MIC co-chairs Bruce Van Dike and Mike Odom
DETROIT –
Who knew bowling could be so glamorous?
The Motown Invitational Classic Bowling Tournament celebrated its 25th anniversary Oct. 8-10, capping off the three day event with a spectacular banquet at MotorCity Casino's Sound Board Theatre.
"This hotel is stunning," said Al Norman, a Columbus, Ohio-based bowler with a 214 average who stayed at MotorCity Casino Hotel along with about 150 out-of-towners.
The tournament attracted almost 300 bowlers from all over the Midwest.
"The tournament was very well run, and we really enjoyed our stay in Detroit," said Norman's partner of over 25 years, Mike Spondike (BA 158).
Kim Morrison (BA 109), also from Columbus, said the best part of the weekend was seeing the casino. "I've never been to a casino before," she shared, "and I was really blown away."
The MotorCity Casino Hotel rolled out the rainbow carpet for the MIC Tournament – quite literally. They created a rainbow light show that ran all weekend on the outside of the 11-story hotel property.
"I loved the hotel, and I stayed here and gambled – probably too much," laughed Alan Green from Warren (BA 189), whose real name was withheld by request. "I especially loved the rainbow lighting surrounding the hotel property – it is just so cool."
Green said he feels it would be unsafe for him to be out at his work and appreciated the rare chance to be totally out in a public setting.
Mike Weber (BA 202) and Karl Schaffer have bowled in one of the area's LGBT leagues since 1996, and they've been partners for over 20 years. Weber said the best part of the tournament was to be able to bowl with their friends. "It's just nice to relax, have fun and bowl with these folks."
Brain Nelson, executive host at MotorCity Casino and an MIC bowler, was the primary liaison between the tournament organizers and MotorCity. "It is wonderful for me to bring my two worlds together like this – to welcome my gay bowling friends into my workplace," he said. "MotorCity Casino is totally gay-friendly, and management has been completely supportive of me as I've tried to make this weekend really special for the MIC Tournament."
Sunday night's banquet utilized all the high-tech sound and light systems that Sound Board has to offer for a program that featured bowling trophies, cash prizes, drag queens and a standing ovation for retiring tournament directors Mike Odom and Bruce Van Dike. The consensus among the attendees was that the venue, banquet, entertainment and event was spectacular.
Added Columbus-based bowler Bill Gerstmeyer (BA 228), "I can't wait to come back to Detroit next year."
