
For those
that did not know Mike Light Jr - Here is a short profile borrowed
from the Central Bowlers Alliance, written in 2001...
Mike Light Jr., CBA President, 1970 - 2001
On July 12th, the CBA, and Minnesota Bowling, lost one of its best
friends. Mike "Switch" Light Jr., CBA President since 1998, died of
cancer at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. He was just 31
years old.
Mike distinguished himself as
both a competitor and leader in the CBA. As a young bowler, he quickly
established himself as a player to be reckoned with. He won his first
CBA title in August 1991 at Valley Creek Lanes at the age of 21 and
was an all-star at 24 years old. He went on to win three CBA titles.
One time, Mike in fact won too much money. His first place check for
$2200 at the 1996 Year End tournament is still a CBA record. The CBA
restructured the Year End prize list after that because members
thought that was too much money for one guy.
Mike was also a key member of the highly successful Linds Tournament
Team.
Mike's positive attitude and
willingness to contribute will have a lasting impact on bowling in
Minnesota. As a board member and then President of the CBA, he was an
inexhaustible source of ideas. He always put the best interest of the
organization and the sport first. Mike was one of those invaluable
people who followed through and got things done.
Perhaps his most significant legacy to the bowling community will be
the CBA/MJBT Baker Doubles Tournament. For the past several years Mike
was the driving force behind the tournament, convincing dozens of
Minnesota's top adult bowlers to donate their time to compete with
their junior counterparts. So far the tournament has resulted in CBA
contributions of over $5000 to junior bowling scholarships. Look for
the event to from now be named the Mike Light Jr. CBA/MJBT Doubles
Tournament.
The CBA membership extends
its condolences and best wishes to Mike's family. Many thanks to
Mike's dad, Mike Sr.; who was ever patient with Mike's bowling friends
and their frequent inquiries. Since Mike was diagnosed in January,
Mike Sr. and his family were extremely gracious to the many bowling
friends who came to see Mike during his last days.
Mike leaving us makes the CBA that much poorer, but his life among us
has left the CBA, bowling and those who loved him much, much richer.
Switch, you were one of the good guys. Thanks for everything.