by Alan Emmons, Regional Director
Central Plains Region Update
I hope you are all staying warm with the winter weather that has blasted nearly every corner of our region. While the temperatures outside have been frigid, the activity across the Central Plains has remained strong and steady.
Tournament Highlights Around the Region
Our tournament season continues to reflect the strength and engagement of the Central Plains region. Big D sold out this year without the need for a second shift. Show Me welcomed over 100 bowlers during Labor Day weekend, while Texas Super Slam, held in late September, hosted nearly 140 bowlers. HIT followed with another sold-out event in November with 164 bowlers.
Just a few weeks ago, ACT wrapped up an outstanding tournament, hosting an impressive 272 bowlers. We were fortunate to dodge the major winter storm that swept through shortly afterward, allowing everyone to travel safely home.
Looking ahead, TROT is up next in just a few weeks and has already sold out. We are also excited to welcome the Rainbow Classic Invitational as a new addition to the IGBO tournament circuit, with their introductory event scheduled for the last weekend of March. They are an invitational tournament, so be sure to reach out to the tournament committee prior to registering. Shortly after that, OKClassic will take place during the second week of April. They are already half full, so if you haven’t registered, do it soon.
After a brief pause, tournament action resumes with SHIFTID over the Fourth of July weekend, followed by MAKIT just two weeks later. With ten tournaments in our region, the Central Plains continues to set the bar for participation and engagement.
In addition to hosting a successful event, HIT was also able to provide $5,500 in charitable donations to organizations within their community — an outstanding accomplishment.
Many tournaments across the region host a variety of fundraising initiatives, including 9-Pin No-Tap events and football squares. Be sure to follow the Central Plains Facebook page to stay connected and learn how you can get involved.
From St. Louis
Night Moaners, a small but mighty trios league in St. Louis, recently held a toy drive benefiting the United Way of Greater Saint Louis’ Hundred Neediest Cases. The photo provided shows the impressive collection brought into Tropicana Lanes, their bowling home.
A special thank-you goes to Nathan S., a league bowler and general manager of a local CVS, who surprised the league with a generous toy donation from his store.
Kansas City Update
The Kansas City team is off to a great start with fundraising efforts for IGBO Annual 2027, and we hope to see many of you at upcoming tournaments. Stay tuned for updates on where the co-directors will be traveling next as they continue supporting fundraising initiatives.
IGBO Gives Back – Food Drive
Thank you to all the leagues that participated in the IGBO Gives Back Food Drive. Seeing so many leagues step up to support their local communities truly highlights the spirit of IGBO.
- Friday Night Club – Kansas City
- Friday Night GBL – Kansas City
- Jan’s Rainbow League – San Antonio
- LAMBDA – Dallas
- Storm OLBA – Dallas
- TCPride Bowlers – Minneapolis
- Tuesday Twisters – Oklahoma City
- Wednesday Rainbow League – Minneapolis
You can find a link to the leagues that participated and the efforts the contributed as well as pictures at this link: IGBO Gives Back
Be on the lookout for new opportunities to give back throughout the year.
Honor Scores Within the Region
- Chris Walker – 300 games and 802 series at Show Me (8/30/2025)
- Davon Hill – 300 game, Tuesday Twisters (10/14/2025)
- John Hayward-Vidales – Jan’s Rainbow League (11/5/2025)
- Dustin Pyatte – 300 game at HIT (11/8/2025)
- Greg Fein – 300 game, Tuesday Twisters (11/11/2025)
- Jovan Ebalaroza-Flores – 833 series, Jan’s Rainbow League (11/12/2025)
- Scott Young – 815 series, Headpins League (11/23/2025)
- Eddie Henault – 300 game, Tuesday Twisters (1/13/2026)
- Corey Johnson – 300 game at ACT (1/16/2026)
If you achieve a new personal best — whether it’s an honor score or not — I would love to share it in a future update. Feel free to reach out to me at cplains.region@igbo.org.
It continues to be an honor to serve as your Central Plains Regional Director. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming tournaments — safe travels, and I’ll see you on the lanes!
