After Being Away From Bowling For Six Years. It Rewards Kim Binkley, With The 2017 Mesa Metropolitan Queens Title.
Mesa Bowler Used Only One Ball During Event, And Stuck To Game Plan, To Conquer Field At AMF Chandler Lanes On April 9.
By Micael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor - thetenpinexpress.com - Director Mesa Metro Association.
Chandler - - - As long as we are involved in the game of bowling, we will never admit it. But, sometimes taking time off for an extended period of time in our sport can be a good thing for us. Whether it be from experiencing burn-out after a long season, or taking care of health issues that will make us better in the game upon our return.
The game of bowling has its own unusual way of rewarding us in the long run. Take the turn of events for example, that was being played out at AMF Chandler Lanes on Sunday April 9, in the annual Mesa Metro Queens Tournament. After taking the last six years off from the game to have some health issues taken care of herself, Kimberly Binkley, of Mesa, Arizona, didn't know what to expect upon her return this year, either.
As a result of being away from the game for a while, she is having her best year on the lanes this season by averaging 210 in the Wednesday Night Mixed Mania League at Brunswick Zone Gilbert. And, defeated Joan Harnish 175-169, in the MMA Queens event to take home this years title. Michelle Maddock was the defending champion.
"Winning the MMA Queens title has meant everything to me. This is the first tournament I had won after taking the last six years off from bowling. It was definitely an exciting moment to be part of.," she said, during a post tournament interview. "The decision I made to bowl again, was a good choice on my part. It gave me a good out look as to what I can do in the sport."
Kimberly was the leading qualifier after the four game qualifying block by posting a total pin fall of 834. She rolled games of: 211, 231, 208, and 184 to finish at +34.
"I used a Columbia 300 Tyrant Pearl and stuck with it the whole day," she said, of her equipment choice. "I was able to adjust to the shot with it. The adjustments I made, seemed to work well. It was a tough shot.".
Others who qualified into the stepladder double elimination finals were: Stacey Dault, -28; Joan Harnish, -81; and Lea Mester, -82. 11 ladies participated in this years tournament.
"Yes, I definitely wanted to qualify for the finals," said Kim, of her goal for the MMA Queens. "Being the leading qualifier and in the top four, exceeded my own expectations going into the tournament. I did not do any extra practicing to get prepared. The only practice I had prior to, was with my husband Chris Harren, in our Wednesday night mixed league at BZG."
Kim had lost her opening match in the finals to Lea, 154-150. But, came out of the losers bracket to post wins over: Stacey, 196-190. Lea, 229-139. And a double elimination victory over Joan in the championship match 216-208, and 175-169.
"I could have bowled better in the double elimination round, and did not bowl as well as I would have liked to," she said, of coming out of the losers bracket to claim the title. "I bowled well enough to win. Obviously, I was happy with the final result. Winning the MMA Queens title was just putting the cherry on top on a successful return to the lanes for me this year."
She did not have any particular game plan she had in mind, when it came to conquering the field as well.
"I was just going in there with the attitude that I was capable of bowling well," she said. "I was taking it one frame and one game at a time, and trying not to get upset at myself if I threw a bad shot. After bowling nine games, I was pretty tired. Its been a while since I bowled that many games in a short amount of time. I was worn out, but it was a good worn out."
Other notables who bowled in this years MMA Queens event were: 2016 MMA Hall of Fame inductee Valerie Caron, and former Team USA member Judy Gurney.
"I had my mom, Dixie, with me and watching me at the event," said Kim, of her support group. "She has not seen me bowl in a long time. The best piece of advice she gave me before the event started was 'to let it go', if I threw a bad shot. She also helped me stay calm through the tournament. Absolutely, having her there watching me bowl was a big plus for me."
Kim has rolled two 289s for her high game up to this point. Her highest series is a 786. She has yet to roll a 300 game or an 800 series.
"I would like to try and bowl in the Arizona State Queens event next year, and see how that goes. I have been bowling since I was five. Getting a major win early in my career, is definitely a feather in my cap," the special education teacher at the Learning Foundation and Performing Arts school said. "There is so much more that I want to accomplish in the game of bowling."
And in addition to getting her first 300 game and 800 series, her goal is to take her game to the next level.
"I am hoping to be consistent enough to bowl on the PWBA Tour within the next five years," she said, on where she wants her game to be. "I realize I will have to take the game a little more seriously. Practice a lot more. And, work on the little issues and try to figure out what causes me to bowl a bad game when I do. If I am able to figure this out, there is no reason why I can't get to the next level."
We have no doubts that she can get to the next level either.
Mesa Metro Bowling News - April 25, 2017