Bowling a way of life for some Wiregrass residents

ENTERPRISE - A doctor gave 77-year-old Clara Hicks just two days to live after complications with ovarian cancer. About four weeks have passed since then, but Hicks won’t be found in a doctor’s office or cemetery.

Instead, she has been spending her time bowling at Boland Lanes in Enterprise.

Hicks, a former Alabama state bowling champion and a longtime bowler from Geneva County, usually dedicates her Tuesdays to bowling with her “Hot to Trot” team at the bowling alley. The team is one of 24 that bowls there in preparation for state and national tournaments.

Hicks is just one of several who bowl at alleys throughout the Wiregrass, but see the sport as more than just a game.

For her, it’s a way of life.

“It’s exercise. The key is concentration. It’s one of those things where you and your family benefit in so many ways and it’s something you can love,” she said.
“You have some bowlers who throw the ball as hard as they can because they think that’s what knocks the pins down, but it’s not.”

Janice Whittington, a U.S. Bowling Congress secretary who monitors the local league, said a total of 24 teams are registered in Enterprise and compete against each other about 30 weeks a year in preparation for some state and national competitions.

Tim Ham, 38, became a left-handed bowler in order to compete after losing fingers on his right hand in a work-related accident.

“I love this just that much,” he said.

Fifty-one-year-old Reiders White Jr., a former pro-bowler, said he comes to Boland Lanes throughout the week for practice.

White said he started bowling after he discovered a ball in a field and began using it to knock down cans.

“I went from tin cans, to ten pins. I’ve enjoyed it ever since,” he said.

Whittington said bowlers from all over the area, particularly military personnel and longtime fans of the game, come to Enterprise to bowl.

Clinton Buggs, an Ozark Police Department officer, said he started bowling at Boland a few years ago when he was stationed in Fort Rucker.

Buggs is originally from Ohio.

“There, it seemed more popular to bowl, but when I first came here I looked around for a team and just so happened to find one. This is a sport, but it’s also a great way to have fun outside of work or other things,” he said.

While more than 50 people are likely at the alley at one time for enjoyment, Whittington said the sport has another upside: Money.

Each bowler pays $12 per week to compete in the league, she said. The money can be awarded out to the winners.