The Nine to Twelve (9 to 12) Bowling League will begin season thirty-three at River Rand Bowl in Des Plaines on Saturday September 17, 2011. The longest running league at River Rand Bowl is also the longest running LGBT league in suburban Chicago.
From a modest six team league that began in 1979, Nine to Twelve Bowling steadily grew to fill the house occupying all 24 lanes. Nine to Twelve Bowling takes place on the third Saturday of the month from 9 pm to midnight. The league begins in September and continues through the championship round in May 2012.
Due to the success of the original, a second league was formed in 2004. Nine to Twelve (9 to 12) No Tap uses a slightly different format that results in higher scores, faster games and another showcase for bowlers of all levels. In the 9 pin no-tap format, a bowler who knocks down 9 or 10 pins on the first ball in credited with a strike. If a bowler knocks down fewer than 9 pins, the second ball is thrown and traditional scoring is used.
The Nine to Twelve No Tap League bowls on the first Saturday of the month from 9 pm to midnight at River Rand. League officers expect to have a full house of 24 teams when bowling begins on October 1, 2011. The No Tap league rolls on through May 2012 when champions will be named.
These two leagues provide a great setting for the most casual to more serious bowlers. While the focus is always on having fun, competitive bowlers challenge themselves and their teams to win their matches. Along the way, many friendships (and a few relationships) have developed through participation in the league. And for those who are a bit shy on the commitment side - bowling once a month will not tie you down.
Substitute bowlers are always welcome and many subs have become regular bowlers after visiting the leagues. Both leagues have a wide mix of participants including many GLBT bowlers.Persons who are interested in learning more about the 9 to 12 leagues can find information on Facebook at 9to12Bowling.
Both leagues return to action in the fall with the original league starting on Saturday September 17th and the No Tap starting on October 1st. Both leagues have a wide mix of participants including many GLBT bowlers.
Although expected to fill up, both leagues currently have space for singles, couples and teams of four. For league information, please contact the league secretary at 9to12bowling@comcast.net .
