CaliforniaBowlingNews.com by Fred Eisenhammer
WINNETKA – Incredulous. That was the initial reaction of San Mitchell after learning she had been named a Greater Los Angeles County United States Bowling Congress Hall-of-Famer in the superior performance category. “I never really expected this,” beamed San, holding her Hall-of-Fame certificate during festivities at the USBC luncheon at the Best Western Motor Inn in Winnetka. “Even when I got the call about this, I thought it was a scam,” said a smiling San, before adding, “But sure enough, here I am. I never saw it coming.” Those who have been privileged to watch San bowl had a different reaction than the Hall-of-Fame honoree: Deserving. For instance, this is what elite bowler Craig Kisro had to say about San’s honor. Craig, incidentally, anchors San’s team in Winnetka Bowl’s Mixed Classic Handicap League: “While I have heard of Santana for decades, I never met her or crossed paths until we bowled on the same team right after Covid. In all of my years of bowling, I don’t know if I’ve ever had a teammate that is so easy to bowl with,” Craig said. “When she gets on the approach, she knows exactly what she wants to do. Her adjustments are simple old school, making changes in her line, speed or hand position. “Since I follow behind her in the lineup, this makes it easier for me to see how the lanes are transitioning. I am very happy for her to receive this recognition and looking forward to being her teammate in the years going forward.” Top bowler Russell Booth had another way to describe San: “She’s terrific,” he said simply. Russell said the two of them became friends in the 1970s when he spied her bowling at Corbin Bowl in Tarzana. “Santana was throwing the ball very well. Not a lot of women could throw the ball the way she could,” Russell added. What makes San such a strong bowler? “Her determination,” Russell said flatly. Karl Kurtz, a prolific bowler who bowls with San in the Mixed Classic Handicap League, said what’s impressive about San is that she “doesn’t miss her mark and is very accurate. She’s been a consistent 200 bowler after so many years.” San crushed her first 300 in her mid-30s in 1995 at now-defunct Mission Hills Bowl. Her reaction: “I was just stunned. Everyone was cheering me on and I just had a good time.” San’s good times were just getting started. A Winnetka resident, San popped two more perfect games in quick succession in 2009 and 2010 at Corbin Bowl. Her fourth and latest 300 came at Winnetka Bowl in 2016. One of San’s most notable highlights came in 1977 when she outclassed a talented field to win the women’s handicap division of the Grant Classic at now-defunct Encino Bowl. The annual event was named after the center’s co-owner, Harry Grant, and typically included many powerful bowlers, including professionals. The Grant Classic was renowned for its monster jackpot for the winners. The payoff certainly made an impression on San. “I was happy with it,” she said, laughing. “That’s for sure.” San, 65, smashed one of her top series – a 745 in February – at Winnetka Bowl, but she said she’s not sure she’s peaking. She said she’s still in pursuit of her first 800. She’s rolled a 777 and several 700s. San, who works full time as a legal assistant, credits Shel Hippo for being one of the biggest influencers in her life. The late Hippo has been San’s only coach and worked with her for close to 10 years. “He taught me how to bowl,” she said. “He got me to better myself. I owe everything to him for what I know about bowling.” San is competing nowadays in two leagues a week. At one point in her career, she took part in four leagues. A right-hander with a deft touch, San said she loves bowling in leagues and “everything” about it. “I like meeting the people, bowling well with the people, striking, setting goals and accomplishing them . . . ’’ Then she stopped and emphasized another reason for her love of the sport: Camaraderie. “Just being with the bowlers,” she said. Also named as a Greater L.A. County USBC Hall-of-Famer was Rusty Bryant. The pro-shop supervisor at Winnetka Bowl joined San in the superior performance category. Andre Eubanks, the president of the USBC chapter, said Rusty’s selection was particularly impressive because Rusty had previously been selected as a Hall-of-Famer in the meritorious service category. That honor was bestowed on Rusty in 1998. Rusty became the first person to receive Greater L.A. County USBC recognition in both Hall-of-Fame categories. Rusty, still pouring out the strikes with a 221 average in the Mixed Classic Handicap league, has accumulated a stunning 80 perfect games and 38 800s. Rusty, 77, notched his 80th 300 this year. Rusty also is celebrated for his coaching prowess. His folksy style and easy-to-grasp tips have allowed him to hold more than 1,000 coaching sessions in his nearly four decades of tutoring. His students travel from as far away as Lancaster, Santa Monica and Oxnard to hear his words of wisdom. San and Rusty join a select group of bowlers who have previously been named to the Greater L.A. County USBC Hall of Fame in the superior performance category. Those luminaries include Jim Harvey (2020), Brian Alpert (2019), Charles Kenny (2019), Tim Tripp (2017), Eric Forkel (2002), Michelle Silver (2000), Barry Gurney (1993), Glen Allison (1992), Tish Johnson (1990) and Robin Romeo (1987). The Greater L.A. County USBC also handed out Hall-of-Fame meritorious service certificates to Jo Ann McIntyre and Roxanne Leigh. Ashley Soto, a Simi Valley High student, received a $500 scholarship award.