WAYNE LANSER MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

Olivia & The Coach at Bel Mateo Bowl

The Wayne Lanser Memorial Tournament (celebrating the life of Wayne Lanser and raising funds for the Alzheimer's Association) was held at Bel Mateo Bowl this afternoon. Olivia, The Coach, and I made the trip into "Niner" territory with hopes of bringing some of their money back over to the East Bay. Sharon wasn't able to join us for this one.

The Coach signals for a strike

In our previous trips to Bel Mateo Bowl, we've spoken with a young woman on the staff who enjoys working there but doesn't like to bowl. We learned today that she is the granddaughter of Wayne Lanser. Her mother, brother, and sister were also present today.

Olivia & Ray Jr., today's winners

As always, the bowling at Bel Mateo was excellent. We bowled on lanes 11-12 with Ray, Ray Jr., and Kevin.  Olivia and I bowled previously with Ray Jr. and Kevin in the Holiday Cash Doubles Tournament in December. The Coach and I each had a bad game that kept us out of the money but Olivia bowled well and finished in second place. She also won two of the raffle prizes. She won a Brunswick bowling ball and a basket that included barbecue grilling tools, a bottle of sauce, and a Safeway gift card. Ray Jr. came on strong in the second and third games to finish first.

Olivia with a prize & The Coach

Olivia has now bowled in three tournaments at Bel Mateo Bowl and finished in the money all three times. With her past success and today's two raffle winners, we were kidding her about renaming the place "House of Olivia." When she finished second, even Craig Gabriel got in on it, commenting that it may be time to change the name from Bel Mateo Bowl to Olivia's Bowl.

Besides Olivia's winnings and the fun we had bowling this Sunday, the tournament raised close to $500 for Alzheimer's research. It was a good day in every respect.