Ask anyone in attendance at Varsity Lanes on Friday afternoon, and they can confirm the athletes put the
special in the Special Olympics pro-am.
The long-standing tradition of opening the Professional Bowlers Association regional tournament at the
center continued on Friday. Roughly 75 athletes from Wood and Henry counties took to the lanes and were
partnered with a different professional bowler for each of their two games.
While trophies were awarded for the top scores, the real victory was in the volume of smiles among the
competitors, both professional and athletes, along with those assisting and watching.
“This is my favorite sport, I’ve been playing since I was 5,” said James Mozena, a Special Olympic bowler
from Bowling Green.
In addition to competing in this pro-am each year, Mozena regularly bowls at Timbers Lanes in Maumee.
“This is a lot of fun,” Mozena stated.
Bowling Green resident Dean Gerkie also bowls in traditional leagues in Bowling Green. This was his first
time bowling in the Special Olympics pro-am.
Like Mozena, he said, “The important thing is having fun.”
When the scores were totaled, Gerkie did earn one of the eight trophies presented.
However, the athletes truly followed their oath which states, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be
brave in the attempt.”
Scott Mitchell, lead sports technician for the Wood County Special Olympics, echoed the sentiments of the
athletes.
“They love being with the professionals,” Mitchell said. If they get a strike or roll a great ball, they
want to be sure the professional saw them.”
He added that it is a really fun time for the athletes.
It is also enjoyable for the pros.
“This really means a lot to me,” Billy Oatman said. “It gives me a chance to give something back.”
The professional bowler, who was formerly an exempt player on the national tour, indicated he considers
bowling with the athletes motivational for him.
“These kids are here for fun. They truly appreciate you coming down here with them,” Oatman stated,
adding, “I just enjoy it.”
He indicated this will always serve as a reminder to him when he thinks he may be having a tough day.
Other professionals share similar feelings and demonstrate it by donating back their appearance fee to
the Wood County Special Olympics. Collectively they donated $320 which was matched by Varsity Lanes for
a total donation of $640.
The first place trophy was awarded to Jerry Scarbery of Henry County, who totaled 1,016 with his pro
partners. The athlete rolled games of 172 and 221 and received 454 from his pros.
Second place went to Andy Zeigler at 1,007, also of Henry County. Wood County bowlers took third and
fourth as Scot Soule rolled 983 including a high game of 186; and Gerkie was fourth at 963 with his high
game of 164.
Special achievement awards were presented to Wes Starkey with a 945 total; Mike Stanford and Joe Gerkin,
each with 944; and Wayne Mannies at 938. Stanford was the lone Henry County athlete among those awards,
with the others being from Wood County.
More than 70 professionals began their competition this morning.
Photo captions: Front page: Pro bowler John Nolen shakes hands with Tyrus Carroll, 10, at Varsity Lanes
Friday. (Aaron Carpenter/Sentinel-Tribune)
Story photo: Corey Febrey gets some help and congratulations from pro bowlers Jodi Woessner (far left)
and Ken Abner, as well as BGSU Softball playter Susan Sontag during the Special Olympics Pro-Am bowling
event held at Varsity Lanes in Bowling Green.