Story by Taylor Inman, Staff writer

Alpha Omicron Pi’s Strikeout Arthritis Bowling Tournament will make its return to a newly reopened Corvette Lanes, helping raise money to benefit the Arthritis Research.

The tournament, which has been held as a softball tournament for the past two years, will be back at the bowling alley, where it was originally held before the renovations.

The event is important to Alli Friedline, junior from Johnston City, Illinois, and Alpha Omicron Pi’s philanthropy chair, for more than just her love of bowling.

“When I came in as a freshman, my first Strikeout meant a lot to my chapter, because we had a sister that had passed away during the last Strikeout,” Friedline said. “Now this year the seniors are the last group who knew her, and we’re going to do this Strikeout in her honor again.”

Friedline was referring to Shelby Theiss, who died  at 20 years old in a car accident in 2013.

“She just left a big legacy on our chapter and we always think of her during Strikeout,” Friedline said. “So I think that’s why it’s my favorite event, because it means a little more to my chapter now.”

Friedline also spent extra time organizing a Grab-a-Date to raise money to rent the bowling alley. The Grab-a-Date invited girls to come to a movie screening in the Curris Center with a date, where they would buy the tickets. Their dates would bring $5 so the girls could buy their favorite candy.

“It can be stressful. Right now I eat, sleep and breathe philanthropy,” Friedline said. “But I know once I send off that check to donate, we’re making a difference and it will be worth it.”

Corvette Lanes’ event coordinator, Dory Chambers, said this will be the biggest turnout since the re-opening.

“We’re already booking parties. We’ve had a couple of fraternity groups come in too,” Chambers said. “But Strikeout Arthritis will be the biggest event so far. They’re occupying 10 of our 18 lanes.”

Corvette Lanes, which originally opened in the 1960s, closed down in 2013 for renovation. Some of the lanes were 50 years old. Now, the bowling alley has a new look, including the renovated bowling alley and an arcade.

“I think people are excited about the newness of it,” Chambers said.

Chambers said Corvette Lanes is looking forward to bringing more groups of people in to see their potential as a venue.

“We try to utilize the business aspect of it,” Chambers said. “We’re trying to help the community and university. Let students see the potential of it.”

Strikeout Arthritis will be the first event Alli Friedline will host as philanthropy chair of her sorority.

“This will be the last office I hold here,” Friedline said.  “But I’m happy I chose to do this one. I think I will go out with it in a good way.”