Elgin Cross-Town Classic hits the lanes Saturday
The Elgin Cross-Town Classic will have some special guests when it begins this weekend.
Elgin City Councilman John Steffen will help kickoff the event at Bowlway Lanes at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, by rolling out the ceremonial first ball. Councilman Steffen is an active sports fan. When asked about saying a few words to begin the Elgin Cross-Town Classic between Bowlway and Elgin Lanes, he immediately accepted even though he hasn’t bowled in a while.
“We may need to set up the bumpers,” Steffen said. “I remember my grandmother used to bowl at the old Schneider’s in downtown Elgin. I think this will be a lot of fun.”
Joining Steffen at the tournament will be Elgin Today host and professional announcer Jeff Myers. He will provide introductions and updates on the bowling action during the event.
Myers has been producing original programming about Elgin for 20 years. He recently conducted a promotional spot for the Elgin Cross-Town Classic which can be seen on this month’s Elgin Today show at the City of Elgin Video Center (www.cityofelgin.org) under the On Demand tab and toward the middle of the program.
“This is great news for bowling fans,” Myers said. “I’m looking forward to help call the action, talk to the bowlers, and cheer on the teams with the fans.”
Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain will also attend. His appearance will be Saturday, April 20, at the end of the tournament when he presents the Elgin Cross-Town Classic Mayor’s Cup to the winning team. Kaptain is no stranger to bowling.
“After the second World War, my father bowled at both Bowlway and Elgin Lanes,” Kaptain said. “This is special to me because my father bowled for more than 50 years and only stopped bowling when he was 90 years old. I’m excited to attend and hope this event will become a yearly tradition and maybe even expand to our neighbor towns.”
The Elgin Cross-Town Classic will feature the top bowlers at Bowlway against those at Elgin Lanes. The first three matches will be Saturday, April 13, at Bowlway Lanes, 810 Villa St., starting at 1 p.m. The final three matches will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Elgin Lanes, 402 Shepard Drive, starting at 1 p.m. The team that knocks down the most pins over the two weeks’ competition will win the Mayor’s Cup and be declared Elgin’s Match Game Champions.
The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit www.bowlelgin.com. On Facebook: Elgin Cross-Town Bowling Classic.