Tom Grande

TOM-GRANDE-_MS1960’sHired as Manager of Northgate Bowl.

Started a junior program Saturday mornings by offering an “All you can Bowl for a Dollar” special, which attracted a lot of participation, interest & membership from young bowlers.  This was then organized into a formal youth league.  Tom also introduced Saturday Sweepers – 5 game tournaments with a scratch mark of 190.

Early 1960’s -Coached oldest daughter Diane in the Bantam Division, to a 2nd place finish in the Pin Busters Championship at Empress Lanes.  Diane won 4 matches to get to the finals.

Mid-1960 -Coached Charlotte Wynn to a victory over Jeanne Stear to qualify for the Canadian Championships in Sault Ste Marie.  Charlotte was top seed after the first day, but she  eventually lost to Cathy Townsend.

1969 -Received ball drilling instruction, while attending the ABC tournament.

Early 70’s -With the help of Hal Ross, implemented a Junior- Adult league at Birchwood Bowl.

1973 -Became a certified American Junior Bowling Congress coach.

1976 -Head Coach of the Youth Bowling Council provincial team competing at the Nationals in Brandon, MB capturing a Gold, Silver and Bronze medal.

Northgate was First Bowling Centre to stay open for the summer.  Tom also introduced Red/Blue/Yellow pin specials.

1977 -Tom organized, chaperoned and coached both girls and boys teams at cross-border competitions in Fargo.

1977 -Tom revived the Junior Program at Empress Lanes.

OUTSTANDING PUPILS:

Susan Grande

1971 YBC Silver, Regina

1972 YBC Silver, Calgary

1974 YBC Gold, Sault Ste. Marie

1975 YBC 4th place finish, Regina

1976 YBC Silver, Brandon

Keith Levitt

1976 YBC Provincial Team Member

Jim Stevens

1971 YBC Silver, Regina

1972 YBC Silver, Calgary

Sharon Tataryn

1978 YBC Gold, Sault Ste. Marie

Other Athletes Coached:

Ats Odaguchi                              Judy & Bev Kolt

Bob Cymbalisty                         Stew McKenzie

Hilda & Bob Beach                    Ray Stutski

Randy, Doug & Jeff Craig       Dave Polski

Pam & Alison Odaguchi

As a competitive Tenpin Bowler, Tom won the “A” Singles in the 1st Annual Manitoba Provincial Association Tournament at Empress Lanes.

1968 -Qualified along with Paul Yoshimasu and Jim Bercier for the Canadian Bowling Classic, rolling a 275 high game in the tournament.

Late 60’s -Qualified to bowl in ABC Masters in Rochester, NY, by winning the Winnipeg Provincial All-Events

1972 -Qualified to bowl in the ABC Masters in Long Beach, CA, by winning the Winnipeg Provincial All-Events

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