Elgin Lanes Team Prepares for the Cross-Town Classic

Elgin Lanes will be relying on a wealth of experience and a touch of youth when it faces off against Bowlway Lanes for the inaugural Elgin Cross-Town Classic, starting this Saturday, April 13.

Larry Slack Jr. and Ken Buhlman at Elgin Lanes

“We’ve talked about doing this type of event for the last few years,” said Elgin Lanes General Manager Lex Perly. “It makes sense, and I’m glad to see that it’s finally going to happen.”

Team Elgin Lanes will feature right handers. Leading off will be Ken Buhlman of Elgin, an accomplished bowling coach, who leads the team with a 212 average. Drew Perly of Elgin follows in the second position and is a former collegiate player with Illinois State University. Cary O’Donnell of Elgin is the middle man in the lineup with a long list of tournament experience. Larry Slack of Elgin is the set-up man and former Chicago North End Traveling League player. And Bob Brady of Carpentersville is the leader of the team and will be playing anchor. Total average for the five man team is 1033, making the match-up against Bowlway pretty close on paper and thrilling for the bowlers.

“I haven’t been this excited about bowling for a long time,” said Buhlman. “I’m looking forward to the team camaraderie, having a good time, and winning the traveling trophy.”

The Elgin Cross-Town Classic will feature challenge matches 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.