Bowlway Lanes Sets Team Lineup

The team is picked and lineup set as five players from Bowlway Lanes prepare to bring life to an old idea.

“We’ve selected a team of stylists,” said Bowlway Lanes co-owner Norm Grocke. “These guys are easy to watch on the lanes and pack a lot of power.”

Mike Grocke practices at Bowlway Lanes 
for the Elgin Cross-Town Classic.

Team Bowlway will feature all right handers. Leading off will be Sean Hargadon of Elgin, who returned to the sport in 2012 after a twenty year layoff.  C.J. Elliott of Pinegree Grove follows in the second position and is the Tuesday Nite Men’s league leader in average. Mark Bobb of Elgin brings experience to the middle of the order having shot five sanctioned 300 games during his career. Rounding out the lineup is set-up man Mike Grocke from Schaumburg, fresh from his recent stint at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships. And Wayne Curley of Elgin will be playing anchor. He leads all players with a 223 average.  Total average for the five man team is 1035.

“With this lineup, our team will be able to play almost anywhere on the lanes,” added Grocke. “Our guys can play inside and outside, which will make all the difference when the lanes start breaking down and hooking after so many games.”

Wayne Curley from Bowlway Lanes will play 
the anchor position for the team.

The Elgin Cross-Town Classic is a throwback to the past. It features challenge matches, a format popular in the 1930’ - 1950’s when bowling centers would form teams of top bowlers to compete against each other.

In Elgin, it will be east side vs. west side, when Bowlway Lanes take on Elgin Lanes.  The first three matches will be on Saturday, April 13 at Bowlway Lanes, 810 Villa Street, starting at 1 p.m.  The final three matches will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Elgin Lanes, 402 Shepard Drive, starting at 1 p.m. The team that knocks down the most pins over the two week’s competition will win the Mayor’s Cup and be declared Elgin’s Match Game Champions.

The event is free and open to the public. It’s sponsored by Bowlway Lanes, Elgin Lanes, Miller Lite, madwill creative, City of Elgin Parks and Recreation, Bault Bowling, FLIK Productions, Anderson’s Trophies, and certification is provided by the United States Bowling Congress. To learn more, please go to www.bowlelgin.com. Facebook: Elgin Cross-Town Bowling Classic