Senior bowlers gather at Rimrock

The competition remained steady through the third weekend of the Montana State Senior Bowling Tournament at the Rimrock Lanes in Thompson Falls.

“The atmosphere was enjoyable, and all of the bowlers were relaxed and having a good time,” said tournament director Ginger Ward. She also commented that the tournament is “all about having a good time and bowling a good score is just the icing on the cake.”

Thompson Falls hosted the Montana State Senior Bowling Tournament in 2014 and since then there have been multiple requests that Rimrock Lanes host it again.

“People love the area and some even come a day or two early to enjoy what else Thompson Falls has to offer,” Ward said.

Tournament organizers predict about 250 Montana bowlers will compete at Rimrock Lanes during the five-weekend event, which concludes Oct. 21. There is even about 12 spots available for any registered bowlers still interested. The high turnout is a close second to the 2016 tournament that was held in Billings, with 264 bowlers showing up there.

Spectators are encouraged to come and enjoy the games as well and might even take home some tips from the talented bowlers that show up.

Ruth Sprankel, from Billings, played her games the first weekend and expressed how she liked that the tournament was being held at the Rimrock Lanes and all of the great attention to detail the staff and other helpers put into the event. Sprankel was inducted into the hall of fame in 2010 and fell into her love of bowling when she was dating her husband who also enjoys bowling. The tournament also features a 50/50 drawing.