Bowlers Journal International - November 2008 - (Page 21) Inside Line News, Notes And Perspective THE WORLD’S OLDEST Ziggy Zeigler still gets the job done at age 88. THERE’S A GOOD CHANCE PINCHASER? that when you throw that first ball of your next league session, there will be a youngster standing by, ready to jump into action at any hint of machine trouble. But for those who bowl at Colonial Lanes in New Castle, Pa., that “youngster” may be pushing 90. Walter Zeigler is believed to be the world’s oldest pinchaser, and his boss says he’s one of the best. Zeigler, who recently celebrated his 88th birth- “It is a little harder to climb on a machine than it was 10 years ago,” he laughs. But he gets it done — and then some. He’s also one of the center’s janitors, “the king of the bathrooms,” says Michalojko. Zeigler begins each of his two weekly shifts with a little pep talk — directed at the machines. “I give ’em a good talking to before we start.” He then sits down, awaiting the occasional call. “I like the fact that I’m “I GIVE THE MACHINES A GOOD TALKING TO BEFORE WE START. I LIKE THE FACT THAT I’M MY OWN BOSS BACK THERE.” Zeigler is always ready to spring into action — a trait owner Bob Michalojko values: “You don’t have to tell him what to do.” day, has been fixing those little glitches during winter leagues since 1990. “I wish kids today had his work ethic,” says Colonial proprietor Bob Michalojko of his star employee. “You don’t have to tell him what to do.” The bowlers call the octogenarian “Curly” (because of his bald head) or “Ziggy.” What they don’t call him is slow. my own boss back there.” A widower for the last several years, he doesn’t work summers, preferring to spend his time growing some of western Pennsylvania’s best peppers and cucumbers. But when league season fires up, Colonial Lanes can count on Curly Zeigler to answer the bell. — Dennis Bergendorf Some customers at Colonial Lanes call Walter Zeigler “Curly,” but he more often answers to another nickname: “Ziggy.” www.bowlersjournal.com November 2008 | Bowlers Journal International 21 http://www.bowlersjournal.com
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