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| Newsroom > Andrews to represent Kentucky in bowling nationals |
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Andrews to represent Kentucky in bowling nationals
February 12, 2010
By Denis House
Sports Editor
When
Billy Andrews was 14 years old, growing up just a stones throw from
Rutgers University in New Township, N.J., his long odyssey with the
sport of bowling began.
His best friend was Scott Huff, and
Huff’s dad just happened to own the local bowling center, a small,
14-lane alley. Andrews and Huff were given part-time jobs as pin
setters, and of course, all the free bowling they wanted.
It was
at that lane where Andrews first grew to love bowling, and its been a
long, sometimes hard journey, but one that has paid off in kind, as
Andrews captured the D Division in the Seniors Tournament at Galaxy
Lanes in Richmond this past weekend, which means him and three other
Kentucky bowlers will represent the commonwealth in the national
tournament in Reno, Nev. in June.
“I’m on cloud nine right now,” Andrews said. “I guess all that free bowling when I was a kid has worked out well for me.”
Andrews
has been bowling for 44 years, though not consecutive years, and in
fact, got away from the sport a few years ago. Over the course of those
44 years, Andrews was a musician in the Navy, and worked in the
trucking business. In fact, it was the trucking business that brought
him to London in 1996.
“While working for Schneider Trucking, I
signed a seven-year contract with them to train local truckers,”
Andrews said. “I went to Green Bay, and I was told they needed four
trainers for a seven-year contract, to help train the drivers at the
Wal-Mart DC that was opening in London. They offered me a nice bonus, a
relocation package, and it was too good to pass up.”
Andrews
said he did some research on the area, found out the cost of living was
very reasonable compared to the rest of the country, and decided to
take the offer.
And once his contract was up, he liked the area
so much he and his wife decided to stay in London. But the stress of
the trucking business almost cost him his life, as he had four heart
attacks in three years. Finally, his doctor off him out of the work
force for health reasons.
All the while, he didn’t even realize
London or Corbin had a bowling alley, until one day he was driving on
18th Street in Corbin and saw Forest Lanes. From there, he found out
about Levi Lanes, and has been bowling at both centers ever since.
“I
do it now because I have health issues,” Andrews said. “Bowling helps
me maintain good health. I bowl in four leagues a week, and in
tournaments on the weekends. I started this two years ago, but it has
taken me about a year to get my form back. And the doctor felt it was
good exercise for me.” At one time, Andrews carried a 190 average in
his younger days.
Those younger days included being trained by
Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia. In fact, Andrews still has an
autographed Petraglia Brunswick ball that he uses, one that has been
with him for 40 years.
“It still comes through for me,” Andrews said of the ball.
When
he’s not bowling, he’s part owner of Lap of Luxury Limousines, along
with Virginia Harris. And he went to the Richmond tournament on a whim,
without pre-registering. But he was allowed to participate, and came
home with the title. For the six games, he averaged 220 with handicap.
“Now
I’m really feeling great,” Andrews said. “It seems like things are
coming in focus for me on the lanes.” He said he averages 20-30 games a
week, and right now carries a 172 average in league play.
And he owes all his success to his strong religious beliefs.
“God
has been good to me,” Andrews said. “And I get a lot of support from
people I bowl with. My wife is looking forward to the trip to Reno.
I’ve had some success winning local tournaments, and I hope to do just
as well in Reno.”
Denis House can be reached at sports@sentinel-echo.com.
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