SpringfieldNewsSun.com

SPRINGFIELD — It is perhaps the best-kept secret in local recreational bowling circles — the YABA is actually the CCYA.

It has been since 2005, actually. That's when the Young American Bowling Alliance went under the umbrella of the United States Bowling Congress. That meant a new name locally — the Clark County Youth Association.

Since then, the organization has held its own — despite a wavering economy and more recreational options available to kids.

"Things are going pretty good," said Melissa Newton, CCYA director. "We're down just a little bit, but not a lot."

CCYA programs start at 3 years old with bumper bowling at Northridge and go up to age 19.

"But a lot of the high school bowlers don't even belong to the youth program," Newton said. "We like to get them into the program because it would help them out when they get to the high school season."

Newton thinks bowling is the perfect youth sport because of its flexibility.

"It's a sport that can be done individually, or with the family, all year round," she said.

The youth county tournament will be held March 21-22 and 28-29 at Victory Lanes. Newton is hoping to draw more of the older youth to the CCYA.

"We're hoping to get a lot more of the high school bowlers," said Newton, who added they can't compete in leagues during their prep season. "Some of it could be cost. But some of them, once they get to high school, they don't think they need youth bowling. But that is good practice for them."

Coming up

The 79th annual Clark County Bowling Association Tournament is going to be held at Northridge Lanes next month.

The dates and times for this year's tournament are: Team: Feb. 7, 14 and 21, 3 or 6:30 p.m.; Doubles & singles: Feb. 8, 15 and 22nd, 9 a.m. or 1 p.m.

Entry deadline is Jan. 20. Cost of the tournament is $20 per event and all events are included in the price.

Tourney schedule

Here are some upcoming area tournaments:

• Jan. 18 and 25: Queen's Tournament, Shamrock.

• Jan. 18: Officer's Jamboree/Annual Meeting, Shamrock.

• Jan. 25: Single's Handicap Tournament, Shamrock.

• Feb. 1: Springfield 600 Club Invitational Doubles Tournament, Victory.

• Feb. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22: CCBA Annual Tournament, Northridge.

• Feb. 8: 500 Club Tournament, Shamrock.

• Feb. 21-23: Women's State Convention in Cleveland.

• March 7-8: Clark County Masters, Northridge.

• March 21-22, 28-29: SDWBA Annual City Tournament, Northridge.

• March 21-22, 28-29: Clark County Youth Association Tournament, Victory.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364 or krowe@coxohio.com.

Top scores bowled Dec. 28, 2008 to Jan. 3, 2009

Century Lanes

Women: Kristin Marshall, 603

Men: Richard Peters, 718

Youth Boys: Bubba Cantrell, 524

Youth Girls: Tasha Taylor, 529

Northridge Lanes

Women: Sheri Leffel, 611

Sr. Women: Betty Dochterman, 560

Men: Don Luttrell Sr., 755

Sr. Men: Charley Mowell, 741

Youth Boys: Kyle Hutslar, 564

Youth Girls: Jessica Markey, 409

Shamrock Lanes

Women: Betty Jones, 508

Sr. Women: Anita Thomas 508

Men: Aaron Chamberlin, 739

Sr. Men: Harry Brown 621

Youth Boys: Trey Casey, 580

Youth Girls: Katie Buck, 322

Victory Lanes

Women: Jane Bloom, 694

Sr. Women: Bonnie Singleton, 536

Men: Ron Deyo Jr., 786

Sr. Men: Rick Anway, 710

Youth Boys: Joey Hannah, 584

Youth Girls: Bailey Current, 473

Area 300 Games: None

Area 800 Series: None