LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Guppy Troup, who bowled in Daytona Beach leagues during the 80s and early 90s, was flying high here during the PBA Senior Orleans Casino Open.
The colorful bowler had on a pair of his notorious zany bowling pants and was amusing the spectators with his unorthodox style and comments en route to a 59th-place finish and $805 check.
More important, the eight-time PBA champion was entertaining one of his lane mates—Mike Conway, who was bowling in his first pro tournament.
"It was fun crossing with a tour veteran like Guppy," said Conway.
Troup said the same thing about his new bowling friend, who just happens to be chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer for the new National Airlines, which features a fleet of 757s providing daily nonstop service from eight cities to Las Vegas.
Conway, who came into the tournament with a 208 league average but exited with a 188 average on the tough PBA lane conditioning, was so impressed with Guppy that he gave him two free airline tickets to Las Vegas—on National Airlines to be sure.
Conway enjoyed the experience so much he went out and joined the Professional Bowlers Association and hopes to bowl again during the summer swing through Florida.
"Mike is very enthusiastic about bowling and promoting the game," said Mark Gerberich, commissioner of the PBA. "It is great to have a CEO who likes the sport of bowling. Hopefully, he can lend leverage with some of his many business contacts."
Presently, National's only air service to Florida is two daily nonstop flights to Miami.
I asked him if he would consider adding one to Daytona Beach. Conway smiled and said they would consider anything if the market was there.
If Conway decided to add a National flight (they have 15 planes) out of Daytona Beach, it would become an early Christmas present for Volusia County's 6,000-plus bowlers since Las Vegas has become, without question, the bowling capital of the world.
Currently, there are seven hotels/casinos that feature giant bowling centers with more under construction.
Dick Evans is a member of the ABC and PBA Halls of Fame.