BREAKING INTO THE SCENE

Marion Ladewig shook hands with a fellow bowler during an outing in 1948. By this time, the Grand Rapids roller participated in four local leagues and played six games a day, steadily garnering attention from state and regional press. Ladewig made a bigger splash the following year by winning the first-ever women’s All-Star Bowling Tournament title. She recorded a 198 average in the 1948-49 season, leading all women nationally. From then on, Ladewig was recognized as one of the top bowlers in the country.