By CHARLES TWEED
Wild turkey, six pack and mix — just a few things three local bowlers want to see a lot of during the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games in St. Albert Feb. 24 to 27.
Linda Seitz, Eric Andersen and Frieda Hoffmann are bowlers and, of course, the three things they want to see are three strikes in a row, six strikes in a row, and pins bouncing around after the ball hits them — wild turkey, six pack and mix.
The chance to represent Zone 4 at the games is an opportunity all three are grateful for, but it wasn’t as simple as just signing up. First the three had to qualify with high averages out of Ponoka — Hoffmann is a 174 average, Seitz a 199, and Andersen a 221.
Then, to qualify for the games, the three had to win zone playoffs.
The best match may have involved Seitz, as she narrowly defeated her competition by eight pins.
Qualifying, now behind them, they’re looking forward and excited about the opportunity to bowl against some of the best in the province and maybe even bring home some hardware.
“That’s our goal, and to go have fun and enjoy ourselves. It’ll be quite the experience, we will be marching with our own zone for opening ceremonies and we have a flag bearer, just like the Olympics,” said Frieda Hoffmann.
Frieda also let slip that she’s the bowler in the family. Her husband, Ernie, and Doug Gill won the high-low silver for Alberta. Gill was high.
“He’s a terrible bowler,” said a laughing Frieda, who’s been married to Ernie for 50 years this May. “You can’t put that in the article, he’ll never speak to me,” she said continuing to laugh.
For Seitz and Andersen, it won’t be the first time they’ve travelled to St. Albert for a prestigious tournament. The last time was to coach youth bowling and both agreed it might be less stressful throwing the balls than having to watch.
“Both of us used to have kids in bowling and we enjoy coaching. It’s the challenge of watching the kids grow and have fun. But this time we get to bowl so it’ll be fun, but we don’t really know what to expect, never been there before,” said Andersen.
“It’s a new experience for all of us and we’re going to enjoy,” added Seitz.