It's hard to believe that another bowling season is upon us, but many leagues are already under way. Bowling centers have abandoned their summer hours and are in full operation.

Whether you are new to bowling, a casual bowler or a die-hard league bowler, I hope you enjoy this column.

Thanks to the Butler Eagle and sports editor John Enrietto for being a big supporter of this great sport.

Three major records fell at the USBC Open Championships in Las Vegas.In the all-events division, Ron Vokes of Wisconsin broke the record after rolling an 857 in singles, 767 in team and 697 in doubles for a 2,321, the highest total in 106 years of open championship play. Vokes rolled games of 290, 300 and 267 in singles.Bo Goergen of Michigan recorded the highest three-game series in tournament history after games of 299, 299 and 264 for an 862, topping the previous high-water mark of 858. Goergen left the seven-pin on the final shot of both 299 games.In doubles competition, Stephen Padilla and Brenda Edwards combined to shoot a 1,566 score. Padilla rolled a 790 set while Edwards tossed a 766, which included a 300 game, just the sixth recorded by a woman at the national championships.This season's tournament will be held at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., from Feb. 20 through July 17.

Mars Lanes is celebrating 20 years in business under that name. It used to be called Logan Lanes.

What was the name of the bowling center that used to be on Hansen Avenue? Answer at the end of the column.

It is time to go through your checklist to get ready for another season.• Check your bowling shoes for signs of wear and tear. The soles need to be in good shape, especially the sliding sole.• Check your grip in your ball. Your thumb should have a snug fit, with the sides just brushing the sides of the thumbhole.• Your ball might need to be cleaned. Visit your pro shop to buy some ball cleaner4 While you are there, check out the latest shoes and balls. It might be time to replace them.

The Troy-Alan League is in need of bowlers. It is a men's handicap league that bowls on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Sherwood Lanes. Both individuals and teams are needed. Contact Dan Manning at manningd7@aol.com. Many leagues have openings. Contact your bowling center about which league might be right for you.

Smith topped all bowlers in Coins League play with a 186 game and 499 series.

Contributions to this column are gladly accepted. My e-mail is wiseguyrondo@zoominternet.net. Contributions must reach me by Sunday afternoon to be submitted for the column in the same week. Feel free to send in details of high scorers, split conversions or any other noteworthy event.

Bowlaway Lanes occupied a spot on Hansen Avenue. Bowlaway Lanes and Family Lanes in Center Township are now Family Bowlaway on Fairground Hill Road.<B><I>Ron Willison is the bowling columnist for the Butler Eagle.</I></B>