Indiana bowler celebrates 50 years at USBC Women's Championships
June 19, 2018
By Ryne Navarro and Aaron Smith
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Indianapolis' Helen Kidwell has shared her passion for the sport of bowling with others for many years, and her longevity in the sport was celebrated this week as she made her 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships.
The 89-year-old right-hander started her journey at the event at the 1967 event in Rochester, New York, and she's been to 33 cities and 24 states over the course of her tournament career.
She was presented with a plaque, chevron and necklace Saturday at the National Bowling Stadium to commemorate her accomplishment.
Kidwell credits her start at the USBC Women's Championships to her husband, Wesley. Before he died in 2009, Wesley had made 53 USBC Open Championships appearances.
"My husband was a 20-year member of the ABC (American Bowling Congress) Board of Directors," Kidwell said. "He did everything ABC had to offer, and ever since, I have been very active in bowling."
Kidwell has enjoyed many memories at the event, but the first one that always comes to mind was when her hometown of Indianapolis won the bid to host the 1975 Women's Championships.
"I was a director for the women's organization for more than 10 years and traveled with the tournament," Kidwell said. "I was overjoyed when it was announced that the tournament was coming to my hometown."
She received that news while serving as a delegate at the 1974 event in Houston.
"That was the year it was announced the next tournament would be in Indianapolis," Kidwell said. "The Woman Bowler magazine came and took our picture. It was a black and white photo. We all had hats on, and I still have that magazine."
In addition to her work on the administrative side of the sport, Kidwell also was active in local youth programs, taking youth bowlers to and from tournaments all over the United States.
Kidwell's dedication to the sport earned her induction into the Indianapolis USBC Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Irene Wiese Award of Appreciation in 2017.
Kidwell was joined by family and friends for her milestone appearance, and she was even surprised during her special moment.
"My husband had family in San Francisco, and they came to see my 50-Year presentation," Kidwell said. "It was so nice for them to take time out of their lives to come and see me bowl. It really meant a lot."
In her 50th appearance, Kidwell rolled scores of 455 in singles, 378 in team and 346 in doubles for a 1,179 all-events total.
"We had 20 bowlers come with us this year, which is the largest group we've ever had," Kidwell said. "My first game of singles, I beat them all with a 162. But it is great to see them all come out and continue to want to bowl this tournament for years to come."
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Indianapolis' Helen Kidwell has shared her passion for the sport of bowling with others for many years, and her longevity in the sport was celebrated this week as she made her 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships.
The 89-year-old right-hander started her journey at the event at the 1967 event in Rochester, New York, and she's been to 33 cities and 24 states over the course of her tournament career.
She was presented with a plaque, chevron and necklace Saturday at the National Bowling Stadium to commemorate her accomplishment.
Kidwell credits her start at the USBC Women's Championships to her husband, Wesley. Before he died in 2009, Wesley had made 53 USBC Open Championships appearances.
"My husband was a 20-year member of the ABC (American Bowling Congress) Board of Directors," Kidwell said. "He did everything ABC had to offer, and ever since, I have been very active in bowling."
Kidwell has enjoyed many memories at the event, but the first one that always comes to mind was when her hometown of Indianapolis won the bid to host the 1975 Women's Championships.
"I was a director for the women's organization for more than 10 years and traveled with the tournament," Kidwell said. "I was overjoyed when it was announced that the tournament was coming to my hometown."
She received that news while serving as a delegate at the 1974 event in Houston.
"That was the year it was announced the next tournament would be in Indianapolis," Kidwell said. "The Woman Bowler magazine came and took our picture. It was a black and white photo. We all had hats on, and I still have that magazine."
In addition to her work on the administrative side of the sport, Kidwell also was active in local youth programs, taking youth bowlers to and from tournaments all over the United States.
Kidwell's dedication to the sport earned her induction into the Indianapolis USBC Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Irene Wiese Award of Appreciation in 2017.
Kidwell was joined by family and friends for her milestone appearance, and she was even surprised during her special moment.
"My husband had family in San Francisco, and they came to see my 50-Year presentation," Kidwell said. "It was so nice for them to take time out of their lives to come and see me bowl. It really meant a lot."
In her 50th appearance, Kidwell rolled scores of 455 in singles, 378 in team and 346 in doubles for a 1,179 all-events total.
"We had 20 bowlers come with us this year, which is the largest group we've ever had," Kidwell said. "My first game of singles, I beat them all with a 162. But it is great to see them all come out and continue to want to bowl this tournament for years to come."
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.