Arizona bowler celebrates 50 years of memories at WC
June 14, 2014
By Wishelle Banks
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Lorraine Sandven of Tucson, Ariz., received a standing ovation from her teammates and fellow competitors as she was recognized for her 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships.
The 78-year-old right-hander became the sixth and final competitor of the 2014 USBC Women's Championships to reach the milestone. Sandven started her tournament career at the 1962 event in Phoenix and hasn't missed an appearance in the last 46 years.
"It was very surprising to me because I didn't realize it was such a big deal until it happened," said Sandven, who received a plaque and medallion Friday to recognize her longevity on the championship lanes. "It's a fun thing. I wasn't really expecting all of this when I came up here."
Sandven has enjoyed each tournament in her own way, since each city and tournament remain special to her.
"There have been so many good times," Sandven said. "It has mostly been fun. I'm not a competitive bowler, but I've met a lot of friends, and it's just great to get back to see them. A lot of us come back at the same time every year, so it's good to get together and renew friendships."
Sandven took up the sport in her early 20s and continues to keep active at city and state tournaments as well. On top of 50 Women's Championships appearances, she also has 50 city and state tournaments under her belt, including several titles.
Her dedication to the sport also earned her induction in the Tucson Metro USBC Hall of Fame.
"I love bowling," Sandven said. "And I like to support all of the tournaments I am able to."
In her 50th appearance, Sandven rolled sets of 432 in singles, 430 in doubles and 399 in team for a 1,261 all-events score.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
Presenting sponsors for the 2014 USBC Women's Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Lorraine Sandven of Tucson, Ariz., received a standing ovation from her teammates and fellow competitors as she was recognized for her 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships.
The 78-year-old right-hander became the sixth and final competitor of the 2014 USBC Women's Championships to reach the milestone. Sandven started her tournament career at the 1962 event in Phoenix and hasn't missed an appearance in the last 46 years.
"It was very surprising to me because I didn't realize it was such a big deal until it happened," said Sandven, who received a plaque and medallion Friday to recognize her longevity on the championship lanes. "It's a fun thing. I wasn't really expecting all of this when I came up here."
Sandven has enjoyed each tournament in her own way, since each city and tournament remain special to her.
"There have been so many good times," Sandven said. "It has mostly been fun. I'm not a competitive bowler, but I've met a lot of friends, and it's just great to get back to see them. A lot of us come back at the same time every year, so it's good to get together and renew friendships."
Sandven took up the sport in her early 20s and continues to keep active at city and state tournaments as well. On top of 50 Women's Championships appearances, she also has 50 city and state tournaments under her belt, including several titles.
Her dedication to the sport also earned her induction in the Tucson Metro USBC Hall of Fame.
"I love bowling," Sandven said. "And I like to support all of the tournaments I am able to."
In her 50th appearance, Sandven rolled sets of 432 in singles, 430 in doubles and 399 in team for a 1,261 all-events score.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
Presenting sponsors for the 2014 USBC Women's Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.