May 12, 2002 By Gary George Bowling Writer 3 min read

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? Remember that line from the song “Mrs. Robinson” in the movie “The Graduate?”

Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?

When we need a hero. When we need an elder statesman. Where have you gone?

It is very appropriate in this area with regards to our local bowling.

We have somehow been able to start a TV show on HSTV for the women bowlers in the area. It has taken an immense amount of work to make it possible. An immense amount of work – for Jim Matis at Fairbank, for me, for the crew at HSTV, and now for Joe Pascia at Klondike.

The ladies in the area responded in unbelievable fashion with 144 entries at Jimmy’s place.

Loni Campbell, Mikie Vinch, and all the others put on a great show for us, but where was our elder statesman during all of this?

Where was Anna Gadd?

For years she has been the rock on which the lady bowlers in the area could rely.

No matter when or where, no one would bet against Anna Gadd out on the lanes, no matter who the opponent.

That smooth as silk delivery. On the lanes she was and still is poetry in motion.

Everyone feels the presence of Anna Gadd, no matter where she is. Just last year, she finished eighth in the nation in the 2001 WIBC Women’s National Tournament in the “All Events” category, which included 10,159 entries.

It may seem mind-boggling, but it isn’t. Not if you have ever seen her roll the ball.

Her move to the foul line is just plain sweet. There has never been better. Anywhere.

But, eighth in the “All Events” wasn’t all she accomplished at Nationals. She and her teammates on the Manor Lanes Pro Shop team: Earla Knoyer, Birdee Brant, Louise Stanislaw, and Cindy Friend, also finished 8th in the team event out of 4,376 teams entered.

But, where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?

Now that the ladies have a TV show, where have you gone, Anna Gadd? You did not try to qualify. You did not sit in the audience and root them on.

The ladies need you now more than ever. You always have been the glue that holds the local ladies association together.

I know it is a tremendous responsibility. But, you have always handled it well.

And now that ladies TV has arrived, come and stand in the spotlight. They need your warmth and strength.

Ladies qualifiers

Okay, ladies, it’s time to roll again. The qualifiers at Klondike start this week for the last Ladies Championship Bowling TV show on HSTV Channel 12. The times are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10 p.m.. Then on Saturday and Sunday, they are at 11 a.m. You may bowl twice during each squad.

Joe Pascia at Klondike has made available plenty of qualifying times during these next two weeks. That should give everyone a great opportunity to bowl their best series.

Grand championship

The Grand Championship is heading to Mt. Vernon Bowl this Saturday. All of the fellows who qualified from the squads at Klondike and Manor this past weekend and all of the TV show champions should report to Mt. Vernon around 9:30 a.m. Saturday for the big one.

If you can survive it, it’s 10 games-no whammies.

Bring an extra arm.

I’ll see you on the lanes.