Tri-County bowler, Vicki Montgomery began her illustrious career at an early age. She started in certified leagues at the age of 7 and started amassing her titles early by being named 1974 Ohio State Junior Bowling Association high average in the senior girls division. Vicki’s high average was a 210 and she carried a 200+ average for 15 years.

Vicki bowled in the Portage County-Akron area and both lo-cal tournaments. Her titles include 1983 Portage County Team, both Actual and Scratch, 1985 Portage County Singles and All Events, 1986 and 1993 Akron Team and Doubles Champions ;1986 Akron Queen’s and 1992 Canton Queen’s. On the state level Vicki was the first Ohio WBA Queens Champion in 1986 and the first repeat Queen’s Champion in 1990.

In 1987 Vicki joined the LPBT and was placed on the ballot as Rookie of the Year. Other championships are: Ohio La-dies Tournament Bowling Association, Amateur Bowling As-sociation , Central States Mixed Champion and Ohio Wom-en’s Inter City Doubles Actual. In the 1983 Peterson in Chi-cago, Vicki shot 1557 for 8 games, which was all time female high in 70 years.

Vicki was inducted into the Tri Cunty Hall of Fame in 1993, the Portage County Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. Tonight, she adds an-other Hall of Fame induction for her Superior Performances

Ivan Lanius began his bowling career in the 1961-62 bowling season in a sanctioned AJBC Junior Bowling League at Palace Recreation in Marion, Ohio.  His first sanctioned adult leagues were in 1966-67 at Southland Lanes and Plaza Lanes.

Ivan started attending local ABC meetings that same season and was soon appointed to the board of directors.  During his tenure on the board, he held various chairmanships at both Plaza Lanes and Southland.  By the spring of 1977, Ivan had been elevated to the position of 2^nd Vice President, at which time he was approached to fill the position of Secretary/Treasurer, which would soon be vacated due to a retirement.  Over the years, the position of Secretary/Treasurer transitioned in name to Association Manager, a position, which Ivan has now held for 42 years.  Ivan was elected a Life Member of the former Marion USBC, currently the North Central Ohio USBC association.  In 1998 Ivan was elected to the Marion Hall of Fame for Meritorious service.

In 1983, Ivan was elected Zone 4 director of the Ohio State Bowling Association and served in that capacity for 11 years.  1994 saw him elected as Vice President and 2000 he was elected President.  For his outstanding efforts, 1998 he received the Director of the Year award and in 2001 he was elected a Life Member of the Ohio State USBC Bowling Association.  Ivan was awarded both the Garrett Swartz Certificate of Recognition and the Gene Myers Association Manager of the Year award in 2020.

Louise ‘Lou” Molenaur bowled in the day when the old Brunswick black beauty was the ball of choice of serious bowlers.  She carried a 182 average, which was considered high in her era.  Her high game was a 279 and her high series was a 685. 

“Lou” was a tournament bowler and competed regularly in her local association, the Akron Women’s Bowling Association.  She was a member of five Team Championships, two Doubles Championships with Jo Stafniski in 1956 and with Rae Taylor in 1968.  In the 1949-50 Ohio Women’s Bowling Association Championship Tournament shot a 640 actual in singles and won the Handicap title with 706.  Lou and partner Jo Stafinski won the Doubles in the 1955 Central States Tournament and along wth partner Ruby Loy claimed the Doubles crown again in 1957.

 In 1949 she was named to the First Akron Women’s Bowling All-Star Team and held that spot for ten years.  She was named Bowler of the Year in the 1957-58 season.  Louise was inducted into the Summit County Hall of Fame in 1975, the Tri County Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Portage County Hall of Fame in 1988.

Tonight, Louise “Lou” Molenaur is being posthumously honored for her Superior Performances as a PIONEER in the sport we all love.

Clara “Fuzzy” Zaph is a well-known name in circles in the Gr. Cincinnati USBC area.  She was one of the top female bowlers during her era.  Her high average was a 190 and her high game was a 277, both amazing scores in her day.

Her winning ways began in her local association, where her record covers Team, Doubles, Singles and All Events titles.  Her team Championships number 7 from 1952 through 1973.  She was twice crowned Doubles Champion in 1961 and 1962 and her Singles title came in 1959 and her All Events title came in 1968.  All of her local titles were in the scratch category.

Clara was also a member of the Hudepohl Beer team that won back-to-back  Ohio WBA Championships in 1962 and 1963.

Clara competed in 23 WIBC Tournaments and was on the winning team in 1960 with Shirley Schroeder, Alice Gikey, Ruth Kemper and Betty Mills and again in 1968 with Shirley Schroeder, Alice Gilkey, Anita Vollmer and Betty Doll.

Clara has been recognized for her performances by being  elected into the Gr. Cincinnati USBC Hall of Fame and tonight, we posthumously induct her into the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame as one of Ohio’s Premier Pioneers.

Webster defines a PIONEER as one who originates or opens up a new line of thought or activity.  When we think of an Ohio Pioneer, the name of Hugh Stewart comes immediately to mind.  His name was on the very first ABC Hall of Fame ballot in 1941. The original ABC class consisted of 10 men and following that, 2 were to be honored each year thereafter. At that time Hugh had a total pinfall in the ABC National Tournament of 47,634 for 243 games; giving him an average of 196.1   Hugh won the 1932 All Events of the ABC with a score of 1980.  He bowled in a total of 42 National tournaments with a total pinfall of 71,905 for a lifetime average of 190.22

In `1932 Hugh bowled an exhibition match with Jimmy Smith, ABC Hall of Fame member many considered to be the greatest bowler of all time.  In the 10 game match, Hugh won: shooting 2196 to Smith’s 2108.

Hugh bowled in 30+ Gr. Cincinnati tournaments and was a member of the Championship Team in 1923; 1925; 1926 and 1939.  He captured the Doubles Championship in 1923 and 1928 and the All Events Title in 1913; 1915 and 1923.  Hugh was elected into the Gr. Cincinnati Hall of Fame in 1968.  Tonight, his name will be enshrined with the other Pioneers in the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame.

The name of Glenn P. Schmidt, Jr. is well known in in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area not only as a bowling proprietor but as a benefactor of local charities. Glenn first worked at the lanes and then began he ownership in 1967 at Glenn Schmidt Playtorium Bowling Lanes. His leagues return annually due to his personal contact with the bowlers.

Glenn has hosted numerous bowling tournaments including the “Bowl Down Cancer” event which was founded with the help of Lee Sabatelli and their format became so popular that the American Cancer Society asked Glenn and Lee to attend trade fairs to guide others on how to run the tournament.

Glenn has served the Greater Cincinnati BPA as President; the Ohio BPA as Treasurer in 2002 and he served 2 two-year terms as Kentucky State BPA President. He is currently BPA Northern Kentucky Bowling Association since its’ inception and Treasurer for the Kentucky BPA.

One of Glenn’s true loves is coaching and he has coached the youth bowlers at every center he has owned. Beginning in 2011 he also coached the Highland High School Bowling Team. He has received the Cincinnati Enquirer Coach of the Year award twice; first in 2013 and Kentucky State Coach of the year in 2016. He has served on the KHSAA Advisory Committee for several years.

Glenn P. Schmidt, Jr. has certainly earned the right to have his

Jerry T, as she’s fondly remembered by her Toledo bowling family, began her bowling life as a child in Toledo at the now defunct Mercury Lanes. Her duties included working the counter, setting pins, and promoting bowling.

For over 70 years, Jerry was an active member in the Gr. Toledo USBC, dedicating 24 years of service to the Toledo area. She served as a director, 2nd VP, 1st VP and President. Her duties were not limited to her local association. She also served on the Ohio Women’s USBC board of directors as a director for 12 years. Jerry was a vibrant fun-loving lady and was the first to volunteer if there was a skit or performing involved. Many times she brought her accordion to the annual Fun Day activities and held court around the pool.

Jerry was instrumental in working with Carmen Walton, the then Toledo WBA President, in bringing the 1985 Women’s Championship Tournament and Convention to Toledo. Jerry chaired the Opening ceremonies for that tournament.

Even after her retirement from bowling due to health reasons, Jerry was a fixture at Interstate Lanes in Rossford and continued to act as secretary for “HER” Ed and Jerry’s league. Arranging the yearly outing for the league was a high point in her year.

For her dedication to the sport, Jerry was inducted into the Gr. Toledo Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service in 1995. Upon her retirement from the Ohio Women’s USBC Board she was elected a Member Emeritae. Tonight we posthumously welcome Geraldine (Jerry T) to the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame in the Pioneer category.

Howard Sanders was a force to be reckoned with starting the 1920’s. One of the Dayton and Middletown areas’ most prolific keglers in a day when the standard bowling equipment was one single black rubber ball, shoes and a bag.

Howard’s first claim to state fame was in 1925 when his team (Koor’s 29) won the Team Event with a 3265, setting a new state record. He was on the winning team again in 1928, along with taking the Doubles title with Tom Zavakos, placing second in Singles and capturing the All Events with 2124, again setting another state record. His 2124 record was not broken for 42 years, holding until 1971.

Howard carried a high average of 203 in 1925. His career high game was a 299 in 1928 and high series was an 819 in 1933. He had 6 non-sanctioned 300 games and 1 non-sanctioned 800 series.

Howard bowled in both Dayton and Middletown and was in-ducted into both local Halls of Fame: the Middletown Bowling Hall of Fame in 1971 and the Dayton Bowling Hall of Fame in 1975.
Howard bowled in 31 consecutive ABC Tournaments until his death in 1946. He was a member of the Jefferson Clothiers who captured the 1932 ABC Championship in Detroit.

Tonight Howard’s name is being posthumously added on the roles of Ohio’s Superior Performers in the Pioneer Category.

Wayne VanWey was a member of the Clark County Bowling Association for 60 years and during that time he participated in 55 local Championship tournaments as well as 40 Ohio State Bowling Association tournament and 51 ABC’s. He was the 152nd bowler to reach the 50 year milestone and his total pinfall was 78,718 for a 177.2 overall average in that event.

Wayne became a member of the Clark County Bowling Association board of directors in the mid 50’s and his passion for the sport was evident in his promotion of the Youth Programs. He served the association not only as director and President but as Executive Director from 1979 to 1997.

Following the term of President, he was elected a Life Member of the Clark County BA. Wayne continued to serve on many committees even after his retirement as an active board member. He was elected a member of the Clark County Hall of Fame in 1993 for Meritorious Service.

Wayne was a member of the Ohio State Bowling Association Board of Directors for over 20 years. During that time he served as President and upon his retirement from that office was elected a Life Member of the OSBA.

Wayne VanWey has definitely earned the honor of having his name placed on the rolls of Ohio’s Meritorious Service members in the Pioneer Category.

Jane Siegel was one of the Greater Toledo area premier bowlers in her day and a competitor who elicited great respect from her fellow bowlers.

Jane’s competitive years were in a time when you carried one or two balls and your skill level was what determined your scores. She captured both the handicap and actual singles in the Toledo WBA Championship Tournament in 1966; claimed two Team titles in 1975 and 1984; a Doubles Handicap in 1988 and the Actual All Events in 1975 and again in 1984.

Her highest average was a 205 in 1973, which earned her the distinction of holding the second highest average in the Nation. Her high game was a 288 in 1966 and high series a 715 in 1973.

Jane has been enshrined in both the Toledo YABA Hall of Fame as a Veteran Performer in 2003 and the Toledo WBA Hall of Fame for Superior Performance in 1991.

Tonight we add the name of Jane Siegel to our list of Superior Performers in the PIONEER category.

Albert Sprang has served the sport of bowling at every level for almost 50 years. His career began at the local level in 1969 when he joined the Greater Cincinnati BA board of directors. He served in many positions, all the way up to the Presidency which he held in 1980. Al chaired the committee that merged the local ABC association with the Pro- prietors Youth Organization and their work was used with the merger later done on the national level.

Al served on the Ohio State BA board from 1989 to 2005 during which time he served on the Finance & Budget, Rules and many other committees and he is still volunteer- ing to serve where needed.

He also served on the national ABC level as a director from 1989 to 2005, serving on the Finance & Budget, Planning Committee, Site Selection, Legal and Awards Committees.

Al was inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Hall of Fame in 1993 and tonight we welcome him as one of our PIONEERS who have distinguished themselves in our Meritorious Service field.

Cleveland area bowler, Richard Vitonis has been involved in the sport of bowling for over 40 years and is still competing with a 200+ average.

His local titles are numerous and his various teams have placed in the National High Game category three times; Olsen Paddock was 3rd high in 1977 with a 1227; Silas was 2nd high is 1979 with 1335; and that same team placed 2nd in high series with a 3708.

In competition at the Ohio State BA Tournament, Richard was half of the 1973 Doubles Championship Team and the next year he captured the Actual Singles Championship.

Richard also left his imprint on the Postal Federal National Tour- nament when his team took the 1990 Actual Team Championship and he, himself took 1st place in the Actual All Events.

His submitter stated, “Rich was the type of bowler that other bow- lers admired. He always maintained his composure both on and off the lanes.

Richard was inducted into the Greater Cleveland USBC BA Hall of Fame in 2014 for Superior Performance and tonight we add his name to the list of Superior Performers in the PIONEER category.

Fred Cieslik was a Cleveland legend, competing with Many other Ohio Hall of Famers, Paul Kulbaga and Ernie Kovach to name a couple. Along with George Shuld and Andy Stanonich their Buddy Simon Team amassed Ohio State BA Actual Team Championships in 1960-1961 and 1967.

Fred was a perennial selection on the Cleveland Kegler All Star Team and was named the King of Bowlers in 1961. He also laid claim to the Sam Levine Classic Title. His Buddy Simon Team won the 1960 ABC All Events Title. That same year he placed 5th in the individual All Events.

In the day when 300 games and 800 series were rare, Fred shot 3-300 games, along with a 299 and a 298. He had over 100-700 series on his log and one 800 to his credit. Fred carried a 200+ average for at least 9 years.

Tonight the name of Fred Cieslik is placed along with many of his former teammates in the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame as a distinguished “Pioneer”.

Pat Burns, has been a member of the Greater Cincinnati USBC WBA, WIBC/USBC and the Ohio Women’s USBC Bowling Association for over 40 years.

Pat’s bowling history includes a record of both administrative as and participative excellence. She served on the Greater Cincinnati Women’s Board of Directors, first as a director and was elected to lead the group upon her election to the presidency in 1989. She was elected to the Greater Cincinnati Hall of Fame for Superior Performance in 1992.

Pat’s highest average was a 192 established in 1980. Her high game was a 289 in 1977 and her high series was a 710 also in 1977. She captured the Ohio WBA Championship Actual Singles title in 1968 and was a member of the winning Team Actual in 1974. Pat was elected into the Ohio USBC WBA Hall of Fame as a Star of Yesteryear in 2013.

Pat’s record of Cincinnati titles are many as were her appearances in other events such as the BPAA National Singles, which she won in 1972. She was a member of the Champ of Champs State Team Actual in 1977 and won the Doubles Actual in 1978 in the Evans-ville Ten Pin Classic.

Pat Burns truly exemplifies the spirit of a “Pioneer” as she is inducted tonight into the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame.

Scott S. Robinson, retired proprietor and co-owner of T-P Lanes in Bellefontaine has had a life full of bowling accomplishments.

Scott took great pride and joy in giving back to his community as he and his co-proprietor organized groups of teams to go to Nationals and several years took 25 teams. In 1993 they were recognized for taking 45 teams to the State Tournament, that being the largest squad of the tournament. He and his partner were instrumental in starting the Bellefon-taine Hall of Fame which includes both men and women. Scott, himself was named to that very Hall of Fame for his outstanding support of the local bowlers.

Scott was also recognized by the Chamber of Commerce with the Integrity in Business Award in 2002 and the local school system in 2003 for his support of High School Bowling.

Scott’s record on the lanes is also impressive. His high av-erage was a 226 in 2003, high game 300, of which he claims 18, and high series 825, of which he has 5.

Scott has bowled in 33 state tournaments and 36 consecutive ABC/USBC Tournaments. He was a member of a team that won 2 team tournaments on the same day within 7 hours of each other.

Scott S. Robinson personifies the true “Pioneer” spirit as we tonight induct him into the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame.

Michael Swearingen has been involved in the sport of bowling for over 50 years and not only was he a proficient bowler, but he was a firm believer that “you give back to the sport which has given so much to you”.

Mike’s high average was a 217 in 2005 and he carried over a 200 average for 5 years. His high game is a 300 in 1971 and high series is 804 of which he has had two, one in 1991 and the other in 1997.

Mike also served on the Ohio State USBC BA Board, first as director and committee chair moving all the way up to the Presidency. He was the first one to serve more than one term as President.

His application read: “He is a good friend to many in our sport, he is always willing to help young and beginning bowlers.” He is currently involved in directing a Bowling League for Shawnee State University for it’s volunteer group of Senior Citizens. At one time Mike established a league for blind bowlers, working with the Portsmouth Lions Club and had 10 to 15 bowlers even through it required special instructions and equipment.

Mike is now involved in Portsmouth area bowling committee which assists bowlers wanting to further their education. The Parlin Scholarship has raised over $20,00 in scholarships for Youth Bowl- ers going to Shawnee State University.

His application reads: “Mike is well qualified for such an honor. He has all the scores and records that usually qualify a person as well as having competed on all levels of the sport.” He is truly a Pioneer in all sense of the word.

Ann Wood was introduced to the game of bowling by her husband who was a member of the Gr. Cincinnati Men’s Association.  In those days she hand embroidered the men’s bowling shirts. During one of her visits to the lanes to view her handiwork and root for her husband’s team, she was intrigued by this splendid form of exercise. She began bowling in the early 1930’s and immediately knew she wanted to get involved when she accepted her first office, that of league president. She became involved with the Gr. Cincinnati board of directors in 1933 and was elected association secretary in 1939, a job she held until 1975.  Member-ship when she took office was 1,255 and when she retired had grown to 41,260.

Ann’s interest was not only in the adult membership, but she was instrumental in organizing the local American Junior Bowling Congress Association.

Ann served on the Ohio WBA board as a director for 7 years beginning in 1943. She advanced to 2nd Vice President in 1951 and served in that capacity until 1961. In 1961 she was appointed to serve as parliamentarian, a position she held until 1974.

Ann was elected a Life Member of the Gr. Cincinnati WBA in 1977 and elected to their Hall of Fame in its’ inaugural Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service in 1988.

Ann was also elected a Life Member of the Ohio WBA and was one of the charter members inducted posthumously into their Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service.

A direct quote from Ann herself sums up her involvement. “I was a very low average bowler, you can’t be in the work end of it and be a good bowler, too.  I devoted my whole life to bowling because I love it… It gives you a good feeling inside to feel needed. I feel if you don’t do for others, life isn’t worth living.”

Tonight Ann Wood is being honored for her many contributions to the sport she loved and we proudly place her name on the rolls of the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame Pioneers.

Toledo bowling and Howard Teifke are four words that are almost synonymous.  Howard’s career began in 1953 when he started His career managing at Toledo Sports Center. That year marked the first year of his 61 years as a BPA member.

While working at Toledo Sports Center an AMF salesman told him about a center in Maumee that was badly in need of a manager. Timbers was owned by a number of investors who were looking for steady management. Howard bought into the ownership and under his leadership, completely updated the center, including new lane beds, pinsetters and a new roof.  This was back in the days of paper and pencil scoring. Timbers was the last hold-out in Toledo for in-stalling automatic scoring because, in Howard’s words, “We thought the kids should know how to do the addition necessary to keep score by hand.”  Over time Howard became the sole owner of Timbers. It is now run by Howard and his son Marty. Howard was also an early investor in both University Lanes and Interstate Lanes.

Howard not only ran a bowling center, but also took an active role in the administration of the sport. He served as the Toledo BPA President one- three year term and then took over the Treasurer’s job following Harry Fink and Jim Walters, a job he held until the Toledo group disbanded in 2012. He also served for a time as a BPAO director. During his time on the BPAO Legislative Committee, he and Harry Fink made several trips to the state Capital and talked to elected officials on issues that affected bowling centers.

A special program that is run in the Gr. Toledo Association is called “Pass the Bucket”. The participating centers go through the leagues for donations and pass out “Free Game” tickets to the donors. Timbers has led the field in donations for many years through Howard’s efforts, even though Timbers is not one of the largest centers.

He has served as the Gr. Toledo Youth Association President as well as serving on the Ohio State Youth Board. Currently he is serving on the Gr. Toledo USBC Youth Committee and is one of the Youth Committee members elected to serve on the Gr. Toledo USBC Association Board of Directors.

Howard is a member of the Greater Toledo USBC Association Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service. Tonight we welcome Howard Teifke as an outstanding Pioneer in the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame.

Rose Kotnik has been a member of the Cleveland USBC WBA, the Ohio USBC WBA and USBC for thirty plus years.

She has accumulated many bowling titles during her years of bowling participation.  She won the Ohio WBA Championship Actual All Events Title in 1986 and also had the high individual actual game of 279 during the same year.

She won the Cleveland WBA team actual in 1984, 1987 and 1991.  She was a member of the Cleveland All Star Team in 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1990 and 1991.

She was second in the nation with the most 200 plus averages during one season during 1979/80 with three, 1980/81 with three and 1982/83 with six.  On April 7, 1980 she tied the national record of two 700 plus series in one day which were 722 and 730.

Rose won the BPAA Same Levine Singles in 1980.  She had the high average in the nation in 2005 for senior women with a 214.

She maintained a 200 plus average for over fifteen years, her highest being a 216 during the 1982/83 season.

She has rolled five three hundred games, her last in 2005, and she had an 806 series in 1983.

Rose was inducted into the Cleveland WBA Hall of Fame in 1989 and into the Ohio USBC WBA Hall of Fame in 2005.

Jane Kline has been a member of the Bellfountaine USBC WBA for forty-nine years and has also bowled in the Lima District USBC WBA for a good deal of the time.

She was won the Bellfountaine Championship Tournament twelve times in the team event, the doubles event twice, and singles once. She captured the all events title eleven times.

Jane is the only woman to win the Lima District USBC WBA City Singles Championship, a twenty-three game elimination tournament three times in 1979, 1980 and 1982.

She has participated in the Ohio USBC WBA City competition for over thirty years. Her first title was in 1976 when she won the Ohio State Ladies Singles Match with a 1332. She was a member of the team that won back-to-back team event titles in the Ohio WBA Championship Tournament in 1986 and 1987. She aha continued her success in 2005 by placing fifth in doubles and fifth in all events handicap. In 2007, she and her partner place third in doubles. She was the 1992 Ohio Buckeye Belle Tournament wonder. She has also participated in the Ohio USBC WBA Queen’s Tournament.

Jane has participated in approximately twenty WIBC/USBC National Tournaments.

She was listed in the Women Bower in 1987 at 120 place in the nation.

She served for six years as Secretary/Treasurer of the Bellfountaine WBA and four years as Association Manager of the Bellfountaine USBC.

In 2009 she started two new leagues, a high school league and a bumper league. She has served as youth supervisor for the past two years and a high school bowling coach for ten years. She volunteers to give lessons not only to youth, but to adults as well.

Jane was inducted in the Bellfountaine WBA Hall of Fame for Superior Performance in 1991, Lima District WBA Hall of Fame in 2000, and Ohio USBC WBA Hall of Fame in the Star of Yesteryear Category in 2002.

Leroy is a member of the Greater Cincinnati USBC BA. He started bowling in certified leagues in 1958. His highest average was 209 in 1973. He has rolled two 300 games and his highest series was a 768.

Has bowled in numerous local and national tournaments. H won the 2008 Greater Cincinnati Senior Tournament for his age division. He has one gold and two bronze medals for winning the Hamilton County Recreations Commission Senior Olympics the past three years.

Lee first became a bowling proprietor in 1962. He prompted multiple tournaments including the Ann Woods Ladies Tournament. he was the guest proprietor several times on the Cincinnati radio talk show WCIN promoting the game of American Tenpin. Brunswick and AMF staff would visit the City of Cincinnati and stop at this center to put on exhibitions. he was a member of the BPAA of Cincinnati and served as president in 1971-72.

For a twenty-one period he worked with the Hamilton County Unit of the American Cancer Society coordinating bowling for this worth while cause. Over $0,000 per year was raised for the society. All funds were retained in the county in which they were raised and used locally for wheelchairs, medical supplies and transportation. the format became very popular across the Midwest and nation and many cities and the various units of the American Cancer Society asked Lee and Glenn Schmidt to attend trade fairs to guide others on how to run the tournament. It is of note that this tournament had the largest volume of tournament entries in the world.

Lee has been described as a proprietor of several bowling establishments who is a bowling enthusiast, plus a leader who continuously worked to improve bowling conditions.

Dick Selgo was an outstanding all-around athlete who made his biggest mark in bowling. As a basketball player at Baldwin Wallace College, he set the school scoring record and was inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. He was also an outstanding baseball player who played several years in the Detroit and Boston organizations as an infielder. Now retired from teaching and coaching, he was twice named Northwestern Ohio basketball coach of the year.

He started bowling at the age of three and was the youngest bowler ever to compete in the ABC Tournament. In 1938, at the age of ten, he participated in the 38″‘ Annual American Bowling Congress Tournament in Chicago.

During the 1955-56 season he was honorable mention on the Bowling Magazine Midwest All Sectional Team. In July 1956 he signed to bowl in Chicago with Joe Norris and Joe Wilman on the Mann’s Beer Team. In 1959 he was a member of the Ebonite’ Advisory Staff.

As a doubles champion in the 1970 ABC Tournament, he qualified for the United States trails to determine the United States team for the 1971 FIQ World Championships. He was the alternate by 23 pins. He went on to represent the United States in the ninth Tournament of the Americas in Miami where he shared in the mixed foursome and men’s doubles titles.

Dick has won five Non PBA National Championships: The 1958 Bowler’s Journal, the 1970 ABC doubles, the 1978 Crawford Lanes singles, the 1980 Peterson team championship, and the 1988 Hoinke senior singles.

He has rolled five 300 games, all coming in different cities. His best series has been an 825.

He wife Margaret has also been an outstanding bowler. In the 2004 ABC Tournament in Reno he bowled in the team event with his wife and three sons for his 50“‘ year of participation.

Dick was inducted into the Toledo Bowling Hall of Fame in 1973 and in 1978 he was inducted into the Port Clinton Bowling Hall of Fam

Chuck Edmonson has bowled for the past forty-five years. His composite league average is 206, with 224 being his highest.

He has rolled eighteen 300 games with fourteen of these being performed in tournaments and sweepers. He has also rolled eight 800 series.

His many titles include the Ridge Lanes Classic Singles Champion in 1961, the Hasty Tasty Scratch, Dayton Ohio Team Champion in 1967, Cincinnati Bowling Association Doubles Champion in 1968, Cincinnati BPA Match Game Champion in 1968, Cincinnati Bowling Association All Events Champion in 1970, Central Ohio Match Game Champion in 1971, Cincinnati Bowling Association Team Champion in 1977, Hoinke Classic Team Event Scratch Champion in 1977, and the Louisville Derby Tournament Team Champion on three different occasions.

He was inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Greater Hamilton Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2004.

Chuck was a member of the Schoenling All-Stars Exhibition Team, leading the team in average three of the four years with a 212 average.

Chuck has bowled in twenty-two ABC Tournaments with a composite average of 198. In the 1969 ABC Tournament he finished second in All Events with a score of 1975, second in Doubles with partner, Eddie Jackson, with a score of 1373, and his team Schoenling All-Stars finished second in Team All Events.

He has served as proprietor of Gilmore Lanes from 1991 to present.

Tom Zavakos may still be the holder of bowling’s oldest record. In 1952, in Port Allegany, PA, two bowlers were cited by the ABC – one, David Gilluly, fourth bowler in the team’s lineup, and Clarence Ellison, the anchor man, had only six misses, four by Gilluly and two by Ellison. None were one-pin misses.

Don Keagle, the team captain, called the ABC to find out if Ellison had set a record. Two days later (for research—they didn’t have computers then) Keagle received a call. He was told that a bowler name Zavakos from Dayton, Ohio, had only one miss in a season, in the mid ’20s.

Many years later, Gilluly, now living in Ohio, bowled in the National Industrial Tournament in Zavakos’ Varsity Lanes in Dayton. The name rang a bell so, after bowling, he went to the desk and asked if this Zavakos was the one who had only one miss in a season, “somewhere around 1925 or 1926”. The man at the desk, perhaps his son, was excited and pleased that someone asked about that record.

Tom Zavakos won seven state tournament titles and twelve other top tens, five of them in second place. He rolled Dayton’s first 300 game on Nov. 3, 1925.

He won three Dayton City titles with 16 other top finishes, five of them second placers. He was on the Jefferson Clothiers team of Dayton which won the ABC Tournament in 1932 in Detroit.

Tom is a member of the Dayton Hall of Fame, elected in 1975. He also was elected to the Indiana Hall of Fame in 2001. He also is a member of Delaware County, Muncie and Richmond, Indiana, Halls of Fame. Tonight he becomes a member of and is welcomed by the Hall of Fame of the state in which he produced so many splendid performances, the Ohio State Hall of Fame.

Guy Mitchell was a long time bowler in the Greater Canton League. In 1969 he was voted Sportsman of the Year and also Bowler of the Year.

He was elected to first team place in the first Stark County All Star team. In 1981 he won the Achievement Award of the Greater Canton Hall of Fame. He was no flash in the pan—19 years later in the season of 1999-2000, he led the Stark County Traveling League with a 209 average.

He rolled 16 300 games and three 800 series (one of 826). His 16th 300 came in the 1999-2000 season; he was then 73 years old.

He bowled in 36 national ABC tournaments. He had a 190-plus average for 321 games. His high team score was 671; high doubles, 653; high singles, 701; high all events, 1,991. With partner Robert Wintersteller, placed sixth in ABC doubles in 1969.

They had 1,332, an average of 222 per man.

Guy won the old BPAA Stark County All Star Elimination Tournament three different years.

Twice, he won the Akron Senior Bowling Association. He loved that tournament. His averages in that one: from 1992, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97 were 210, 193, 209, 215, 213, 204. In three straight years, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97, he rolled a 300 game. In 1994-95, he shot an 803 series.

Tonight, Guy will receive Ohio’s greatest honor, membership in the Ohio Hall of Fame, where there are no misses or splits, and all the pins go down on good hits.

Walter Ward, elected to the ABC Hall of Fame in 1959, was a good athlete who participated in other sports: baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, fishing and horseshoe pitching. A seven-time city or county horseshoe pitching champion, he wrote “I sincerely believe my horseshoe pitching had a great deal to do with the development of my bowling ability.” Walter Ray Williams Jr., perhaps today’s top bowler, will go along with that. A four-time world champion horseshoe pitcher, he has said much the same as Ward, who rolled 24 – 300 games and 383 – 700 series, plus 10 – 800 series.

Famous for his complete record of all games bowled in competition for 29 years, Ward estimated that he traveled 80,000 miles while bowling in 41 states and 225 cities and “uncounted number of bowling alleys with very sort of condition imaginable.” Approaching the age of 50, he gave 1,000 exhibitions and instructions at 263 bases of the armed forces during World War II.

Ward began bowling in the 20’s with a conventional ball (that’s all there was) but in the mid 30’s went to the Bates Grip (along with a few million other bowlers) and later used a semi-finger tip. He delivered a semi )or high) roller which generated great pin action.

Ward rolled against the best — Joe Bodis, Andy Varipapa, Eddie Koepp, Joe Kissoff, Otto Stein, Joe Falcaro and others in individual matched and in team matched, against softies as Steve Nagy, Paul Krumske (voted Chicago’s bowler of the half century in 1951) Ed Kawolics, Joe DiFiglia and many others of ABC Hall of Fame Caliber.

Tonight the Ohio Bowling Council inducts Walter Ward into the Ohio Hall of Fame.

James W. Cochran is being inducted into the Ohio Bowling Council Hall of Fame tonight. No one could be more deserving of that honor.

Jim could have been elected on the merits of any one of his participations in local, state and national bowling. Add them together and you realize this man was a perpetual advocate of all integers of the sport.

One of his most beneficial acts was the development of the Bowlers Advanced Deposit Blood Donor Club for the ABC and WIBC in 1962. Over 100 units/pints of blood were donated annually. It is reported to be the first such program in the nation.

He was elected to the Cincinnati Hall of Fame in 1990. He is a Life Member of the Cincinnati Board of Directors. He served as president of the Ohio Bowling Association in 1982.

He recruited 480 teams for the state tournament. A delegate for the ABC, he has taken squads to the tournament for more than 25 years including 72 to the 1975 ABC tournament in Dayton.

He was one of the organizers of the Ohio Bowling Council and assisted in the development of its bylaws. Tonight he is reminded that what goes around comes around as the Ohio Bowling Council bestows on him its highest honor, membership to the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame.

In Cincinnati the word “bowling” is interchangeable with the name Fran Ruggerie. That said, all that remains are the accolades, the appreciation, the gratitude, the recognition of a rare and dynamic individual. No one has contributed more to the sport of bowling.

Fran’s election in the Pioneer category is particularly appropriate. He was the leading proponent of youth bowling at a time the concept was unthought of by some, denigrated by others, ignored by the rest. But Fran’s concern for young people, his skill as an organizer and his talent for leading brought about programs which expanded over the years, culminating in the development of the Young American Bowling Alliance. In 1949, three years after service in World War II, he begun youth bowling at See-More Lanes and in a few years the American Junior Bowling Congress recognized See-More Lanes for having the largest junior program in the United States. In 1952, with the aide of Erv Hoinke and Herman Mergard, Fran formed one of the first junior travel leagues in the country. In 1981, Cincinnati was chosen as a pilot program for unifying AJBC and YBA. Fran was the prime mover and shaker in the establishment of the Young American Bowling Alliance.

His work on the King of TV Bowling show in Cincinnati, his work on BPAA Advertising and Promotion, his launching of the Over The Hill Tournament and all the programs and projects of more than 50 years involvement bring him to his induction in the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame tonight. The presentation of the Prestigious Friendship Award by the Greater Cincinnati Women’s Association — the only time it has been or will be presented — is testimonial to the high regard, admiration and personal warmth generated by this remarkable man.

Joe Drasko has always been one of the nation’s best non-professional bowlers during the 63 years of his still active career. Certainly he is one of the most respected and best liked performers wherever he bowls. A champion on teams and as an individual, he bowled with and against the greatest. In tournaments and exhibition matches for charities, he defeated such stars as Steve Nagy, Ray Schanen, Ned Day, Ray Bluth, Joe Wilman, Don Carter, Junie McMahon and some others.

Among fond memories are leading off a four-game 930 series with a 300 in the St. John’s Classic in Kansas City in 1947; winning the Southwest Team Tournament (Texas) in 1950 and the Cornbelt Classic (Iowa) in 1951; finishing second in the 1953 ABC with the King Louie Shirts team while shooting the highest ever total to finish second in the ABC; winning the Bowlers Journal Tournament in Milwaukee in 1952; receiving honorable mention for the Bowlers Journal All American Team (although not a professional); shooting 767 on TV in the Tulsa Tribune Singles Classic in 1955; winning the Southeastern Ohio Match Game Championship in 1957; bowling a 549 doubles game with Bob Anelich (Drasko 270 – Anelich 270) in the Amos Imperial Doubles in 1957; shooting 30-769 at Olentangy Village in 1960; winning the Inter-City Tournaments All-Events at Zanesville in 1963; being elected to the Newark, Ohio Hall of Fame in 2000.

Formerly president of the Newark Association, he is now a member of the Lancaster Board.

Best liked? A Lancaster bowler has said, “I never went to Columbus to a bowling event — the Budweiser/PBA Tour stop, a bowling dinner or luncheon, whatever — that some of Columbus’ best bowlers — Bob Hart, for example — came up to me to say, ‘Be sure to say hello to Jow Drasko for me’”. Tonight the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame says “hello and welcome” to Joe Drasko, a superb bowler, a great competitor and a gentleman.

A Pioneer is one who goes before to remove obstacles and prepare the way for others, Richard A. Riley is the personification of that definition. For some sixty years he has contributed to bowling in many different ways and has compiled an enviable record of achievement.

He served in many capacities in several organizations and promoted and enhanced his chosen sport in all of them. He served 10 years on the Youngstown Bowling Board of Directors, 44 years on the Ohio Board as Zone 11, and was president of each of them. During his tenure on the State Board, he was instrumental in enlarging the state tournament from less than 1,000 teams to more than 1,400 teams. While Assistant Secretary, he initiated the Ohio Seniors Tournament which grew to 800 bowlers in three years with the four high age winners going t the ABC National Seniors Tournament. In 1963, he was responsible for bringing the state tournament to Youngstown. Associated with the Youngstown Vindicator (editorial room), he founded the first bowling newspaper in Youngstown district. In 1962 he helped Jack Lawrence produce the Mahoning Valley Bowling Newspaper.

He bowled in the Allied Press Craft League for 51 seasons (10 of them as secretary/treasurer). He bowled in ABC, 40 Ohio State and 45 Youngstown City tournaments.

A member of the Youngstown Hall of Fame, Richard A. Riley is welcomed tonight into the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame.

Dr. Anthony C. Leone, a native New Yorker, long has been adopted as one of Ohio’s own for decades of promoting and innovating programs, his unfailing enthusiasm and his steadfast devotion to bowling and bowlers.

Even in wartime (World War II), he turned to bowling for rehabilitation of patients resulting in the building of a 12 lane plant in Brigham, Utah, to accommodate his patients. He also organized a 12-team league in Oakland, California. In 1955 he sponsored so many Cleveland teams in the ABC it took three railroad cars to transport them. In 1966 he personally wrote 1,200 letters to bowlers and proprietors in support of the State Tournament. He gave every bowler who rolled a 200 game a silver dollar as a memento.

He belongs to the Greater Cleveland Bowling Association and the Ohio State Association and has been president of both. He is a member of the GCBA Hall of Fame. In 1952, he and Herman Rider, past president of the ABC, acted as liaison between BPA and non-BPA centers, solving many problems and developing accord and harmony between organizations.

He not only talked the talk, but walked the walk, at one time bowling in four leagues a week.

Dr. Leone still gives bowlers and bowling the same enthusiasm and dedication of his younger years. Tonight the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame enthusiastically names Dr. Leone to its membership.

“As the twig is bent…”

At age 13, Brad Lewis began a four-year stint as a pinboy in Shelby, Ohio. Six years later, in his early twenties, he and Chuck Boyd began operations at an eight lane center, Brad and Chuck’s recreation, in downtown Ashland. Three years after that, in 1948, six lanes were added. In that year, Brad became a charter member of the North central Bowling Proprietors Association.

He was just getting started.

In 1954 he opened LuRay Lanes in Ashland, the first center outside a metropolitan are to have automatic pinsetters installed. In 1957 he opened Village Lanes, a 24-lane setup in Mansfield. Two years after that he opened Park lanes in Mansfield with 32 Brunswick Lanes and sold LuRay Lanes. In 1962, he added 18 more lanes to Park for a total of 50 lanes. In 1966-67 he served as president of the NCOBPA. In 1970 he sold Village Lanes.

At Park Lanes he has been host of the Ohio State Tournament. Park Lanes will be permanently listed in the Lancaster Bowling Association yearbook list of 300 bowlers because Jo Alford of the LBA shot 300 in that tournament in 1993. In all his ventures, Brad has been an active promoter of bowling, adult and junior, special events (The Brad Lewis Ladies Tournament, for example). In 1992 he was elected to the Ashland Sports Hall of Fame.

Tonight, the one-time pinboy is welcomed into the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame.

Janet has spent her entire life working for the good of the game. She spent thirty-two years employed at Dueber lanes in Canton, Ohio before moving on to bigger and better. When Dueber Lanes closed and Hall of Fame Lanes were constructed Janet moved and spent twenty-five years as President and General Manager. During those years she was a member of Stark County BPA and served as Treasurer. She was a member of the Greater Canton Bowling Council and served as President. She was a team sponsor for more than thirty-five years. She was an active supporter of bowling through the hosting of many tournaments over the years. She hosted and promoted the Senior Men’s Professional Tournament for ten years. She hosted and promoted many LPTBA events including the first event when the LPTBA was reorganized.

She has served as a member of the following national committees or boards: National Bowling Council, Chairman of the Board of Special Olympics. Trustee of the National Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum.

She was the recipient of the 1965 World Wide Sportsmanship Award by LPBA, and received the Los Angeles times Outstanding Sportsmanship Award in 1975.

Janet was inducted into the Canton Women’s Hall of Fame in 1981 and, in 1996 was inducted into the LPTBA Hall of Fame as a Founder, tonight we are pleased to induct Janet into the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame as one of our true Pioneer’s.

In a day and time when scores on the lanes were achieved strictly by personal skills, Paul Kulbaga of Hinkley, Ohio, earned his place in the bowling record books.

The Cleveland Bowling Association Team Championship title was owned by Paul and his teammates on four separate occasions between 1958 and 1966. Paul was named Cleveland King of Bowling in 1960. His high average of 221 came in 1962, the year he shot a high series of 815. Paul has rolled over 150 sanctioned 700 series and five 300 games. Paul was inducted into the Cleveland Hall of Fame for Superior Performance in 1981.

One of the highlights of Paul’s career came in 1960 ABC Tournament when he shot the best four event total placing first in the Singles Event, second in the All-Events and third in both the Team and Doubles events. The record still stands today only being tied in 1967 by Bob Strampe of Detroit. The feat is listed in the “Guinness Book of World Records”

Traveling coast to coast in the 60’s, Paul bowled regularly on national television. Among his favorite memories was twice winning on Milton Berle’s “Jackpot Bowling” on 1960. Other titles to his credit are the 1955 Tri-State Doubles Championship and in 1963 the Third Annual Meadows Classic.

Paul’s talent on the lanes in the era when lane conditions and having the right equipment did not influence the final outcome truly entitle him to become one of “Ohio’s Pioneers” in our bowling world.

Whether it be achievement on the lanes or service to the game, Akron‘s Dorothy “Dottie” Focht is recognized as a standout. For many years she was one of the Akron area and Ohio’s elite bowlers and when it was time to serve her association and the game, she did not hesitate to step forward.

Dottie’s bowling achievement in the Akron area are well known. In 1953 she rolled only the second 300 game in Akron WBA history and, in fact, it was one of just two perfect games bowled in the nation by a female that year. Her claim to fame in Ohio was teaming with WIBC Hall of Famer Donna Zimmerman to win the 1956 Ohio WBA actual doubles title and Donna readily admits that Dottie “carried” the pair to the victory. She was a member of Akron WBA Championship teams on nine occasions and won the Akron WA Doubles title six times. ln 1960, Dottie and her teammates placed fourth in the WIBC Championship Tournament. Dottie was a member of what many bowling buffs consider the greatest five-lady team in the history of Akron. At many national competitions her team was pared with the all-time great bowlers, including Marion Ladewig, Olga Gloor, Anita Cantaline and many others. Dottie represented Akron at the National All Star Tournament three times. She was a member of the Akron Beacon Journal All Star Team on seven occasions and three times was named Akron‘s Bowler of the Year. Along with her 300 game, she has a high series of 737.

Although a great bowler, Dottie’s contributions to the service of the game and its participants is also justly recognized. Probably her most rewarding contribution to the sport is founding the Happy Time Tournament, an event held annually with members of a league for the mentally handicapped. lt is now in its 27th year. She currently serves as local association secretary and has served as association president, vice president and director. She was and continues to be instrumental in bringing new programs and activities to the Akron WBA and its members. Dottie has held many league offices and was treasurer of the Akron 600 Club. She currently serves on the board of the Ohio 700 Bowling Club. Dottie also is a member of the Ohio Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame selection committee. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and has served at a moments notice on many committees. Her expertise and dedication are a great asset to the game and the members she serves.

For her many bowling accomplishments, in 1974, Dottie was inducted into the Tri-County Bowling Hall of Fame. The most prestigious Summit County (all) Sports Hall of Fame honored her with induction in 1973, and, in 1988 she was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame, and now it is only fitting that Dorothy “Dottie“ Focht join the elite group of members of the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame.

For her many years of involvement and giving, not only to her local association but the Ohio WBA and WIBC, we honor Carmen Walton tonight. AWIBC member for 50+ years, Carmen served on the Toledo WBA Board for 34 years before retiring in 1987. Of those years, she was a director for 3 years, Sergeant-at-Arms 3 years, Treasurer for 7 years and from 1966 to 1987 a total of 21 years led the Toledo WBA as President. During that time Carmen was a delegate to the WIBC Convention for 34 years and the Ohio WBA Convention for 22 years. ln 1965 Carmen was inducted into the Toledo WBA Hall of Honor, installed as a TWBA Life Member in 1988 and given the honor of life membership to WIBC. She was inducted into the Toledo WBA Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service in 1989.

She served as Chairman of the BVL for 19 years, was on the board of the Toledo YABA for 19 years as well as serving on numerous Ohio WBA and WIBC committees.

When, in 1985, the Toledo WBA hosted the WIBC Convention and Tournament, Carmen was the spark plug that ignited one of the most successful events that WIBC has ever held. Bowlers from all over the country still talk about the great time they had in Ohio. At the 1985 Convention, Carmen was presented the NWBW Bev Ortner -AMF Award for Outstanding Work in the WIBC Tournament City,

Carmen bowled in 36 WIBC, 30 Ohio WBA and 36 Toledo WBA Championship Tournaments. Upon her retirement in 1987, Carmen received many accolades of appreciation, including a special recognition by the General Assembly of Ohio.

Several years after her retirement, Carmen placed first in the TNBA Senior Tournament and her first comment was “lt feels good to be receiving one of these awards. I’ve presented so many but never thought l‘d be getting one myself.”

ln Carmen’s honor, the Toledo WBA initiated the Carmen Walton Scholarship and yearly honors one of Toledo’s outstanding students with financial assistance toward higher education. A very fitting honor for one who has volunteered so much to our great game of bowling.

Carmen Walton’s dedication and devotion to our great game most certainly afford her the recognition of a PIONEER in Ohio’s bowling history.

When anyone in the Cincinnati area bowling world thinks of women’s bowling, Anita M. Vollmer immediately comes to mind. In Anita’s words, “Bowling is not only my avocation, its become my vocation.”

In 1961 Anita came to Western Bowl as Director of the “Learn to Bowl Program” which resulted in filling the large 68 lane house on a daily basis with women bowlers who prior to the program were unaware of the fun league play. During the interim she worked as score marker for the Hoinke Classic, was a bowling instructor for new and more advanced bowlers and with all her practice, improved her game enough to become a member of the Women’s Professional Bowling Association in 1967. Anita holds many scratch titles in her local association, the Ohio WBA and on Sept 13, 1986 rolled the ladies highest 3 game series on record, a 791, which still is a Cincinnati record. That year she received a medal for the second highest series in the nation, when in December, Millie Mortorella of new York rolled a 792 series. Anita has eight 700 series to her credit with her highest game being 280 and highest average 198. She still bowls twice a week in league competition and averages 185.

In 1981 Anita was appointed Tournament Director of the Hoinke Classic and in this capacity handles all facets of the complicated and well run tournament. Being tournament director has been most challenging undertaking of her career as the tournament became computerized that years and it was a whole new ball game for her and other members of the Hoinke staff. Her liaison between E.C. Hoinke Jr., the software programmers and staff members makes for an efficient tri-fold operation which entertains approximately 55,000 bowlers from all over the globe. Being “Tournament Director” was not Anita’s goals as a young woman. She simply loved the game, and somehow the path lead to a successful career.

For her many contributions to the sport she loves, both on and off the lanes, we welcome Anita M. Vollmer a Pioneer for bowling to the Ohio Bowling Council Hall of Fame.

First and lady are two words best used to describe Helene Gran Salreno to anyone in the bowling family. Helene joined the Bowling Proprietors Association of Ohio more than 37 years ago representing Gran Lanes, a family owned and operated 24 lanes bowling center in Youngstown, Ohio. Helene was the first and only female President of the Mahoning Valley BPA. After serving 20 years as President and only due to the sale of Gran Lanes, Helene stepped down and now serves as Executive Director for the group of proprietors.

Another first for Helen was being named to the Youngstown Area Bowling Council as a charter member, a position she still fills.

Gran Lanes was the first center in the Mahoning Valley to install bumper bowling system for junior bowlers and always had Saturday’s before 6pm reserved for their junior program.

Helene has devoted a great part of her life to many charities in the Youngstown area and promoted many fund-raising tournaments. Her work included Muscular Dystrophy Association, local March of Dimes, Easter Seal Society, Danny Thomas St. Jude and Women’s Commission for Children’s Concerts. Helene and her regular customers raised thousands of dollars for these and many other charities.

When the pilot for the Grand Prix Scholarship was introduced in the Mahoning Valley, Helene was elected to the board of directors and through her efforts, Gran Lanes has raised over $10,000 every year for the three years the Foundation has been in existence. Nine graduating seniors received scholarships in the first three years and Helen takes great pride in leading BPAO in the most money raised and paid out.

Helene has been a member of the Youngstown WBA since 1957 and has attended every general meeting and workshop the association has hosted. She was elected to the Youngstown WBA Hall of Fame in 1985, for Meritorious Service. In 1981 she received Social Service Award presented by Eastern orthodox Men’s Society for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the Youngstown area and in 1988 was the recipient of the BPOA Achievement Award for Outstanding Personal Effort toward Promotion of Bowling in Ohio.

Helene has devoted her life to bowling, serving the community and her customers. She has always considered it a privilege to serve the Youngstown area in both business and civic duties. And it is through these and many other contributions that Helene Gran Salreno has justly earned the distinction of being honored as an outstanding Pioneer to our game of bowling in Ohio.

Nick Manos was one of Dayton’s premier bowlers “in the old days”, but you’ve never heard him boast about being the top bowler. However, when people talk bowling in Dayton, the name Nick Manos never fails to surface.

He began his career in 1938 as manager and instructor at Riverdale Alleys. In later years, he would hold the position of manager at palace Lanes, Congress lanes and Belmont Lanes.

Nick has managed to maintain a 182 composite average since the 158-59 bowling season. He also bowled in many classic leagues. Due to popularity, in the mid-80’s, one was renamed to bear his name; the Nick Manos deluxe league at Royal Z Belmont.

He has always been champion of the young bowlers, and it was the birth of the American Junior bowling Congress that enabled him to employ his ability as organizer and instructor for the youth bowlers. In 1955, he organized to AJBC leagues of 20 teams each which bowled on Saturdays and were sponsored by the VFW and Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

As manager and instructor at Belmont Lanes in the late 50’s and early 60’s, Nick started the “shadow ball” practice program on Saturday mornings. All 26 lanes would be occupied by bowlers but you never heard a pin fall. You could practice all you wanted form 9:00 am til 1:00 pm and receive instructions from Nick or one of his “assistant” coaches; all free of charge. Manos gained much fame in the Dayton area for his ability to instruct.

He has been a member of the city, state and National Bowling proprietors Association since its inception, as well as being a member of the PBA since 1955; all in the interest of furthering the sport of bowling.

Nick is truly the “bowlers’ bowler”, a true friend of all bowlers through his patience, understanding and guidance. He is the apex of friendship, sportsmanship and goodwill. Nick Manos is an ambassador of bowling both as a proprietor and a member of the American Bowling Congress.

In 1967, he was inducted into the Dayton Bowling Association hall of Fame, and it is only fitting that he now be honored as a Pioneer in our great sport.

Bill White, a former pin boy from Kent, started bowling at the age of 13. He got serious about the game when he was 22, and started bowling in Akron. Changing to a “Finger-tip Ball”, he increased his average from 185 to 210. He later formed Cherry’s Steak House Team, which went on to become one of the top teams in Ohio. This team won the State Team Match Game Championships in 1961.

Not all of Bill’s bowling was as a team member. He won the Portage County All Events five times, the District Match Games nine times, the Parkers Meats Singles and Doubles Classic twice, the VFW Actual Singles and All Events, the State Elks All Events twice, and the Inter-City Actual Doubles twice, and the Inter-City All Events once. He also rolled his way to a fourth place finish in the National Doubles. He was invited to the World’s Invitational Tournament four times. He represented Akron area in the National All Star nine times, and was a member of the Akron Beacon Journal “Bowler of the Year” a record five times.

Bill has four sanctioned 300 games and an all time personal best sanctioned 796 series to his credit.

Bill has been a member of the Tri-County Hall of Fame since 1975, the Summit County All Sports hall of Fame since 1982, the Portage County All Sports Hall of Fame since 1982, and was a ch

The Youngstown area is grateful that George Vallos decided to make his home there. Born in Greece in 1900, he came to the United States in 1908. After spending time in Pocatello, Idaho, New York City and Cleveland, Ohio, he moved to Youngstown in 1916. His bowling career was started in Cleveland as a pin boy at the age of 15. He exchanged his work at the lanes for practice sessions of bowling. After a stint at General Fireproofing, Carnegie Steel and the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company, he started to work at Champion Recreation and later purchased 40% interest in the lanes. He conducted the Vallos Singles Classic for 25 years, attracting the nations top bowlers. It was considered one of the finest singles events in the United States. Along with Frank Zitnik Sr. and Jack Fitzgibbons, he helped to establish the Mahoning Valley Bowling Proprietors Association.

George didn’t spend all of his time pushing papers, as his high average of 217, eleven 300 games, three 299 games, two 298 games, and a high series of 813 and 807 will attest. He bowled 41 consecutive ABC tournaments, averaging 199.9 for 345 games. His best finishes were an All Events high of 1898 and a sixth place finish in singles. He also competed in nine National All-Star Championship Elimination Tournaments, finishing tenth in 1945. Teaming with Jack Almer in doubles was a smart move for George. The duo was considered one of the toughest doubles match game competitors in the country. They were defeated only once in all their years s a doubles team.

George Vallos died November 4, 1962, while rolling in the BPA Elimination Tournament; he died doing one of the things he loved best — bowling.

George was elected into the Youngstown Men’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1971, its first year, and has been a charter member of the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame since 1959.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, a pioneer is a person who experiments and originates, or plays a leading part in the early development of something. Frank A. “Bud” Zitnik Sr’s. case, that something is organized bowling! Along with George Vallos and Jack Fitzgibbons, he organized the Mahoning Valley Bowling Proprietors Association. He served as its Vice President then its Secretary/Treasurer for 38 years. He organized the All Star Elimination Tournament, which later became the BPAA U.S. Open. He organized the Champion of Champions Tournament in 1966 and it is still an on-going tournament. Prior to the founding of the PBA, he hosted the Zitnik Classic from 1946 to 1963, in which all the top professionals bowled. He organized the PBA traveling league for men and women which ran for ten years. He organized the first Junior Traveling League, and established high school scholarship fund, from which two students each receive $250.00. These recipients are chosen from a high school bowling league. He also founded the Mahoning Valley Bowling Council in the 1960’s. He founded the WHOT (a radio station) Pumpkin Ball Tournament. To enter the tournament, you need to bowl badly, and get it on the radio. At the state level, “Bud” was an officer of the BPAO for ten years, with one term as its President. He served on every committee in the state organization. He also served as Regional Vice President for BPAA from 1968-70. His territory included Indiana and Michigan as well as Ohio. He has been a continuous member of the BPAA for the past 31 years.

Believe it or not, he actually found some time to bowl, as evident by his career average of 198 and his twelve 700 sets, all rolled before 1968. He is proud of his high game of 286 and high series of 725. He captained the O.H. Grill team to seven championships in the Vindicator All Star League, which was the premier scratch league in the Mahoning Valley at that time.

“Bud” has been a member of the Youngstown Men’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame since 1977, the Hubbard High School Hall of Fame since 1978, the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame since 1989, and in 1990, received the BPOA Meritorious Service Award.

“Bud” truly meets all the qualifications as a “Pioneer”.

John Powell Jr. began his league career at age 14 in 1938. He was the maintenance man at Mercury Lanes after returning from World War II, where he served in the South Pacific with the U.S. Marine Corps.

In 1956 he opened Regal Lanes then built Glass Bowl in 1959, Imperial lanes in 1963 and Southwyck Lanes in 1972, all in Toledo. From 1972 to 1983 John helped promote fourteen Don Carter Centers in Florida, Texas and Louisiana.

John was one of the best bowlers of all time from Toledo area where he won ten city titles. He won numerous state and regional titles with several being: Ohio State K of C titles 23 times, BPAA match game title in 1962 and in 1964 when he bowled the record of 1059 for four games. He won two Ohio State Men’s titles in 1971, the team event with 763 of the 3325 total and all-events with a 2154.

John bowled in 32 ABC Tournaments with 7 finishes in the top ten. He had second place in the Classic All Events 2027 at Des Moines, second in the team event, with 692 of the 3197 total at Detroit in 1971. A few highlights along the way: an amazing 231 average for 81 games in 1959-60 and was named Bowlers Journal second team in the same year.

John Powell Jr. in 1963 was inducted into the Toledo Bowling Association Hall of Fame, the City of Toledo Hall of Fame for his bowling ability and was crowned the King of Toledo Bowlers.

Erv Hoinke Sr. was involved in bowling for sixty years in the Greater Cincinnati area as an active participant in all phases of the game until his death in 1980.

Erv was secretary of Western Hills Merchant League for ten years starting in 1925. Recognizing his leadership and administrative ability the Cincinnati Bowling Association elected him as executive Secretary for two years in 1937 to 1939.

Erv served as president of the Greater Cincinnati Bowling Proprietors Association for five years, 1942-47, and later one year, 1961-62.

He was very active in the state and was elected president of the Ohio Bowling Proprietors Association 1948-50.

An engineer by profession, Erv designed and built Hoinke Lanes and was the proprietor from 1941 to 1970 when Hoinke Lanes merged with Western Bowl, to which he added twenty lanes. With his son Erv Jr., they operated the sixty-eight lane establishment.

The famous Hoinke Classic Tournament is conducted at Western Bowl and recognized as the largest independent tournament in the world with prize money in the millions of dollars each year.

Erv Hoinke Sr. was inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1974.

Richard “Davey” Davidson, age 16 in 1937, bowled with Andy Varipapa rolling a pair of 250’s which so impressed Veripapa that he teamed Davey with top female bowler Tillie Taylor to promote women’s and junior bowling in the United States.

They toured in 1939, when Davey was 18 and just out of high school, giving bowling instructions, exhibitions and trick shots that Andy had taught Davey. His high series was 816 and he averaged 219 for one group of 60 games.

In the 1939 ABC, Davey bowled a 1761 all events, in 1940 an 1873 all events, with his 286 game the highest in the team division and in 1941 his all events was 1806 giving him a 200+ average which was the highest in the ABC tournament those three years. By age 20 Davey had bowled six 300 games.

Davey paired with Ned Day the national match game champion and bowled exhibitions for Brunswick promoting the ten pin game in the eastern U.S.

Davey enlisted in 1942 and gave exhibitions and trick bowling for the Navy until shipping out for sea duty.

Among other titles: seven Middletown city titles, the Central States Craftsman, V.F.W. State and American Legion state singles title.

Richard Davidson was inducted into the Middletown B.A. Hall of Fame, Butler County Sports Hall of Fame, and Hamilton B.A. Hall of Fame.

Lucille Noe has won bowling titles over five decades. First, the Columbus Headpin and Cincinnati Times Star Doubles Title in the 1940’s to the Columbus WBA City doubles title in 1987.

The hi-lite of her bowling career was in 1956, when she won the WIBC Tournament Singles with a 708 series. This was the second 700 series in WIBC Tournament history. Lucille bowled in 44 WIBC tournaments. She has a high game of 298. Her high average was 191 in 1971.

In 1960, she won the Ohio WBA title in doubles and was on the winning team in 1977. She has competed in 48 Ohio WBA tournaments.

Lucille has bowled in every Columbus WBA City tournament since 1948 and her performance is outstanding as she has won the team title 10 times between 1948 and 1965. She had doubles titles in 1956, 1959, and 1987. She had all-events titles in 1957, 1958 and high series in 1957 and 1960.

Lucille was selected as one of the top 10 women of the year in the sports category by the Columbus Citizen Journal in 1956.

Lucille was a member of the Professional WBA 1958-60. She became a charter inductee of the Columbus WBA Hall of Fame in 1980 for Outstanding Performance.

Lucille is currently serving on the Columbus WBA Hall of Fame Committee and the Ohio WBA Hall of Fame Board.

Robert Moreo has made a lifetime career out of bowling. In the 1950’s Bob’s bowling surfaced, followed by years of promotion and teaching of the bowling game and later Proprietor of Moreo Lanes in Lima, Ohio.

Bob won the Lima Association Singles in 1954, the Northwest Central Ohio BPA All-Star Eliminations in 1956-57. In 1956-57, his best season average was 217 and his high game and series 289 and 785. From 1952 to 1957, he had over fifty 700 series and 3 non-sanctioned 300 games.

Bob Moreo was elected as a member of the Lima bowling Hall of Fame.

He volunteers bowling instruction to all, but is devoted to the youth program, and one of his boys teams set new state records last season. They credit his teaching as instrumental to their success.

In the early 1960’s, Bob was a member of Ebonite company and traveled throughout Ohio, the East, and the Midwest, promoting bowling and establishing ball drilling equipment. One of the first bowling balls to be drilled in accordance with the weight block was the Ebonite Gyro, which was invented by Bob Moreo.

Bob also wrote the instruction manuals for bowling ball drilling that were used in various K-Marts in the state of Ohio.

Herman Mergard Jr. is a posthumous inductee into the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame. In 1932, he was a Cincinnati alley owner and was invited to attend the annual outing of the Detroit City Proprietors. The purpose was to form a National Proprietors Association. Herman Mergard was one of the 22 attendees. On June 7, 1932, Mergard was elected 8th Vice President.

In 1941, as National Vice President, Mergard proposed a National “Learn to Bowl” Program. His Idea was for a universal set of procedures at every level: Local, State, and National. Herman’s program is recognized as the first successful promotion the BPA had undertaken. He served as National president from 1942 to 1945.

With the country at war in Germany and in the Pacific, bowling was classified as a non-essential industry. President Mergard recognized this threat to the industry and instituted National Programs such as selling war bonds in bowling centers, conducting tournaments to benefit various servicemen’s agencies, and participating in the popular Bowlers Victory legion. These programs to aid the war effort gave the BPA and bowling the necessary recognition to avoid the destructive war regulations that may otherwise have been adopted.

Herman operated seven bowling centers at one at one time in Cincinnati and he contributed to various programs and promotions that helped establish bowling as a popular competitive sport available to everyone.

The “Bowlers Days” on Fountain Square and “Bowlers Days with the Reds” at old Crosley Field were some of his successful promotions.

Jack Haggerty, pioneer Toledo Bowling Proprietor and well known national figure, began his bowling career in 1889 when he started to work in a two lane center in Shelby, Ohio.

He came to Toledo in 1912 and by 1949 had worked his way up to a 42 lane establishment known as Haggerty’s Bowling Center, which he operated for 23 years.

His life was bowling. He was one of the organizers of the BPAA which was formed in 1932 and served as it’s first Treasurer. In 1939, he was elected to the office of president.

At the time of his death, he was one of only four honorary members of ABC.

One of his biggest moments came October 19, 1934 when he rolled his only 300 game.

Alex Silvestro’s credentials are such that he could have been elected to the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame in any of three categories. He still owns and operates a four lane center (Lane beds 1928 vintage) in Cleveland (Bowl-Mores) and has bowling in his soul.

The decade of the 50’s saw Silvestro reach his prime in bowling ability as he attained a high average of 224 in 1954 and shot several 800 series, the highest being 805 in 1954. He has three 300 games to his credit during the same period. From 1950-53 he claimed tow men’s state all events titles and two state Lutheran tournament all events titles. He was inducted to the Cleveland Men’s Hall of Fame in 1984.

His bowling ability, teaching of the game and achievements as an amateur truly qualifies this 76 year young man for the title of “Pioneer” in our great game.

Emma Phaler started her career in bowling in 1921 in Columbus. In 1926, she was elected secretary of the four year old Columbus WBA and after serving one year, she was elected executive secretary of the Women’s International Bowling Congress.

Emma held that position until her retirement in 1965. When Emma took the job 1927, the WIBC membership was 5,357 in 28 cities. When she left, membership was 2.7 million in 2,800 cities.

Emma and then WIBC president Jeanette Knepprath planned and supervised the construction of the WIBC headquarters at 1225 Dublin Rd. in 1958. She was instrumental in bringing the WIBC to Columbus in 1927 and 1949.

A good bowler, Emma had a high league average of 170, a high game of 258 and high series of 620.

The WIBC’s Star of Yesterday” award was started by Emma in 1953. She was named to the WIBC Hall of Fame in 1965. She died October 12, 1982 just 10 days short of her 100th birthday.

In Cincinnati, they refer to Joe Rotsching as “Mr. Bowling.”

The 84-year-old Rotsching has served the Greater Cincinnati Bowling Association for 50 years and the Ohio State Men’s Bowling Association for 33 years.

Joe was elected president of the OSBA in 1955 with a treasury that was in debt. The secretary resigned and

Joe had to drive to Cleveland each weekend to run the state tournament.

In Cincinnati, Joe served several times as city secretary and president of the local association

Margaret “Billie” Schueller served a s secretary of the Ohio WBA from 1947 to 1961. She not only fulfilled her duties in that capacity but was an outstanding booster and promoter of bowling at all levels. She was instrumental in helping to plan the current Ohio WBA delegate system. Billie was elected life member and inducted into the Ohio WBA Hall of Fame in 1987.

In her local association of Dayton, where she has been a member for 54 years, she served as local secretary for 20 years. Billie is a life member of the Dayton WBA and an inductee to their Hall of Fame.

Her bowling accomplishment kept pace with her dedication to administration. She carried high average in Dayton in 1963 with a 184 and her career high series of 734 was bowled in 1964.

John Canelli is a posthumous inductee in the Ohio Hall of Fame.

A Toledo native, Canelli, through his friendship with Jack Haggerty, who owned and operated the Interurban Lanes in downtown Toledo, became active in the local association.

An attorney, Canelli served as ABC representative for Greater Toledo for 30 years. In 1951, he was president of the ABC.

He also served as president of the Central State Bowling Association, the Ohio State Bowling Association and the Toledo Bowling Association. He was instrumental in bringing ABC to Toledo in 1960.

During World War II, Canelli was asked by Mike DiSalle, then OPA National Director, to gather information from Toledo proprietors to create a guide for the legal price formula for bowling during the price freeze in effect for the time.

In the early 1940’s, an excise tax was proposed on al forms of entertainment and bowling was scheduled for a 20% tax. Canelli formed a committee of representatives from BPAA, ABC, WIBC, Brunswick and all parts of the bowling family to help fight this tax. This committee formed the organization known today as the national Bowling Council. The headquarters were in Toledo in Canelli and Fink law firm until his death in 1965.

Flo Seeds was the first Columbus woman to bowl a 300 game. The Columbus native, who has been a member of the city association for 61 years, rolled her perfect game on October 20, 1950 at the Riverview Recreation.

Four years before that, Flo had rolled a 705 on Jan 21. Tat series included a 276 game. She’s a life member of the 700 Club. Her high league average was a 189 in 1952.

She has bowled in 51 WIBC Tournaments. In 1927, her team won the booster division in the national tournament.

On the state level, Flo has made 59 State tournaments. In 1979 she received an award as the first woman to compete in 50 State events.

In Columbus, Flo has won two team, three doubles and one all-events titles.

Flo has devoted much of her bowling life helping youth bowlers. She has worked with them since 1951. She helped organize the Columbus Junior Bowling Association in the early 60’s and served as first secretary/treasurer of the group.

Roy Snyder was named to the Ohio Hall of Fame last March in the Pioneer category. He died on May 20th of this year.

Snyder was building his first bowling center, See-Nor Lanes, in Cincinnati in December 1941. Construction was halted to see if the Department of the Navy or Army wanted the steel girders designed for See-Mor Lanes. Neither department wanted the steel, so the lanes were built as the United States entered the war.

Throughout the war, Snyder was president of the Cincinnati Bowling Proprietors Association. He served until 1948. He was elected president of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America in 1952 – 53. He was credited with helping form 11 different state proprietor associations.

In 1978, Snyder was presented the Victor Lerner Memorial Medal. Snyder operated three centers in Cincinnati and one in Indianapolis.