Team Hanson Stands At Second Best

Spokane bowlers continue to make their mark in major national tournaments.

Led by Mike Hanson, a North Bowl team moved into second place in all-events at the 1995 American Bowling Congress Tournament in Reno, Nev.

Hanson put together games of 256, 267 and 278 for an 801 series that moved him into third place in singles. The event is led by Matt Surina of Spokane, who rolled an 826 back in February. Hanson also had 2,161 in all-events and is third.

As a team, Hanson, his father, Jim (1,892); Doug Smith (1,834); Jim Allen (1,897); and Sean Heath (2,038) combined for a 9,822 all-events for second.

The five are 51st as a team at 3,144.

There are 86,425 bowlers and 17,285 five-man teams in the event that runs six more weeks.

A team that includes Mike Hanson’s mother, Sandy, Julie Twiss, Kim Sternod, Kathy Thomas and Julie Heath leads the Women’s International Bowling Congress Tournament in Tucson, Ariz.

Tennis

Ed Keil of Spokane is the top rated 75-year-old tennis player in the country.

Keil earned the distinction by winning his age division in the U.S. Tennis Assocation’s National Seniors Indoor Tournament this month in Boise.

He also placed second in doubles.

Rock climbing

With the sport of rock climbing growing and attracting youngsters in its wake, the Spokane Parks Department and Mountain Gear are offering a free youth clinic June 3.

Held in conjunction with a volunteer cleanup at Minnehaha County Park, the clinic will run from noon-4 p.m. (Cleanup begins at 10 a.m.)

“We’re trying to make younger climbers aware of the responsibilities the sport entails,” said Paul Fish, owner of Mountain Gear.

Participants must be ages 12-18, have a rudimentary understanding of the sport and need to own basic rock climbing equipment: a locking carabiner, harness and belay device.

Info: Fish at Mountain Gear, 325-9000. Register: Spokane Parks Dept., 625-6200.