craigdailypress.com

For many of the women at Thunder Rolls Bowling Center on Saturday and Sunday, the atmosphere was much less intense than a tournament usually would be.

The women were getting together with friends and having a good time while competing in the Western Slope Women's Championships.

"This is the first big tournament we've had because the old bowling alley couldn't accommodate something like this," said Sherma Ray, president of the Craig Women's Bowling Association.

Eunice Linton, of Craig, is modest about her bowling skills, but is always up for the fun and enjoyment she gets out of the game.

"I always have a good time," Linton said. "I've been bowling for about eight years, so I don't think I'm very good, but Sherma and Kathie Butts have been bowling for a long time."

Ray has been bowling for more than 25 years and is excited to be hosting the championships in Craig.

"We received a letter in the mail about the Western Slope championships and decided to bid on it," Ray said. "This is such a good thing for the community. It does nothing but help Craig."

The tournament, which started Saturday and Sunday and concludes this weekend, played host to 27 bowlers and 14 teams in its first weekend, and will bring in another 48 bowlers Saturday and Sunday for the final round, with winners announced Sunday.

Along with tournament awards, the women of the Craig Women's Bowling Association put together gift bags for all tournament participants.

"The gift bags have some miscellaneous items from sponsors," Ray said.

One difference this tournament has, compared with other bowling tournaments, is that organizers are doing a 50/50 raffle each weekend. Half of the proceeds from the raffle will go to Horizons Specialized Services, a local nonprofit organization that benefits people with disabilities. The items for the raffle include a baby quilt donated by Hands-on Quilters, and an afghan throw for next weekend.

"We wanted to do something different," Butts said. "And it benefits something good."

Melanie McDaniels can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 211, or mmcdaniels@craigdailypress.com.