Lake County ready to host Illinois state women's bowling tournament
Several thousand bowlers and their families from across the state will pack into bowling alleys in Round Lake and Mundelein as the Illinois state women's bowling tournament comes to Lake County, Feb. 7 through April 26.
Organized by the Illinois State United States Bowling Congress Women's Bowling Association, the tournament returns to Lake County after 55 years. It was first held in Waukegan in 1934 and again in 1959.
Angie Cevallos, one of the directors of the Lake County USBC WBA, said the Lake County association submitted its bid in March 2013 to host the event. As part of the selection process, the state board traveled to review bowling centers and accommodations including hotels. The decision was announced in December 2013 to select the Lake County association.
Soon after hearing the news, the association began to raise money to organize the tournament, Cevallos said.
More than $7,000 has been raised through events such as family bowling parties and raffles. The money will be used to host a delegate party Feb. 20, which will include more than 200 women, as well as to buy items such as T-shirts, shoe covers and charms to be sold during the competition.
"We are totally delighted. I can't tell you how delighted we are. It's been a big job," she said. "It's been great coming together as a group of women for the benefit of the sport of bowling, and we all love bowling."
Cevallos has been bowling since age 16. She plays every Monday night in a women's league and joins her husband, Ruben, on Wednesdays in a mixed league.
She said she loves the camaraderie.
"Doing something you enjoy with people who enjoy the same thing, we've made so many friends. Some of my friends say you love bowling more than you love your husband. Well actually it's pretty close," she said with a laugh.
Earlene Nelson, who has been part of the Illinois USBC since 1972, said participation in bowling across the state actually has declined because of competition from other activities and the cost to join bowling leagues. But Nelson said officials hope welcoming 736 teams to Lake County will be a benefit to the county and the state organization.
"It's nice to go to a different part of the state. The women like to travel around. I think that is why we have more teams," she said. "Our participation has gone down, and part of that is due to the economy. But we were very happy when Lake County came in with a bid. (We hope) it will help the economy up there and help us to attract more bowlers."
The tournament will begin with the opening ceremony Feb. 7 at Lakes Bowl, 601 Railroad Ave., Round Lake, which also will host the team competition. Among the dignitaries who will attend are state Sen. Melinda Bush and Round Lake and Mundelein officials, including Round Lake Mayor Dan MacGillis.
MacGillis said he is thrilled to see the tournament come to Round Lake and to Lakes Bowl, which is operated by Joe and Susan Piagentini.
"They are wonderful people who whenever you need help, you can reach out to them," MacGillis said. "I'm excited to have this in our community and to have it at Lakes Bowl, whose owners are such advocates for this village."
The doubles and singles tournament will be played at Lakeside Lanes, 900 South Lake St., Mundelein. Mayor Steve Lentz said Mundelein offers two bowling centers, Lakeside and Fair Haven, which are busy through the weekends. He said he looks forward to welcoming visitors from across the state to see not the bowling centers and all the village has to offer. Fair Haven Lanes is at 711 East Hawley St.
"Having this event is an honor," Lentz said. "We look forward to all the visitors coming to town. It will be good for the village and good for bowling as well."
For additional information about the tournament, visit www.lcwba.com.