The Indiana Fever hosted their annual bowling tournament Thursday evening at Pinheads in Fishers. It’s one of those annual events where the entire team — coaches, players, staffers — comes together off the court to interact with sponsors, fans, and hoop junkies.
The tournament serves as the primary fundraiser for the Be YOUnique Fund, a fund part of the Pacers Foundation that assists organizations that serve young women and girls.
11 strikes in a row for Catlin…
In addition to the bowling, there is plenty of pizza and dozens of silent auction items to indulge in. Among the items there: a Tamika Catchings autograph jersey, a David West autograph jersey with Klipsch headphones, a gift package from Sun King Brewery, and a 20-person suite to any Pacers game. Last year’s tournament earned nearly $15,000.
This is an event I make each summer — and not just for an excuse to bowl. It’s always a great atmosphere, competitive yet also fun.
Next to my team in lane 29 was Vance Catlin, who by day is the Pacers pro scout. He stole the show with his first of two games. He bowled a personal record 268, including 10 straight strikes. (He bowled 11 counting his first frame of Game 2.) Catlin, with a road-heavy job plus twin girls doesn’t get much time to bowl anymore but he, too, is a regular at this event.
Each time he stepped up to bowl after about his fifth consecutive strike, everyone nearby paused what they were doing to cheer him on.
It’s all in the release and hop for Catlin!
It was a great moment at an event intended to be a good time and raise money for a great cause.
Proud to win @IndianaFever Bowling Gala with Citizens Energy Group! Coach @swhitej2 gave us the goods! pic.twitter.com/PI74fRVKuw
— Eddie White (@eddiewhite3) July 31, 2015
.@BriannJanuary: "That's why I play basketball!" #FeverBowling pic.twitter.com/kItcJhFNNf
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 31, 2015