Linda Hild

Linda Hild began bowling in 1965, beginning her career in the junior league at Northway Lanes.  Her inspiration?  Her father, who was a very competitive man - he pushed Linda, and she always strived to beat him.  Eventually she was able to, and her talent and love for the game showed.

Now, 44 years later, Linda is recognized as one of the better bowlers in the Muskegon area.  Her first true taste of success came in 1975, when she captured the All-Events title on the last weekend of the Michigan Women’s Bowling Tournament, a moment Linda considers her proudest in bowling.  Her score?  2103 with handicap, not bad at all.  She was only just getting started.

In 1984, she took the All-Events crown in the Michigan State 600 Club Tournament, and followed it up 6 years later in 1990, winning the Muskegon 600 Club Singles Tournament.

Linda’s crowning achievement came in 1994, at the National 600 Club Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Linda fired a 719, her first 700 (not a bad time for that to happen), and claimed the national crown. 

In 2001, she and her brother, Mike, took to the lanes for the 2001 Seniors Mix and Match Doubles Tournament in Muskegon.  Linda broke the 700 plateau once again with a 706.  Just two years ago, Linda shot her highest series to date with a 742.  In all, she has “at least” twelve 700 series to her credit and “too many 600s to count.”  Her career high average is 206, and her highest game stands tall at 288.

Perhaps the most unusual (but impressive) accomplishment Linda has is a stepladder series.  Why is that so out of the ordinary?  Stepladders aren’t all that uncommon, right?  Well, considering it was with games of 248-247-246 (a 741 series), you get the idea. 

The Muskegon City Tournament has seen Linda at the top of its leader board many times.  She has been a part of 8 doubles championships with her long-time bowling partner Mary Daymon.  She’s been on 9 teams that have claimed titles.  She’s also claimed a singles title. 

Linda’s consistency on the lanes earned her a spot on the Muskegon Women’s All City Team for six years running from 1998 to 2003.  She’s been a member of the National 600 Club since 1975 and Les Dames de 700 Club since 1994. 

The state tournament has had Linda as a participant for 20+ times, and the national tournament has seen her bowl 18 times. 

It isn’t all lane performance for Linda, either.  She’s been the treasurer for the local Muskegon 600 Club for 13 years, and has been the secretary/treasurer numerous times in the many leagues she’s been in over the years.

Linda’s spot has been reserved for quite some time, and now she’s here to claim it.  Congratulations, Linda!