Neva Smith began her bowling career in 1962 when she joined a beginner’s class at Ribaut Lanes in Beaufort. With the completion of this, she joined her first league, the Women’s Civic League, and finished her first league with a 141 average.
From there, Neva continued in the same league as well as joining several other leagues. In all, she has won three league high series awards and ten league championship awards.
Mrs. Smith began participating in the Beaufort WBA Championship Tournaments the same year she began bowling, having bowled in 20 consecutive tournaments. In these 20 years, Neva has been a member of the 1st place team four times and won the scratch All Events Championship.
In 1966, Neva entered the first SCWBA Championship Tournament and bowled in 15 consecutive tournaments since. In 1969, 1970 & 1971, Mrs. Smith was a member of the 1st place scratch team. In 1970, her team also won the handicap championship. In 1972, Neva and her partner won the doubles championship, both scratch and handicap. In 1978, Neva won the Singles Scratch Championship.
In 1971 Mrs. Smith became interested in the WIBC National Championship Tournament and traveled to Atlanta for her first appearance. Since then, she has participated in Kansas City, Miami and Tucson.
Other tournaments won by Neva include the Masters 225, the Tournament of Champions, the Beaufort Mixed Classic Tournament and the Lion’s Tournament.
During her 20 year career, Mrs. Smith’s high game is a 268, her highest series a 659 and highest average a 179.
Supporting Neva in all of her bowling endeavors is her husband, Med Smith, Jr. Since their marriage 30 years ago, Med and Neva’s family increased with four children and four grandchildren. Four of their family members are active bowlers today.
According to the Beaufort WBA Board of Directors – “Neva has been a very dedicated bowler, has always conducted herself in a ladylike manner, shown outstanding sportsmanship, and never failed to help encourage new bowlers.”
Welcome Neva to the SCWBA elite – the SCWBA Hall of Fame!
