PNA 69th NATIONAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Story by: Robert M. Jadach

Chicago, Illinois - The 69th National Bowling Tournament was held this year on April 10, 11 and 12, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. Thursday, Lodge 83 hosted a hospitality night to welcome the bowlers to their club. The lodge also had music, dancing, food, and other entertainment at their facility on Friday and Saturday nights.

Bowling got under way on Friday with the Singles and Doubles events and again on Sunday to complete those events. Saturday featured the team events with two squads bowling during the day.

Between the two team sessions, the tournament was officially started with the annual opening ceremonies held at Chippewa Bowl. Vice President Paul Odrobina welcomed the bowlers to South Bend and wished them good bowling and high scores. Vice President Odrobina thanked the officers and members of Lodge 83 for hosting the tournament and the owners of Chippewa Bowl and their staff for the terrific job they have done for the tournament. After the anthems played, a moment of silence was given to Director Joseph Samreta, who was the National Director for the Indiana/Michigan area. He introduced all the PNA dignitaries and guests who attended the opening ceremonies which included; PNA President Frank Spula, PNA Treasurer Marian Grabowski, PNA Commissioners; David Sinclair (District 8), Thomas Schemanski (District 10), Jerry Hejna (District 12), Wanda Juda (District 13), Mary Wozniak (District 15), Former PNA Director, Anna Wierzbicki, Fromer Commissioner of District 15 Irene Wroblewski, President of Council 197 Dennis Wozniak, President of Lodge 83 Denise Hock, Secretary of Lodge 83 Tasha Klipich, and former President of Lodge 83 Jason Newgent and Janice Odrobina. Lastly, Vice President Odrobina thanked his staff Joan Oskorep (who will be retiring from the PNA at the end of April) and Robert Jadach for the many years they assisted in making the Bowling Tournament run so smoothly.

To keep with the tradition started a few years back, the winning Men's and Ladies teams from last years' Tournament held in LaPorte, Indiana were announced and awarded their first prize plaques. The winning men's team was "I Am" from Slovan, PA and Joe Machak is the team captain. The winning ladies team who could attend this year but mentioned was "Dolls With Balls" from McKeesport, PA and Maureen Nelson was the teams' captain. The winning team accepted their awards from Vice President Odrobina, President Frank Spula and Treasurer Marian Grabowski. Vice President Odrobina asked Lodge 83 Officers Denise Hock, Jason Newgent and Tasha Klipich to roll out the first ball.