BOWLING PROGRAMS AS DIRECTOR OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT HOPKINSVILLE

Brian Graham, Hammer Brand Manager, is returning to the USBC to spearhead the organization’s youth bowling initiatives as Director of Youth Development. Prior to joining Hammer, Graham served as the Director of College Bowling USA. “Growing the sport is, and has always been, my number one concern,” said Graham. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s future and it’s my goal to develop and initiate programs to support these young athletes as they mature in the sport. With all the resources available through the USBC, I’m positive that youth bowling will see tremendous strides in participation numbers this year. I look forward to being a part of that.” The Hammer brand has reached legendary status under Graham’s tutelage. The brand’s Black Widow series is the hottest ball line on the market today. Bowlers nationwide are throwing record scores and there’s no slowdown in sight as the brand just launched the Black Widow Pearl and Black Widow Spare in late 2007 and the Black Widow Bite on January 4. “Seeing Hammer return to the top of the market in terms of sales and loyal Hammerheads has been a great ride and I wouldn’t trade this time for anything,” said Graham. “But, knowing that I am returning to a position that is so close to my heart makes this transition much easier for me.” A league bowler since age five, Graham was born and raised in Kokomo, Ind., and went on to attend Vincennes University and University of Nebraska where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with Marketing Emphasis. As a member of bowling teams at Vincennes and Nebraska, he was named First Team All-American and won the collegiate single championship. In 1997, he was a member of Team USA and won Gold Medals in the FIQ American Zone Championships in the singles and team events. Graham, who joined Hammer in 2004, continues to remain a competitive bowler today with the support of his wife and two children. “Although we hate to lose such a dynamic member of our team, we’re excited to see him return to his lifelong passion,” said Bob Reid, vice president of marketing for Ebonite International, Inc. “Ebonite International has said time and again that we’ve got to do something to turn around participation numbers and we’ve got to start with our youth. They’ve got longevity in the sport, and, if appropriately supported, will turn around the dismal league numbers we’re experiencing today. “I have no doubt that Brian is ready to tackle that challenge head-on and will certainly make a positive impact on the future of youth bowling. We certainly wish him all the best and the full support of all our brands in his endeavors.” Graham will begin his new role on January 28. Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both domestically and internationally. The company's consumer product brands include Ebonite, Hammer, Robby's, Columbia 300 and Track. Its commercial product brands are Ebonite VanTech Capital Equipment, Vantage Genuine Parts, Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.