Hood River News

Thanksgiving week in league action at Hood River’s Orchard Lanes, though shortened by the holiday, still saw plenty of strikes. Our vaunted Team of the Week was dominated by regulars like powerful lefty Greg McDaniel, cranker extraordinaire Brandon Kawachi and the stylish Jeff Miller. We have come to expect big numbers from these guys; they are among the top bowlers in town and can hold their own with just about anybody.

Nevertheless, it’s really refreshing to see some of our other bowlers make the big-time limelight. This past week both youth and experience found the range.

Matt Hodges did it with a fine performance in the Wednesday night Fraternal where he punched out a 677 series. This lanky youngster from The Dalles towers over the 6-foot level and has plenty of game. He’s only a few years out of juniors and has a great future in the game.

Also finding the groove was our ubiquitous man about town, Len Hickman, who stirred the sticks to the tune of a solid 673 series in the Wednesday afternoon Colts & Fillies league. Len, retired former HRVHS teacher and longtime avid bowler, started the session a bit slowly but finished on the money with big 256 and 237 games. The senior star is a specialist at letting the ball do the work. He also plays the lanes with a down-and-in style, using his trademark soft release and easy speed. It goes to show that there are many ways to successfully play this game.

League bowlers: Remember entries for our big city tournament are scheduled to close Nov. 30, so get them in to Pat Olson at the lanes ASAP.

LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS:

TEAM OF THE WEEK:

Greg McDaniel, 723

Brandon Kawachi, 695

Matt Hodges, 677

Len Hickman, 673

Jeff Miller, 661

Industrial

Greg McDaniel, 244 game and 588 series

Bob Reid, 252 game

Workshirkers

Nancy Asai, 502 series

Polly Bull, 192 game

Tuesday Nite Mixed

Roger Montavon, 236 game and 649 series

Betsy Frazier, 216 game and 586 series

Nancy Asai, 213 game

Colts & Fillies

Len Hickman, 256 and 237 games and 673 series

Joe Krug, 233, 212 and 205 games and 650 series

Joyce Ebersole, 501 series

Gerry Cope, 202 game

Pauline Strange, 187 game

Fraternal

Greg McDaniel, 280 and 255 games and 723 series

Brandon Kawachi, 257 and 249 games and 695 series

Matt Hodges, 248 game and 677 series

Pat Olson, 235 game and 661 series

Jeff Miller, 661 series

Bryan Mason, 255 game and 657 series

Gail Larsen, 245 game and 653 series

Jeremy Bloom, 264 game and 651 series

Mary Finley, 256 and 218 games and 640 series

Roger Montavon, 264 game

Josh Worth, 245 game

Nancy Asai, 208, 202 games