By Kyle LoJacono
The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Women’s National Championship had four participants who frequent Royal Lanes in Land O’ Lakes this year — Betty Strickland, Cat Carson, Char Roush and Barb Douchett.
The four Land O’ Lakes and Lutz residents were joined by Strickland’s daughter, Robyn Geiger. The group recently returned from competing in the tournament in El Paso, Texas. Strickland said it is about the 20th time she has competed in nationals.
“It is huge for us to go to each year,” Strickland, 80, said. “It’s a great time for us to get together to bowl and go to different places.”
Strickland said it was not the best conditions for good scores in El Paso.
“They flooded the lanes with oil and no one could score,” said Strickland, who has lived in Land O’ Lakes her whole life. “It was easier to score if you can throw the ball hard, but I’m 80-years-old now and I don’t have the zip on it anymore.”
Strickland said her best scratch series, which is the total score of three games, was 511 for an average of just more than 170. She said the others were also not pleased with their scores, but enjoyed the chance to see the sights around the city.
“One thing we really liked about the trip was this ranch that had all kinds of animals and food out in the middle of nowhere,” Strickland said. “I don’t remember the name but they had great food and a bin with rattlesnakes in them. That was a little strange but kind of fun too.”
Carson, 62, is usually Strickland’s partner at local and regional tournaments. She was taking a bit of a break from bowling because she was angry with her recent performances, but has said she enjoys playing the game with Strickland and the various events.
The national event moves to different locations each year and included 5,863 teams of at least two people in 2010, according to the USBC. Participants’ ages ranged from teenagers to those closer to 100-years-old. Next year’s tournament will be at Syracuse, N.Y. and the five women have already signed up.
The women do not just play in state and national tournaments. They also bowl several times a week at Royal Lanes, 1927 Brinson Road in Land O’ Lakes. Strickland bowls every weekday and plays as many as 10 games during the busy winter season.
“They are all just fun people to be around,” said Kathy Umsted, who works the front desk at Royal Lanes. “They are all here most of the time and it’s weird if one of them stays home. We notice. Betty usually comes up and gives me a big hug when she comes in and when she leaves. They’re great people.”
Bob Farinas, the alley’s manager, previously said of Strickland, “The best way to describe her is she is really just part of the family here. She gets along with everyone on the staff and is friends with the kids and the older folks.”
Strickland said her average for the year was 177, which is down from the 180 score she had in the past. She has also thrown a 300 game Jan. 9, 2006 at Royal Lanes. She has a ring to remember the accomplishment.
“One thing people should know is anyone can bowl,” Strickland said. “I didn’t start until the (1970s) bowling regularly and I still managed to have a 300 game. It just takes a passion for the game and a drive to want to get better.”
