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Sunday, January 07, 2001

If it's Thursday night, Joe Lamping must be bowling. That's been the routine the past 54 years for Lamping, an original member of the "Happy 20" who now are the "Happy 16." Lamping, the president of the league who will turn 80 this year, and John "Bull" Krobot, 80, are the two oldest in the all-male group that includes a number of bowlers in their 20s and 30s.

They all get together weekly at Kennedy Lanes in McKees Rocks.

"The fact we're old people bowling with young people helps keep you alive," said Lamping, a right-hander whose average is "around 150" despite aching knees. "The kids make you more peppy."

The league was founded by friends who had recently returned from World War II and were looking for a sporting activity that would help them maintain their friendships.

"Bowling's a cheap sport, and none of us had any money," Lamping said. "There never was any doubt that it would last. We're diehards. We have a rule that snow above 2 feet is the only excuse not to come."

Why Thursday night?

"I don't know," Lamping said. "I guess we just chose a night and it's always been that night."

Although Lamping continues to recruit members, the league is down to a low of 16.

"The old guys are still competitive," Lamping said. "I've never wasted a ball. Every pin counts."

Radio news

Brian Marcellus (Butler) defeated Don Clark (East Butler) in a two-game match, 469-363, at Bruin Lanes to advance to the division finals next month in the "WBUT Bud Light Championship Series."

The seventh of eight qualifiers will be today at Mars Lanes, with squad times at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Entry fee is $40. The final qualifier will be Jan. 27 at Meridian Lanes.

Believe it or not

Harley Schultz rolled a 300 for the third consecutive year on the same pair of lanes during the week in the Mixed Trio League at North Versailles Bowl. He had games of 300, 279 and 224 for an 803 series.

Oh, so close

Mary Dodds left a 4-pin on her final pitch and settled for a 299 in the Tuesday Nite Mixed Trio League at Miracle Lanes in Monroeville. She also had games of 234 and 247 for a personal-high series of 780.

Can you top this?

Mike Powers converted the 4-6-7-10 split in the Businessmen's League at Swissvale Bowl-A-Rama.

On a roll

Shawn Pilyih tossed a 279/792 to lead the way in the Bud Lite $12,000 Classic League at South Hills Bowl. John Fichter's 233.18 average topes the league, followed by Griff Williams' 225.88 and Dave Keefe's 222.56.

Everything's ducky

Ira Summer's 219/560 was the highlight in the Friday Nite Duckpin League at KOFC Alley's. Hugh McMaster had a 524 and Dan Colville a 518 in the league. Other high scores were turned in by Bob Mason (208/491 Monday Nite League and 203/489 Thursday Nite) and Red Harman (237/507 Thursday Nite).

Never too young dept.

Rob Pofi, 13, had a 256/670 in the Thursday Junior League at Sharpsburg Lanes.

What's happening

The Canadian/Western Pennsylvania Duckpins Challenge will be Jan. 19-20 at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. There will be singles, doubles and team competition. For more information, call Lorraine at 412-621-4200 or Patti at 412-391-3700.

The Miller Lite Head-to-Head Tournament resumes tonight at 8:15 at AMF Noble Manor Lanes in Crafton. Entry fee is $20. For more information, call Shawn Endler, 412-590-8323.

Sharpsburg Lanes has a Saturday special of $1 per game from 1-5 p.m.

Swissvale Arcade Lanes is sponsoring a 9-Pin No-Tap tournament today, with squad times at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. First place is $250 based on 75 entries. Entry fee is $15.

Saunier Wilhem is sponsoring a 40 and Over Scratch tournament today at West Pike Bowl in Canonsburg, with $1,000 guaranteed for first place. Entry fee is $29.