WOMEN’S BOWLING : Duggan Set to Defend Open Title

Much of the year, national bowling champion Ann Marie Duggan is behind the wheel of a 33-foot motor home towing a four-wheeler.

Duggan, who grew up in La Habra, travels with her husband and coach, Pat. “He’s in the driver’s seat more times than not,” she said.

The motor home and truck have room for all 30 of Duggan’s bowling balls, along with other bowling paraphernalia and the necessities for daily living.

The vehicles are parked at Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley along with other motor coaches belonging to the road travelers of women’s bowling. It was at Fountain Bowl nearly a year ago that Duggan scored an upset victory in the United States Open. This year’s tournament will begin at 9 a.m. today.

The $100,000 event, staged by the Bowling Proprietors Assn. of America, is one of bowling’s longest individual competitions. It will take the winner 60 games over six days to earn $40,000.

The field of 192 consists of 90 professionals and 102 amateurs. In bowling, amateurs can collect unlimited prize money, but cannot bowl for a living as a playing member of a pro bowling organization.

Among the contending pros is bowler of the year Leanne Barrette, the Oklahoman who last year ran away from the field to lead by a tournament record 437 pins only to lose in the 60th game to Duggan.

Can the La Palma Kennedy High graduate repeat?

“I’d not predict that,” Duggan said. “I’ll just do as Pat says, stay loose and keep focused on my bowling. Concentrate on execution and not scoring.”