50 Years Ago

Monday, May 15, 1967

Rome bowlers take lead in three divisions of state junior meet

Rome made an impressive showing in the recently completed Georgia State Men’s Bowling Tournament, but it looks as if the younger folks are determined to show up their elders.

Rome bowlers took the lead in three different divisions of the annual Georgia State Junior Bowling Tournament, which opened this week past weekend in Columbus. And although two weekends of bowling ahead before the champions are crowned, it’ll take some doing to unseat the Romans from the top positions.

A Rome team, appropriately called the Romans, rolled a 2.312 total to move into the No. 1 spot in team competition. Members of the team are Julia and Deborah Barth, Molly Barnett and Joy Stephens.

Also, Joy had a total pinfall of 583 to take over first place in singles competition. And then she teamed with Julia to roll a 1,168 for first place in doubles.

That means all-events is the only category in which Rome bowlers are not leading.

Julia, only 10 years old, led the Rome team to its lead. She rolled a handicap 633 series and was 117 pins over her average. Deborah had a 595 series, Molly 547 and Joy 537.

The junior division of the tournament is open to bowlers 13 through 18 years of age. The surprising thing is that the oldest member of the Romans is 13.

Another division is for bantams, or bowlers 12 years and younger.

Bowlers will return to Columbus this weekend and will be trying to unseat the Romans from the top spot.