Hundreds participate in inaugural Corey Brown Tournament
From rolling perfect scores of 300s to 298 to 108, more than 280 bowlers of all skill levels participated in the Corey Brown Memorial Scholarship Tournament Saturday and Sunday at Wayward Social.
The tournament was held to raise money to establish a memorial scholarship in Brown’s name.
“The scholarship will be open to a high school or college student,” said Jessica Bebhke, who was helping sell T-shirts and raffle tickets with Tom Anderson.
Organizer and avid bowler Tony Fann of Marshalltown was fighting back tears in talking about how the event was supported.
“It has been a great turnout,” he said. “The United States Bowling Congress is thrilled, and Wayward Social has offered strong support. Hopefully, this will be an annual event. Marshalltown comes together when someone is hurting, be it the tornado recovery or Brown family.”
Brown, 13, of Marshalltown, died tragically from a fall in January 2019.
Brown started bowling at age 6, and was looking forward to being on the Marshalltown High School bowling team with brother Sam but his dream was cut short.
Regardless, Sam and dozens of others rolled up their sleeves during the weekend and got the job done.
Sam, along with Kyle Opperman, bowled perfect 300 Saturday games
Sam and Corey’s dad Craig Brown was two pins shy with a 298 shortly after the tournament began Sunday.
His wife and Corey’s mother — Michelle Brown –was cheering him on.
The two 300s cost sponsor Marty Mitchell of Mitchell Family Funeral Home $600.
“Marty, bless his heart, put up a $300 prize for anyone who bowled a 300,” Fann said. “The first $300 went to Opperman. Mitchell put up a second $300 prize later for Sam Brown.”
Craig and Michelle were ecstatic with the event.
“This has been a lot of fun,” Michelle said. “We appreciate everyone coming out … once again celebrating Corey.”
The bowling tournament was but one of several events held to memorialize Corey since his death.
In August, Marshalltown area runners and walkers participated in the Corey Brown Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk. Proceeds went to the Marshalltown High School athletic department for purchase of track and cross-country team uniforms.
Also in August, Brown was honored when two benches were dedicated in his honor at Miller Middle School.
Brown was in eighth grade at Miller where he was a popular student and athlete known for his bright smile and love of animals.
“There has been a lot of love here at Wayward Social Saturday and Sunday,” Bebhke said.
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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com