Ishpeming, Mich. (WZMQ) – For the first time in Marquette, bowling was a featured event in the Meijer State Games. Athletes and fans filled River Rock Lanes in Ishpeming on Saturday morning.
Julie Shields, the event coordinator, says “It’s a lotta fun we have everyone from youth to senior ages so it’s a great event for everyone to come out and be a part of.”
Not only does a competition benefit local bowlers and athletes but can be helpful to businesses as well. The owner of River Rock Lanes says the alley was packed for a Saturday morning.
Bowlers came from all over the Upper Peninsula to compete. William Simmons, a bowler from Baraga, says “It’s pretty fun. I like these lanes down here. It’s my first time actually in these lanes. I thought it was pretty nice.”
The games also provide a good opportunity for local athletes to gain competition experience. One local high school student says the tournament gave her an opportunity to work on her game, Kirsten Lamere a senior at Westwood High School, says “It’s a good opportunity for me to work on bowling alone or against people i don’t really know.”
At the end of the event medals were awarded to bowlers in 11 different divisions