28
- FEBRUARY 2014
Getting Stronger Every Year – CSSBA Senior
State Tournament Continues To Grow
By Bette Addington
California Bowling Writers
In this day and age for the sport of bowling anyone deeply associated with the sport knows
many events and tournaments are struggling these days to stay alive. Thank goodness
there are people out there who value this sport and believe in it and work to keep it fun for
participants and understand what bowlers want when they go bowl a tournament.
An excellent example of a thriving event is the annual CSSBA (California State Senior
Bowling Association) State Senior Tournament that just held its 44
th
annual event in Clovis
and Fresno, CA. This tournament has grown to be held now for five consecutive weekends
starting in mid-October. It is held each year in different cities, generally in the central CA
vicinity.
The CSSBA organization held its first event in Bakersfield, CA in
1970 by Tournament Director, Glenn Barber. After Barber’s pass-
ing in 1996, Pete Melton took over as Tournament Director until
retiring in 2009. At that time, Gina Moura became Tournament Di-
rector. Moura was Melton’s bracket operator from 2001-2008. Al-
though Moura will not take the credit, it has been her dedication to
keep this event going and growing as it has. ―This job is so re-
warding. I get to meet wonderful bowlers throughout California
and striving to provide great service is my priority. We offer house
lane conditions and a friendly atmosphere. Our senior bowlers are
having a great time out on the lanes! In a declining bowling indus-
try, I am pleased that our event is growing and will continue to
grow with our new 3 age divisions—Ages 50-59, Ages 60-69, and
Ages 70+,‖ stated Gina Moura.
And growing this event has! In 2007 the Team event drew 366 teams. In 2012, there were
483 teams and this year there were 452. So why the continued support and interest in this
event? Quite possibly it could be because the board of CSSBA which is made up of 25 offi-
cers and directors from throughout the state, have a connection with their bowling commu-
nity and even though they only meet twice a year—in the Spring and at the opening of each
annual tournament—they figure out ways to, as past president, D.C. Williams stated,
―mainly show them a good time.‖ This group works hard with the centers that host the
event to put out a house condition that helps the participants bowl well. And, bowling well
makes bowlers happy! Happy bowlers spread the word and attract more bowlers to come
bowl this event.
Besides that, this board is constantly thinking of new ways to im-
prove the event. In 2014, for example, CSSBA will unveil their new
policy of oiling the lanes before each squad to provide equal shots
for all entrants. Bowlers have asked for this and the board listened
and is delivering. Gina Moura added, ―We’re just going to keep
doing what we are doing!‖
Asked a couple Bakersfield happy tournament winners, Juke ―Jenny‖ Tanaguchi and Mike Mayo, their feelings about participating
in this event. This was Tanaguchi’s first year to bowl in it and she ended up placing second in Singles ―C‖ Division (50-59), seventh
in All Events ―C‖ and helped her team place 11
th
in the Team event, she stated, ―I like the people and the tournament was run really
well.‖ Mayo, who has bowled this tournament now two years, and this year ended up tying for first in Singles ―C‖ Division and won
the All Events ―C‖, had more great comments to share, ―For whatever reason, I tend to do well at Senior State and I will therefore
continue to bowl it. Gina does a great job organizing the event and I’ve always felt she’s been very supportive of all the bowlers. She
somehow is able to keep a smile on her face during the entire tournament
and I know that isn’t always easy. As far as winning goes, I never expected
to do so well and feel God has blessed me with at least one tournament
win—ok, two events; even better!—in my life and the State event at that! I
can’t believe it. It’s just awesome! I look forward to bowling in Modesto
next year. By the way, Juke also works where I do at Frito Lay. Two of the
top three in our age division who work at the same location? Must be
something in the chips!‖
Besides the duo from Bakersfield rising to the top, other highlights from
this year’s event included Ty Dawson of Sunnyvale who rolled the high se-
ries of the event, an 803, while bowling Singles and Dennis Beets of Sugar-
loaf, who rolled the highest game, a 300, which he bowled during his Dou-
bles competition.
So if you’ve reached the golden age of 50 and want to join the fun in 2014,
the 45
th
annual event is planned to be held five consecutive weekends start-
ing October 25-26 in Modesto (Team center will be Yosemite Lanes and
Doubles and Singles at McHenry Bowl). Advance entries are now being
accepted. Log on to
or you can contact Gina Moura direct at
(925) 757-2695.
The Big 4
Split
Article Reprinted with
permission
The Bowling News
thebowlingnews.net
Gina Moura
Tournament Director
Mark Dinublio
CSSBA Assistant
Tournament Director
2013 tournament at Doubles & Singles center taken at AMF Sierra Lanes in Fresno
(photo credit: Samantha Neri Photography).
