Mrenak wins first city bowling title
AudraMrenak has learned to live withhigh expectations when it comes to bowling – it goes with the name.
“I knowI’ve got big shoes to fill,” Mrenak said. “Both my parents are in the hall of fame, Ineed to live up to the name.”
Mrenak did her part to keep up the family tradition, winning the Greater Dayton United States Bowling CongressWomen’s City Singles Tournament scratch title – her first city championship. Her dad Joe – who passed away in 2016 – had city, state and PBAregional and senior titles to his credit, along with more than 50 honor scores.
“It’s nice to win, it makes me feel close to him,” she said. “My dad was my best friend and I know he’d be proud of me.”
Mrenak tallied a 258-217257 –732 to claim the title and followed it up with her fifth 300 game shortly afterward in league play. She knows, however, that it will be a while before she sees her nameonthe topof the standings as she will undergo surgery just before Christmas. It’s her third wrist surgery in the past three years.
While the right-handed bowler has to rest her right hand, she isn’t going to take a rest frombowling entirely as she is going to attempt to bowl left-handed in one of her leagueswhile she heals.
“My average is going to take a huge nosedive but at least I get to bowl,” she said, smiling.
■ Handicap champion: The first timewas the charm forCourtneyHobbswhowon the handicap title in her first try at the recent city singles tournament.
“My sister ( Jaclyn) toldme I should try some different tournaments,” Hobbs said. “I probably wouldn’t have entered if itwasn’t for her.”
Hobbs competed on the final day of the tournament but didn’tknowthe topscore to beat. Her 757 was more than enough, eclipsing the competition by 40 pins. Not bad for the mother of two who took several months off from bowling before and after the birth of her now 10-month old daughter Kendal.
“It definitely took awhile to get back to where I was before shewas born,” Hobbs said. “But it was a good day and I was having fun doing what I love.”
As for Jaclyn, who encouraged her big sister to enter the tournament, she finished 8th.
“I like when we bowl together,” Courtney said, smiling. “It’s always fun to see who wins.”