CHANGE, INNOVATIONS TAKE CENTER STAGE
AT USBC ANNUAL MEETING OPENS IN RENO

Embrace change and trust each other. Those were the main points made by United States Bowling Congress leadership during the opening session of the USBC Annual Meeting at the Reno Events Center.

President Jeff Bojeґ, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger and several other speakers spoke about building on the traditions of the past while looking optimistically to the future for the an audience of 1,346.

"If you want to make change you have to be at the edge of risk," Boj? said. "We are at the edge of risk but it's a calculated risk.

"Who would have thought we'd move the proprietors and USBC into one building in Texas. It's not about either organization individually. It's about bowling and the home of the Hall of Fame and Museum and be proud of it."

Besides the decision to move USBC from Wisconsin to Texas, the USBC Board has
recommended a dues increase in 2010 which Boj? said is imperative for the organization.

"We must have trust. We must build trust," Boj? said. "There's been a lack of it not just between USBC and BPAA (Bowling Proprietor's Association of America) but between you the stakeholders who pay for USBC.

"Our money comes from the dues, from the people and we must build a mutual respect and trust for each other. Trust the board to do the right thing."

Dornberger said that in the future, USBC will develop more membership options, modernize member benefits, better use state associations as educational and communications conduits, spend more time asking associations for their opinions and provide turnkey programs for joint implantation with proprietors.

"How can we survive and thrive if we don't have a relationship with the people who deal directly with the bowlers?" Dornberger said.

USBC adds $701,675.14 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure At the annual Meet for the Cure(tm) ceremony, USBC presented a symbolic check for $701,675.14 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure(r) to help fight breast cancer. That brought the total to more than $7 million since the Women's International Bowling Congress started the ceremony in 2002.

Breast cancer survivors presented the check to Diana Rowden, vice president of health services for Susan G. Komen for the Cure(r).

"This is another testament to the teamwork of all bowlers across the country," Rowden said.

Six inducted into USBC Hall of Fame
Four of the greatest players in the sport's history plus two stars off the lanes are the newest inductees into the USBC Hall of Fame.
*Lowell Rothschild - "It's my honor to be inducted with some special people. It's sort of a humbling and exciting experience."
*Tom Kouros - "This honor is indescribable. To me, what is most special about this award is the people who gave it to me. It means they recognized my achievements in bowling."
*Gene Stus - "I probably never would have won the Nobel prize or an Oscar, but today I have been given a far greater honor, a place in the USBC Hall of Fame. I'm nervous, excited and very proud. I see others in the Hall and their accomplishments and feel small among them but will accept it proudly."
*John Petraglia - "It's often said the importance of a hall of fame is who's in it," he said by videotape because he doesn't fly. "To join all the greats is an honor."
*Wendy Macpherson - "Today's question of the day - was I nervous? I said I wasn't nervous until someone asked me. Many people say this is my day but I share this with the others. I'm a firm believer in no one goes anywhere without the help of others."
*Mark Roth - "I love the game. I bowled every day after school. My goal was to be on the pro tour. Today is like winning my first title."

Their election brings the total inducted to 222 men and 151 women.

Williams, Bardol are Stars of Tomorrow
Wichita State University graduate student Ricki Williams and Robert Morris College sophomore Chris Bardol were honored as Alberta E. Crowe and Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow.

Williams was a member of Wichita State's 2007 USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships titlist. She is a Junior Team USA 2009 member after serving in 2008. She also is a director on the Great Plains USBC Association.

Bardol helped Robert Morris begin its bowling program in 2007-08, serving as team captain and being named Rookie of the Year by the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association. He earned honorable mention in his sophomore year.

Nine honored for behind-the-scenes work Nine awards were presented for work off the lanes to better the sport. After a combined video tribute, the recipients individually received their awards from Dornberger and Bojeґ.
*Tom Clark - Joyce Deitch Trailblazer Award
*Jean Tondola-Smith - Helen Baker Outstanding Association Volunteer Award
*Charles Kinstler - Proprietor of the Year
*Mike Nyitray - Kerm Helmber Horizon Award
*Debbie Haggerty - David Dahms Coach of the Year
*David Driscoll - Youth Program Volunteer of the Year
*Amanda Hollenbaugh - Youth Female Ambassador of the Year
*Kyle Mauerman - Youth Male Ambassador of the Year
*St. Louis USBC Association - BPAA Association of the Year (association manager Dale Bohn accepting)

Mauerman later was announced as the next Youth Ambassador to be selected for a spot on the USBC Board of Directors. His one-year term begins Aug. 1.