, with each division based on an age range.

Taking home first place in the 65-69 division and earning a National Senior Bowling Championship title was Susan Sweatman of Trout Creek. Sweatman qualified to go to the championship, winning the state bowling tournament in the fall of last year at the Rimrock Lanes. Sweatman also won $700 in prize money and a trophy.

"It's still sinking in for me," Sweatman said excitedly. "It's just unbelievable that I actually came home with the championship in my division."

The first and second days of competitions, Sweatman bowled around 10 pins above her average, putting herself in first place going into the final round and giving her a 50-point bonus. The final consisted of three games and the winner was determined by the highest combined total score of all three games, plus any handicap assignments. Sweatman scored 720 and won by just 12 pins over the second-place finisher.

"It was so fun because the women I bowled with were from New York, Nebraska, Utah, Indiana and North Carolina," Sweatman said.

Forty-eight states and four Canadian provinces were represented at the Cincinnati competition. The large bowling facility had 68 lanes. Sweatman was grateful to share this experience with her husband and her teammates who also competed. All 11 bowlers from Montana ranked in the top 25 of each of their divisions.

"It brought tears to my eyes to have my whole team there supporting me in the final early Friday morning. I felt like we all won my trophy. It was a once in a lifetime experience for all seven of us," Sweatman commented.

Courtesy Photo

NATIONAL CHAMPION Susan Sweatman of Trout Creek (left) poses with her trophy after winning the age 65-69 division.

Father-daughter duo Dick Browne and Linde Pavlik both qualified to attend Nationals together and share the experience. Pavlik received an award for bowling over her average and Browne placed 18th in his 75 and over division.

All league bowling will begin September 9 and the junior league will be starting in December. Anyone who is interested in joining or has questions is encouraged to contact Ginger Ward at 827-4597 or Anita Brown at 827-4904. There will be an association meeting August 29 at 7 p.m. at Rimrock Lanes.