For most of my adult life, I have made the trip from Elizabeth City to Nags Head throughout the years to either bowl tournaments or league at the Beach Bowling center. A few months ago, that trip was in jeopardy for future events, as the center, which had been open for more than 20 years, shut its doors.

With the closing of the doors, current leagues came to a stop and the locals had nowhere to go for their favorite recreational activity.

Fortunately for those bowlers, someone stepped in to bring back bowling to the beach, and today at 10 a.m., that should become a reality.

Luckily, for the locals at the beach who want to have bowling stick around for a long time, they have the right person taking over the command.

Long time local businessman, Jeff Meads, who already owns Albemarle Lanes and Williamston Bowling Center, as well as his first love, Coastal Office Equipment located in downtown Elizabeth City, is fully capable of the challenge of reopening the Beach Bowling Center and making it thrive.

When Jeff took over Albemarle Lanes, in a short time he transformed it into a modern day center with new lanes, ball returns, and computerized score keeping and allowing for competitive 
action locally.

After taking over Williamston Center, he put in scoring systems, cleaned the center up and restocked the league bowlers, bringing the house back from the near dead. Now with his latest endeavor, we can expect nothing but the best and surely the center will reach new heights for the beach bowler.

Some things expected from the new center will be a full kitchen, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, an adult and kids arcade, pool tables, pin ball leagues, and, of course, all of the bowling you can handle.

The machines have been revamped and are at top operating capacity, the pins have been cleaned, and the lanes prepared for plenty of action.

If you are familiar with Facebook, OBX Bowling has a page, which is updating people on all events and statuses as well as some great pics of the center. I look forward to seeing plenty of you down there.

Due to the inclement weather, Friday Night Mixed did not bowl this past week.

Devon Seitz led the men this week, rolling a nice 226/615, topping the 239/612 of Boris Beatty and the 216 of Rusty Tyler.

The women were led by Leonora Vactor and her 191, followed by a 170 from Margaret Butts and a 165 from Debbie Winslow.

With King Joey having an off week of bowling, we saw some new stars take to the leaderboard. David Cousette and Denwood Williams topped the league this week with their 221 games, followed by a 214 from Rondell Christian.

On the ladies side, it was business as usual, with Debbie Winslow at the top, tossing a 191 game, followed by Stephanie Winslow and Kim Myers, tossing 188.

Vinnie Freeman took to the lanes this past week, besting everyone with his 234/668, followed by a 247/632 from Mark Tarkington and a 626 from Jevon Simpson. Joey Winslow chimed in with a 237 on the night.

Debbie Winslow topped the ladies with her 202 game, followed by a 172 from Kandis Riddick and a 162 from Kaytee Davis.

Kathleen Thomas found herself on top of the leaderboard this week, firing a 170 game, stealing the spot ahead of Pamela Griffin’s 169 and Paula Mohr’s 166.

Debbie Winslow topped the league with her 180 this week, as Pat Dooley added a 172 and Carol Hodge added a 171.