Inaugural Erickson tournament raises funds for youth bowling

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood - The inaugural David Erickson Memorial 9-Pin Tournament was held at Larry's Lucky Strikes bowling alley Saturday, raising funds to develop youth bowling in the region.

"What we're doing is building a new middle school and high school bowling program here in the region that will involve all the high schools in the area," said Joel Bach, one of tournament's organizers.

Bach said the proceeds from Saturday's event will go to provide scholarships to students participating in the program, although the details are still being worked out.

Bach said the program plans to begin Jan. 7, for grades seven through 12, with information being sent to area schools soon.

While Hurley has had some bowling, Bach said the area's youth bowling isn't nearly as big as it could be.

"Michigan and Wisconsin, both, are very big youth bowling states," Bach said. "Michigan, it's actually a varsity letter sport."

There are many benefits for kids who bowl, Bach explained, including a number of scholarships and opportunities to bowl in college.

"There's so many opportunities for these kids that want to become involved in this sport. There's so many opportunities for scholarship funding," he said. "College bowling is actually a big deal that people don't know about unless you're watching ESPN and happen to catch it. Nebraska and Iowa are a couple big schools (that having big bowling teams)."

Ultimately, Bach and the other organizers hope to not only develop programs involving Gogebic Range students, but the wider region including Mellen and potentially Ashland.

Saturday's event was named in memory of Ironwood native David Erickson, who was killed in a construction accident in Madelia, Minn., in June.

"He was a real avid bowler," said Bach. "He was going to help with our youth program, but we unfortunately lost him this past June."

Bach, and others at the tournament, remembered Erickson for his generosity and infectious spirit.

"He would give the shirt off his back if you needed it," Bach said. "He'd be the first person to help out any way he can and this is a great way to remember him and do something in his name. He's very missed."

Saturday's event consisted of three session, with individual bowlers competing to get the highest score over two games.

Mark Fabbri took first overall with a series score of 530, according to Bach.

Approximately $4,000 was raised through the tournament, said Bach, who praised the support from the area businesses. He also said the community came out to support the effort.

"It's been great. People are coming in from the snow and having a good time," he said.

In addition to the scholarship benefits, Bach and other tournament organizers said bowling is good exercise and something suitable for all ages.

"It's a great family sport that kind of bleeds over into competition too," Bach said.

It's also the number one participation sport in the country, according to Larry Kauppi.

"Bowling is a sport, you'll carry it with you the rest of your life," Kauppi said.