Kentucky bowler reaches 50 years at USBC Women’s Championships
June 13, 2023
LAS VEGAS – The love of the sport is what keeps many competitors coming back to the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships, and for Lucy Ash of Glendale, Kentucky, that passion has brought her back time and time again as she recently celebrated her 50th appearance.
Ash became the fifth and final scheduled bowler to reach the 50-year mark at the 2023 USBC Women’s Championships at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
She began her tournament journey in 1971 in Atlanta, and she has competed in 32 cities and 24 states.
“A few of my bowling friends had bowled nationals, and they asked if I wanted to join them,” recalled Ash of her 1971 appearance. “I was the new kid on the block, recently married and couldn’t afford the trip, but I went anyway. I just enjoyed it so much that I kept on coming back. I missed two years in there early on, but I have been coming back ever since.”
While the travel and yearly trip are a fun part of bowling each year, Ash cites the fun and excitement of bowling with her friends as one of her reasons for coming back each year.
“I love to bowl, and I very much enjoy the people,” said Ash, a Louisville Metro USBC Hall of Famer. “We have three teams that come here, and we are all like family. I just enjoy the company and just love to bowl.”
With 50 years of bowling comes many memories of which Ash reflected on, including one at the Bowling Plaza in 2016 that she considers a standout moment.
“We were here in Vegas and one of our girls had hurt her foot, so we needed a sub. There was a lady standing by the sub board looking for a team, as she was in town bowling the (USBC) Queens,” Ash said. “So, we asked her if she would like to sub with us, and she said yes. Turns out it was Bryanna Coté, and she was coming to Kentucky that same year to bowl. I traveled 90 miles to watch her, and she ended up winning. Ever since then, if she is close by, I try my hardest to go watch her, and we keep in touch.”
For those looking to hit the coveted 50-year mark, Ash offers this advice.
“For those starting out, stay with bowling,” said Ash, who received a plaque, chevron and necklace to commemorate her dedication to the Women’s Championships. “I think you need to love to do something to keep at it. And for those hitting 50 soon, I hope you all continue bowling as long as your health allows it.”
With her appearance, Ash joined Edith Winge of Clifton, Illinois; Sandra Graves of Linden, Virginia; Cathy Simmank of Edgecliff Village, Texas; and Janice Hebberd of Walsh, Colorado, in reaching 50 years at the 2023 tournament.
The 2023 Women’s Championships started April 23 and will conclude July 2. The event will run for 71 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza and feature more than 4,200 four-player teams and nearly 17,000 bowlers.
Follow updates and more from the official USBC Women’s Championships Facebook page.
Ash became the fifth and final scheduled bowler to reach the 50-year mark at the 2023 USBC Women’s Championships at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
She began her tournament journey in 1971 in Atlanta, and she has competed in 32 cities and 24 states.
“A few of my bowling friends had bowled nationals, and they asked if I wanted to join them,” recalled Ash of her 1971 appearance. “I was the new kid on the block, recently married and couldn’t afford the trip, but I went anyway. I just enjoyed it so much that I kept on coming back. I missed two years in there early on, but I have been coming back ever since.”
While the travel and yearly trip are a fun part of bowling each year, Ash cites the fun and excitement of bowling with her friends as one of her reasons for coming back each year.
“I love to bowl, and I very much enjoy the people,” said Ash, a Louisville Metro USBC Hall of Famer. “We have three teams that come here, and we are all like family. I just enjoy the company and just love to bowl.”
With 50 years of bowling comes many memories of which Ash reflected on, including one at the Bowling Plaza in 2016 that she considers a standout moment.
“We were here in Vegas and one of our girls had hurt her foot, so we needed a sub. There was a lady standing by the sub board looking for a team, as she was in town bowling the (USBC) Queens,” Ash said. “So, we asked her if she would like to sub with us, and she said yes. Turns out it was Bryanna Coté, and she was coming to Kentucky that same year to bowl. I traveled 90 miles to watch her, and she ended up winning. Ever since then, if she is close by, I try my hardest to go watch her, and we keep in touch.”
For those looking to hit the coveted 50-year mark, Ash offers this advice.
“For those starting out, stay with bowling,” said Ash, who received a plaque, chevron and necklace to commemorate her dedication to the Women’s Championships. “I think you need to love to do something to keep at it. And for those hitting 50 soon, I hope you all continue bowling as long as your health allows it.”
With her appearance, Ash joined Edith Winge of Clifton, Illinois; Sandra Graves of Linden, Virginia; Cathy Simmank of Edgecliff Village, Texas; and Janice Hebberd of Walsh, Colorado, in reaching 50 years at the 2023 tournament.
The 2023 Women’s Championships started April 23 and will conclude July 2. The event will run for 71 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza and feature more than 4,200 four-player teams and nearly 17,000 bowlers.
Follow updates and more from the official USBC Women’s Championships Facebook page.