Bowling: Bedsaul leaves his mark

By Debby Slusser, Special to the Journal | Friday, November 16, 2007

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RAPID CITY — The Rapid City Bowling Association said goodbye this week to a man who will be greatly missed. That man is Clare “Doc” Bedsaul. 

Doc was a fixture in the bowling centers as well as the men’s bowling association. When I decided to write an article on this man and his accomplishments, I realized that aside from saying hello, and seeing him bowl, I really did not know anything about Doc. I asked Shawn Nielsen to assist, and he received information from the Hall of Fame submission from 1993. 

Dick Cassem, the secretary of the Rapid City men’s bowling association who submitted Doc’s name, said Doc was a member of the Rapid City Association for the past 10 years. He served at several levels in the association and other bowling duties during that time. He was very active in state tournaments, men’s, mixed doubles and seniors leagues.

He contributed much in the matters of bowling for the paper both locally and at the state level. He actively promoted results from the tournaments and wrote articles for all to read.

Doc began bowling during the 1961-62 season in Korea, where he was stationed with the United State Army. He bowled in at least one league every year since that time, with the exception of attending college in 1962–63 and in 1973–74 while he was in Vietnam. He bowled two seasons in Tehran, Iran, with Iranian boys setting up pins. While he was in Fort Sill, his team won the Oklahoma state team championship in 1973. He continued to bowl tournaments every year since.  

In 1974, he came to South Dakota as the Army adviser to the South Dakota National Guard in Pierre. He began working with the youth bowling program there. He coached beginning bowlers for six years, was president of the Junior Association, and coached the Pierre High School traveling team that bowled throughout the Eastern South Dakota conference. He was also on the Pierre Board of Directors.

Upon moving to Rapid City, he coached the Stevens High School league, served as a member of the Rapid City Men’s Association board of directors and had been the chairman of the Junior Scholarship committee. He also was the publicity director, submitting a weekly bowling column to the Rapid City Journal outlining bowling activities in the Rapid City bowling area. 

His bowling accomplishments include one 300 game, one 299 game and an 11–in-a-row award. He averaged between 195 and 206, bowling in two or three leagues a week. 

Doc was the recipient of the State Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Rapid City Hall of Fame in 2001 for Meritorious Service and Bowling Ability. In 1996-97 he was awarded the RCBA Secretary award.

And so on this day, we say a fond farewell to Doc Bedsaul. He was indeed a great man who set the standard high for service work as well as bowling ability. He will be missed.

Mike Kruse Jr. wins CMN tournament

RAPID CITY — The 10th annual Children’s Miracle Network Scratch Classic bowling tournament concluded Sunday at Meadowood Lanes with Mike Kruse Jr. of Vermillion walking away with first-place honors.

Kruse Jr. defeated tournament leader Forrest Blanton of Rapid City 246–226 in the championship match.

The tournament was conducted over two days, with 67 entries, bowling 10 games of qualifying on Saturday and the top 24 advancing to match play Sunday. After 12 games of match play, the top five advanced to the step ladder finals.

It is estimated that the tournament raised over $3,500 this year for CMN.

USBC Scholarship tournament

RAPID CITY — The Rapid City USBC Scholarship tournament will be at Robbinsdale Lanes starting at noon on Nov. 18.

This tournament is open to all USBC youth bowlers. There will be two divisions, scratch or handicap. There will be added scholarship money. 

Entries are at the bowling houses and will close at 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 18. Format is a six-game qualifier across six lanes. The top five bowlers in each division will advance to a stair step final. The entry fee is $25.

Contact your bowling coach for details.