Fulton County Ohio Media

During this past winter, the Swanton Sports Center (SSC), Fulton County’s only bowling center, entered into a joint venture with Delta resident and avid bowler Jerry Donaldson, to construct and operate a Pro Shop inside the SSC adjacent to the concourse on the southeast side of the building.  The new shop is now open and is selling bowling balls, shoes, bags and various bowling related items and also offers drilling services for newly purchased balls or balls that require modification.  Mr. Donaldson, who also donates his time to serve as one of Delta High School’s bowling coaches, had been in discussions with SSC ownership regarding the viability of a pro shop for several years, ever since the Panthers Bowling program signed on to use the SSC as their home bowling center.

“We have quite a few leagues now plus two or three high school teams in here every year.  The kids and the adult league bowlers have to go to Southwyck (Maumee) or Juggs (Toledo) or Napoleon for pro shop service,” he said, explaining why the time was right to go ahead with the project.  Currently, the SSC hosts four different leagues with a fifth league to begin next Fall, along with high school teams from Swanton and Delta for practices and NWOAL matches.  Open bowling times generally experience high demand and casual bowlers will also be able to take advantage of Mr. Donaldson’s services. 

Jerry, who has a high degree of knowledge within the bowling industry and has rolled six perfect 300 games in his career, bowls in three of the SSC’s leagues and can often be found there on many “off” nights as well.  “I bowl enough and I’ve spent enough money so I know what it costs.  So, if I can help people out with a good deal when they stop in here and make things right, it all works,” he explained.  Mr. Donaldson, a Delta High School alum, bowled in a high school league in Swanton when it was then known as KC Lanes.  He has coached the Panthers along with Dave Kina since 2010 when his children first joined the team. 

The SSC is only 11 minutes from his home in Delta and just five minutes his job at Tri-County Block and Brick in Swanton so he has just a short distance to travel to meet clients when he is not there.  The new shop plans to maintain a small inventory and has items on display and will place orders on-line with very short delivery times of 2-3 business days.  Appointments can be made by calling or texting Jerry at 419-583-7427.  You can also call the Swanton Sports Center during business hours at 419-402-4102 or leave a message when they are closed.  The SSC is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and opens at 4:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday.  Please check the SSC Facebook page as hours and availability are subject to change.