Johnson will be a five- timer
For the Sun- Times
Liz Johnson is making Chicago her bowling home in more ways than one.
For a record fifth time, Johnson will set the women’s target score in Beat the Champions, just as she’s settling into a new home in Palatine. She lived in Buffalo, New York, for years.
Quebec- born Francois Lavoie, who graduated from bowling powerhouse Wichita State with a degree in business administration, will set the men’s target for the first time for the 57th BTC — the Chicagoland Bowling Proprietors Association’s charity bowling event. The SunTimes is the media sponsor.
“I don’t think I ever bowled directly against him,” Johnson said.
The target broadcast, which will be recorded at Elk Grove Bowl, airs on Christ- mas Day on NBC Sports Chicago ( formerly Comcast SportsNet).
“It’s always a fun time,’’ Johnson said. “It’s good fun bowling with the person. You raise a little money for charity and have fun with sponsors and fans.”
With her experience in BTC, Johnson understands the charity aspect well: In the first 56 years of BTC, 5,768,200 entries have raised more than $ 2.85 million for charity.
But Johnson also is a top bowler, and that shows in the targets she set in 1996 ( 702), 2007 ( 714), 2013 ( 678) and 2016 ( 717).
‘‘ It is pretty awesome,’’ she said. “Great time, and great for the people in the area. It’s a fun day to kick back and just have the whole experience.”
Both the men’s and women’s champions will win a cash prize of $ 7,500. Contest week for league bowlers in BTC is Dec. 3- 9.
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