Texas bowler celebrates 50 consecutive appearances at Women’s Championships
June 05, 2023
LAS VEGAS – For many, coming out to bowl the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships is a tradition rooted in good times with the ability to meet amazing bowlers from all over.
For Cathy Simmank, these reasons encouraged her to make 50 consecutive appearances at the event.
Simmank, of Edgecliff Village, Texas, became the third bowler to celebrate her 50th appearance this year at the USBC Women’s Championships. It’s a moment Simmank will never forget.
She received a plaque, chevron and necklace at the South Point Bowling Plaza to commemorate her dedication to the tournament.
Her career at the Women’s Championships also started in Las Vegas in 1973, and it’s a city Simmank cites as one of her favorites.
“My partner and I decided we wanted to go to Las Vegas to bowl,” Simmank said about the start of her tournament journey. “Anybody can bowl the tournament, so we decided to put a team together, and we have been coming back every year.”
While Simmank has traveled to 31 cities and 23 states throughout her 50-year stint at the tournament, she believes each trip has been memorable for her for one reason or another. The aspect of travel and getting to meet new people from across the country has been a highlight for her.
When she was asked for any words of advice for anyone hoping to reach the coveted 50-year milestone, Simmank smiled and stated, “Just keep going and enjoy the fun and camaraderie that comes with it.”
With her appearance, Simmank has joined Edith Winge of Clifton, Illinois, and Sandra Graves of Linden, Virginia, in the 50-Year Club at this year’s Women’s Championships.
Janice Hebberd of Walsh, Colorado, and Lucy Ash of Glendale, Kentucky, also are scheduled to make their milestone appearances this year at South Point.
The 2023 Women’s Championships started April 23 and will conclude July 2. The event will run for 71 consecutive days at the 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.
For Cathy Simmank, these reasons encouraged her to make 50 consecutive appearances at the event.
Simmank, of Edgecliff Village, Texas, became the third bowler to celebrate her 50th appearance this year at the USBC Women’s Championships. It’s a moment Simmank will never forget.
She received a plaque, chevron and necklace at the South Point Bowling Plaza to commemorate her dedication to the tournament.
Her career at the Women’s Championships also started in Las Vegas in 1973, and it’s a city Simmank cites as one of her favorites.
“My partner and I decided we wanted to go to Las Vegas to bowl,” Simmank said about the start of her tournament journey. “Anybody can bowl the tournament, so we decided to put a team together, and we have been coming back every year.”
While Simmank has traveled to 31 cities and 23 states throughout her 50-year stint at the tournament, she believes each trip has been memorable for her for one reason or another. The aspect of travel and getting to meet new people from across the country has been a highlight for her.
When she was asked for any words of advice for anyone hoping to reach the coveted 50-year milestone, Simmank smiled and stated, “Just keep going and enjoy the fun and camaraderie that comes with it.”
With her appearance, Simmank has joined Edith Winge of Clifton, Illinois, and Sandra Graves of Linden, Virginia, in the 50-Year Club at this year’s Women’s Championships.
Janice Hebberd of Walsh, Colorado, and Lucy Ash of Glendale, Kentucky, also are scheduled to make their milestone appearances this year at South Point.
The 2023 Women’s Championships started April 23 and will conclude July 2. The event will run for 71 consecutive days at the 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.