Bowler Spotlight

Highlights from the 2024 Southern Regional Junior Tournament

DeeRonn Booker: 2024 USBC Masters Champ

Wayde Broughton is interviewed by Discover Dunwoody as he promotes TNBA’s 2023 Convention & Tournament in Atlanta GA.

TNBA Historian, Wayde Broughton promotes TNBA as he is interviewed by “Discover Dunwoody.com”, the official destination marketing organization for Dunwoody, GA.  Mark Galvin, Discover Dunwoody’s Marketing Director, says, “We are so excited to announce that The National Bowling Association will be having its 81st annual National Championship Tournament here in Dunwoody, in 2023! Discover Dunwoody had the pleasure of interviewing Wayde Broughton to learn more about TNBA and their tournament.”
Wayde talks about the history of bowling as well as the history of TNBA as he projects the excitement of the TNBA membership going to Atlanta in 2023. Click HERE or on the picture above to view this interview.

 

 

TNBA Youth Members Benefit from Weekend at ITRC., Arlington, Texas

(An article by Dave Schroeder, USBC Communications, Bowl.com)

“Following a two-year hiatus, The National Bowling Association Youth Weekend returned to the International Training and Research Center, providing six student-athletes with the unique opportunity to train at the world-class facility. The event, created through a partnership between the United States Bowling Congress and TNBA more than a decade ago, took place this year from Aug. 18-20.  Over the course of the three-day program, players received on-lane training and drills along with classroom sessions from the ITRC staff. Participants also had the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and tour the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.

TNBA and USBC have worked together on a concept called the TNBA/Team USA Youth Bowling Program, and this year marked the 11th time the TNBA Youth Weekend event has taken place since its inception in 2010. The event ran consecutively for 10 years before being paused due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.  Applications were sent to TNBA youth members, between the ages of 15-18, at the start of the year. As part of the application process, players were asked to submit a video, showing their bowling style from different angles, along with a resume of their accomplishments.

This year’s six participants were selected from that pool of TNBA youth program applicants and included two girls and four boys. The two girls were Diamond Gist of Hammond, Indiana, and Jewel Johnson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The four boys were KC Campbell of Newark, New Jersey; Tyler Keller of Hialeah, Florida; Kieryn Knox of West Orange, New Jersey; and Steven Leslie III of Philadelphia.

When asked about his experience at the TNBA Youth Weekend, a big smile came across the face of Leslie III.  “I can say that my experience here at the ITRC has been magnificent,” he said. “This has definitely been a big boost to help me with my career and it’s something I can take home with me and share with the people in my hometown. I’ve loved being here and loved being part of this program.”

That sentiment was echoed by Leslie III’s fellow participants, including Keller.  “I would hands down recommend this to any youth bowler that I know,” Keller said. “Any chance you get to come train at any big national or international facility is a great experience, especially with the coaching staff they have here. It’s a life lesson and life experience that you would never get to experience anywhere else.”

During the weekend, an emphasis was placed on individual instruction to develop both the physical and mental game. The instruction included the use of the ITRC’s advanced video analysis systems, analysis using Specto technology and additional statistical analysis. There were sessions covering bowler release discovery (positive axis point, axis tilt and axis rotation) and an assessment of each player’s spare shooting.

Knox, who is a freshman this fall on the bowling team at Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta, found the on-lane instruction to be beneficial.  “It showed me where some weaknesses are in my game,” Knox said. “It showed me that I need to work on some repetition with certain spares, like shooting washouts and stuff like that. I really feel like this was a great opportunity to improve my game, especially since I’ll be going to college at SCAD and feel like there’s a lot I can take from this weekend and apply to my college season.”

In addition to on-lane instruction, the participants took part in classroom sessions on topics that included the physical game, bowling ball dynamics, ball motion dynamics and understanding the science of lane conditions and lane play.  “In the classroom, I learned when to apply certain surfaces to bowling balls and how those surfaces will affect ball motion,” Campbell said. “I also learned a variety of layouts for bowling balls and how those layouts make the bowling ball roll differently.”

Visiting the IBMHOF wasn’t the only tour provided to the participants. Gist also enjoyed the tour of the USBC’s Equipment Specifications Department, which included a demonstration by E.A.R.L. (Enhanced Automated Robotic Launcher), USBC’s ball-throwing robot.  “The robot, you only get to see that in videos,” Gist said. “To get to actually see the robot that picks the ball up and rolls it down the lane itself, that was cool.”

Joining the bowlers at the ITRC were TNBA Youth Weekend at the ITRC Project Coordinator Barbara Council-Armstead, TNBA Junior Bowling Director Veronica Green and TNBA representative/coach Don Armstead.  “By supporting the return of TNBA’s Youth Weekend at the ITRC camp, both organizations show that the program is valued, and they are truly committed to enhancing diversity and representation on elite levels of competition,” Council-Armstead said. “Since its inception, highly talented groups of young athletes, often representing underserved populations, have been able to train with experts within our industry and gain access to the most advanced technology.  The program has an impressive track record of alumni who have previously and are currently competing on the collegiate and professional level. As a founder of this joint initiative, I am pleased to see that goals are being met. USBC and TNBA are to be commended for their continued support of this exceptional training opportunity.”

For a video recap of the weekend, click here:

ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8rsXv2bM3w

Great job Dave, thanks for such a great report; job well done.  For more information on the International Training and Research Center, visit bowlingitrc.com.

Rob McDaniel
TNBA Yearbook
9/29/2022

 

TNBA’s Owen O. Washington Scholarship Award Program

The class of 2022 had to spend most of their sophomore and junior years of high school quarantined at home which led to scholarship applicants having some difficulties in gathering information for their resumes. Throughout all of this, these students and their local senate chairpersons persevered and did an outstanding job of mentoring, researching, and processing through the process.

TNBA, on both local and national levels, annually grant scholarships to graduating high school seniors. In addition to the thousands of dollars in scholarships local senates granted this year, TNBA’s Owen O. Washington Scholarship Award Program granted over thirteen thousand dollars in scholarships and book grants to 19 first year college (higher education) and returning students in 2022.

Each year the Owen O Washington Scholarship Committee has the pleasure of awarding scholarships to some of our brightest students, and each year we get feedback from these students expressing their appreciation of the support TNBA has provided. This year was no exception. We congratulate all our recipients and invite you to listen to several of their “Thank You” messages (click to see video).

 Applications can be found on here. Thank you, Adrienne Sutton, for putting together this video.

Gwen Amie
TNBA Scholarship Award Program
08/18/22

“And the winners are George Gohagan III and Gregory Thompson Jr.”

George Gohagan lll and Gregory Thompson Jr. takes home the gold. They have been long time friends since their childhood days; George said winning a PBA title with your best friend is a dream come true. This tournament consisted of one professional PBA member and one non-PBA member. For George Gohagan III it was his second PBA title and for Gregory Thompson Jr., his fifth regional title. Both bowlers have been outstanding bowlers for years.

George Gohagan III is no stranger to our TNBA family being a long time member and bowling in many of our tournaments. George’s highest book average is 252. George has bowled 250 300 games and 176 800 series. He also has two USBC Eagles. George is considered by many to be one of the best bowlers in our TNBA family. The best match that I have ever seen is when George Gohagan III beat Dom Barrett, a PBA bowler from England, 300 to 299. When George bowls league you will always find his number one supporters there, his wife Andreana and their three boys.

George’s good friend and another outstanding bowler, Gregory Thompson Jr., also is no stranger to TNBA. Gregory has five PBA regional titles and was the Central Regional 2006 rookie of the year; just a few of Gregory’s many accomplishments. His highest book average is 245.

Gregory didn’t just go home after winning the Western Regional PBA’s member/non-member title. Just a few days later, he placed 2^nd in the very popular Southern Nevada Bowling Tournament (SNBT). This Tournament has been in existence for over fifty years. He lost to PBA’s touring pro, Darren Tang, 780 to 708 making him part of the tournament’s history as Darron Tang became the first player to win this tournament back-to-back.

Congratulations again to George Gohagan III and Gregory Thompson Jr.

Danny Mack
TNBA Staff Writer
11/10/21

TNBA’s David Haynes wins Las Vegas Open (TAT)

David Haynes wins Las Vegas Open at the 2021 Las Vegas Open True Amateur Tournament (TAT) held at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, NV August 30th – September 5th.

This is the first True Amateur Tournament (TAT) that allows all levels to bowl. There were specific rules for PBA/PWBA members. There were five divisions. Open, Senior, Women’s, Amateur and Handicap. This was a tournament that gave all spectators a chance to watch their favorite bowlers.

Las Vegas Bowler and TNBA Las Vegas Senate member, David Haynes came away with the $15,000 1^st prize. David won a total of $15,550. President and Director Jammie McWilliams, who has sponsored this tournament for 21 years, was very happy about the success of this new format for the tournament. David bowled great throughout the tournament making all the cuts. With screaming and yelling from all his local supporters, David, needed the first two strikes in the tenth frame to win, and of course David delivered. The crowd went crazy wild, followed by handshakes and hugs. Our hometown bowler had won his final match and the tournament.

David won the final match beating out former TNBA Columbus Ohio Senate member Harold Chadwick 236 to 225. Harold was representing the Senior division. Dan Peters from our TNBA Las Vegas Senate bowled great all week, only missing the last cut to make the final five stepladder. Dan was also competing in the Senior division.

Great Bowling Guys.
Danny Mack
TNBA Staff Writer

Queenie Green-Johnson

Queenie Green-Johnson is also known as the Boss Bowling Diva. I had the opportunity to bowl with Queenie in the Sunday TNBA mixed fours league at The Orleans Bowling Lanes. Queenie was a great teammate, always willing to help you with your game. Queenie starting bowling while serving our country at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany. At that time there were few women bowlers in the military. Queenie took that opportunity to start her bowling career. After serving her term in the Air Force, Queenie returned to Los Angeles where she continued to improve her bowling. Queenie decided to move to Las Vegas in 1989 on Valentine Day. That was a great day for her.  She knew that Las Vegas was a place where there were numerous tournaments and bowling centers. While she was bowling in a tournament, she learned that The National Bowling Association had a senate there. The rest is history.

Queenie is not only a great teammate she also has game. She has one 300, a 299 and a high three game series, 799. Queenie ‘s highest book average is 204. Las Vegas has worked out great for her work career.  Queenie started working here in Las Vegas as a twenty-one card dealer. She knew Las Vegas is one of the most travel cities in the world, so she thought it would be a good idea to get into the transportation business. Working as a Supervisor for a local Transit company, she has remained in that business. Queenie also works as Ambassador for JB Bowling Supply and is on the staff for Creating The Difference, a business owned by TNBA member Ronald Hickland Jr.  Queenie was blessed to have one daughter, Tamica, and one son, Charles.

Danny Mack

TNBA Staff Writer

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USBC Competition

Are you bowling at the USBC Open Championship Tournament?  Take advantage while in Las Vegas and  compete on a SPECIAL TNBA squad at the 2021 Open Championship!

Team Availability May 25-31, 2021

Doubles/Singles Availability May 26-29, 2021

Must call or email to reserve these TNBA spots!
Call 888-910-2695 or email USBCOpenChampionships@bowl.com

Spots are being held through February 28, 2021. Entry fee is $185 per bowler.

 

TNBA/HBCU’s 2nd Annual Invitational Tournament

The 2nd Annual TNBA/HBCU Invitational tournament is just around the corner. TNBA/HBCU Invitational tournament is designed to support our collegiate Bowling Program and enhance our membership by recruiting collegiate women to TNBA. The tournament will be held March 6-8, 2020 at Fun Bowl, in Forest Park, GA.

This tournament uses a scratch scoring system. Five-player teams will participate in a three-day competition that includes the qualifying round matches and multiple rounds of playoff matches. Competition will consist of five matches, Day 1 & 2 for total pins. Day 3 will be a step-ladder format best 4 of 7 baker games.

We are anticipating 15 teams for this year’s tournament. Last year’s tournament was a blast and we are expecting the same high level of spirited competition that we experienced last year. Live streaming will also be available!

Hotel, banquet and bowling center information:

• Clarion Hotel 1419 Virginia Avenue College Park, GA 30337 (404) 400-5900 (After the recording: dial 0 for reservations) Room rate is $92.00 inclusive of 15% tax. Credit card for room payment only. Vehicle parking is $6.00 per day. Deadline for room rate is Feb 26th.
• Saturday night banquet meal cost is $15.00. Dressy attire for all. Banquet will be held at the Clarion Hotel.
• Fun Bowl – 4839 Jonesboro Road Forest Park, GA 30297 (404) 366-2810.

If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Keith R. Bridgeforth
TNBA Collegiate Program Director
bridgekr@aol.com
(651) 261-9365

 

DBS RECOGNIZES ONE OF THEIR YOUTH:  “WE ARE SO PROUD!!”

Isabel Ping graduated from Smoky Hill High School in 2019 and is a very confident, independent, and mature young lady. She has demonstrated that she is reliable and responsible as she prepares for the next phase of her life and is pursuing a career in Nursing. She has a sincere passion to care for and help others.

Isabel has been a member of the Denver Bowling Senate Junior Bowling Program for three years and possesses a competent leadership ability and a very strong talent for bowling. She is very competitive and strives to compete with the best. Isabel participated in the TNBA Western Regional Junior Tournament in 2018 and 2019 and performed very well. Isabel bowled a high game of 245 and won multiple individual awards as well as several team and individual championships, including the 2018 – 2019 Queens / Duchess / Princess tournament for women where she placed 3^rd in the Duchess division. She also recently bowled an 878 (300, 278, 300) in a Thanksgiving 9-pin No-Tap fundraising tournament for the DBS Jrs. program.

Isabel is the 2018 – 2019 Greater Denver USBC Honor Team member for Girls High Average (190).

Draper, Deborah 02-20

TNBA YOUTH WEEKEND CELEBRATES 10TH YEAR AT ITRC

Article by USBC’s Director of Communications, Terry Bigham found on Bowl.com.

For the 10th consecutive year, The National Bowling Association Youth Weekend is taking place at the International Training and Research Center, providing eight student-athletes with the opportunity to train under the watchful eyes of Team USA coaches.

Over the course of the three-day event, which started Thursday, players receive on-lane training and drills along with classroom sessions from the ITRC staff. Participants also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and tour the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.

Kaia Gray of Chicago bowls in TNBA and United States Bowling Congress events and said to see the organizations work together on the program for youth bowlers is amazing. She had previously visited the ITRC and learned about the state-of-the-art bowling technology used during training sessions.

“When I heard about this opportunity to train under (Team USA head coach) Rod Ross, it was just a phenomenal opportunity,” said Gray, who will bowl at Jackson State starting in the fall. “They told us they would work on the weak part of our game. I really hope they help me with that because I want to be more consistent with my shots.”

When the Junior Gold Championships were held in the Dallas area in 2018, Adam Atkins of New Orleans visited the ITRC and had the chance to bowl on Sport patterns. He was excited for the opportunity to return as part of the TNBA Youth Weekend.

“It has Specto and all kinds of technology that really help you out with your game,” said Atkins, who is starting his senior year of high school. “It’s a good experience. So few have the opportunity to come here. What I’m going to do with the information I learn, we have a lot of young kids back in our program and I’m going to help them out.”

He also works at a pro shop and wants to learn more about bowling balls.

“I just want to learn more about drilling, ball motion, cores,” Atkins said.

Other participants in the TNBA Youth Weekend are Savanna Razor, Jailyn Rogers, Jordan Shipp, Alex Horton, Nykolas Walker, and Purley Williams.

Veronica Green, the TNBA National Youth Program Director, plus coaches Donald Armstead and Charles Horton also are part of this weekend’s program.

Barbara Armstead, as the TNBA Youth Weekend Project Coordinator, oversees the program.

“I am so happy to say this is our 10th year – 10 years of working with this wonderful program,” Armstead said.

Armstead sent out applications to TNBA youth members, between the ages of 16-19, at the start of the year. As part of the application process, players are asked to submit a video, showing their bowling style from different angles, along with a resume of accomplishments.

She said they look for the top players – those participating in competitive events throughout the season – and pointed out that one of last year’s TNBA Youth Weekend attendees captured a national title this summer.

“We had a group of phenomenal players and one of them, Patricia Rosales, just won the U20 Junior Gold Championships,” Armstead said of the2018 group. “She is a talented individual and she will credit some of her accomplishments to her trip here. It was a wonderful experience for her and for us.”

TNBA Junior Program Sweepstakes Fundraiser

For the second year, the TNBA Junior Program sponsored the FundCrazr Sweepstakes Fundraiser. The proceeds from this fundraiser benefits the TNBA Junior Program and helps with the funding of the TNBA Anthony J. Roberts Championship Roll-Off, the Youth Council, the TNBA/USBC Training Initiative and the overall operation of the Junior Program.  Winners for the first 4 weeks are:

This is a Fund Raising opportunity with sweepstakes cards containing three randomly selected football teams per week for five-weeks with $400 paid out each week in prizes:

1st place $200
2nd place $100
3rd place $60
Lowest score $40
In the event of a TIE, prize money would be combined and then split between the participants.
The 3-team combinations will change weekly. No two tickets will have the same set of teams for any given week.
Ticket Example for One Week:

Teams Points
Dallas Cowboys 33
SF 49er’s 30
Pittsburgh Steelers 42
Total Points: 105

If 105 is the highest 3-team sweepstakes entry, this entry would be the highest 3-team total winner for that week! The 2nd and 3rd place winners are the ticket holders with the 3 teams that score the 2nd and 3rd most number of points during that same week. Lowest scoring tickets also win a prize! The lowest place winner is the ticket holder with the 3 teams that score the lowest number of points! The outcome of the game (who wins or loses) has no bearing on the sweepstakes results. Prizes are paid out weekly.

Need help in getting your youth bowlers to the Regional Junior tournaments? This fundraiser could work for you! Every Senate, person or league that sells at least 50 tickets would be eligible to receive a $2 rebate on every ticket sold. Sell 100 tickets, get a rebate of $200. Sell 250 tickets, get a $500 rebate. This is a Win-Win for everyone.

Las Vegas Ari Wilson Captured Professional Bowling Association (PBA)Western Regional Title

Bowling in the recent Western Regional Member Non-Member doubles tournament held in South Point Bowling Plaza, Ari Wilson along with his doubles partner Zack Hattori won the Western Regional Doubles Title. This feat has only been accomplished by a handful of amateur bowlers.

Ari started bowling at an early age of 4 years. He moved from Chicago to Las Vegas six years ago. Ari has gotten tremendous support from his Sponsor/Mentor Harvey Johnson. Ari is currently a staff of Ebonite Bowling International (EBI). He throws a very powerful high revolution ball using both hands. At the age of twenty-five, he has thrown sixty-nine 300 games and forty-two 800 series. Ari’s highest book average is 232. Some of his other accomplishments are: Placing 2nd in the 2014 Pepsi Times Classic; 1st in the 2014 Post Tribune tournament; 1st in the 2014 Chicago Bowlers Alliance Doubles; 1st in 2014 TNBA National Men’s team and 2nd In 2015 PBA Regional in Lynwood, IL.

Congratulation to him on his first Professional Bowling Association title. Keep up the great bowling.

Danny Mack
TNBA Staff writer

11-19

Eastern Field Rep Robert Danzy Jr:  “In the Pocket.”

TNBA’s Eastern Field Representative Robert Danzy Jr. gave a refreshing background on the history and structure of TNBA when he was featured in the Thursday 9/19/19 issue of The Daily Gazette located in Schenectady/Albany NY.
In this article, The Daily Gazette said that “ Robert Danzy Jr. is aggressively — and passionately — promoting an old bowling sanctioning body that might not be too familiar to many local keglers.

The 43-year-old lefty from Albany is the new president of The National Bowling Association’s (TNBA) Albany Senate. The Albany High grad and UAlbany product is busy trying to get the word out about his organization, which has been around for 80 years.

The TNBA is another sanctioning body that is similar to the USBC,” Danzy said. “It’s actually been in existence since 1939. It came about when African-Americans and other races couldn’t be members of the USBC [then the ABC] or bowl in their leagues.”
For that reason, the TNBA membership has been dominated by minorities looking for an opportunity to bowl. But now, Danzy is reaching out to all bowlers of every race, religion and gender, and his organization is growing quickly, especially locally.”

TNBA’s Vice President, Dr. Michael Boykins points out that it was “really nice work by our newest Eastern Field Representative” Read the entire article from The Daily Gazette at dailygazette.com.

2019 Promotional Video: Join TNBA

TNBA’s Tournament Journey, where you step up your game; the best of the best

Bowling is one of the unique sports that allow youth to earn scholarship monies. TNBA has a youth program that provides an all expense paid trip to bowl in our Junior Roll-off Tournament during TNBA Week.

TNBA is another piece of African American epic. It’s a story of challenge, a story of courage, a story of vision, a story of determination and a story of triumph.

Bowling is the number 1 participation sport in the USA. It’s a sport where you can participate from the time you are a tot until you are over 100 years old.

Why do you Bowl? For the fun? For the money? For the love of the game? We bowl for the Sportsmanship, for the Fellowship and for the Friendship.

05/01/2019

 

2019 Promotional Video: 2019 – The TNBA Story

TNBA has produced this short video documentary about our organization highlighting various aspects or specific programs of our organization. This video was created to be another tool used to educate others about our organization, it’s history and what it is that uniquely sets us apart from other bowling organizations.

05/01/2019

Only 10 Years Old, Kai Strothers makes HISTORY in NEW JERSEY..

Kai, a 5th grade student, a member of the Metropolitan Bowling Senate of New Jersey and a member of the Jersey Lanes Junior Bowling League located in Linden, New Jersey bowled a PERFECT 300 GAME to become the YOUNGEST Bowler in the State of New Jersey to accomplish this great feat. He is also the 2nd youngest in the Country to do so. He had games of 226 – 245 and 300 for a total series of 771.

Kai Strothers comes from a family of bowlers; his grandfather was an avid bowler, his parents bowl and he even has some competition with his uncle has scored two perfect games. He started going to bowling alleys with his mother at the age of two and has been with the Junior League since he was four years old. His mom, Sharonda Strothers told News12NewJersey “He eats, sleeps and drinks bowling.” However, she stressed that Kai’s obsession does not come at the expense of his school work. “He’s talented and gifted and we always remind him to just stay humble and grateful.”

When he is not doing school work, he is on his phone playing a “bowling” game. It’s what he loves. Nicknamed “Popcorn” because while bowling exceptionally well during a tournament
he was snacking on popcorn, and it was said the secret was in the popcorn. Now whenever he bowls, it’s always asked does he have his popcorn??

Metropolitan Bowling Senate is extremely excited and glad to know that we are part of “The Village” behind him. Kai’s achievement will be acknowledged by the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education at its February meeting.

Addendum:  After this original article was submitted, Kai Strothers was highlighted as a guest on the Jimmy Kimmel Show (01/30/19).  “While watching the Jimmel Kimmel Live Show, I noticed that Kai Strothers was to be interviewed.  I decided to tape it for our TNBA Bowlers.” R. McDaniel.

See more about this outstanding achievement during his interviews with News12, ABC and CBS News.

Submitted by
JP Bridges, Metropolitan Senate, President

 

 

Las Vegas: The 2019 United Bowling Congress Team USA Trials.

We have several TNBA Juniors bowling this year’s Team USA Trials. We are very proud of our Juniors and our outstanding Junior Programs. We have been watching our young bowlers grow from tiny tots using two hands to bowl, to who are now in college or has graduated from college becoming outstanding young men and women. They are now throwing bowling balls up to eighteen miles per hour with very high rev rates. Morgan and Mason Moore are brothers who started bowling at the age of 3. Morgan and Mason are students at Midland University in Fremont Nebraska. Following their Dad’s footsteps, they are majoring in Criminal Justice. Mark Morgan has worked for 31 years in the Criminal Justice System. I could write a book on their Accomplishments Morgan and Mason book averages are 235 and 232 respectively. They are both certified I.B.P.S.IA. hands on Pro. Shop trained professional. Their coach is former Hammer Staff member and our own Denver Senate member Shawn Lee.
Gazmine Mason nick name “GG” is also bowling 2019 Team USA. We have been following this youth bowler for several years. Gazmine has graduated from the University of Nebraska. She has a degrees in Business with a minor in Computer Science. Her parents are George and Danielle Mason. Gazmine. GG started her own company, named after her nickname, Got Game, LLC. In 2017 Gazmine started the group Black Girls Can Bowl 2, #BGCB2. These are just a few of the things she has done since graduation.
She has competed in Team USA Trials since 2014, received two National Gold Medals including Singles and All Event. She the only African American to win multiple gold medals .Her goal is to become to bowling what Michael Jordan is to Basketball, Tiger Wood is to Golf and Serena Williams is to tennis.

Danny Mack, Las Vegas Senate
TNBA Staff Writer

TNBA National Director of Tournaments,

Luther Moses 2015 TNBA Hall of Fame Inductee

Luther Moses was the recipient of the ‘2015 Hall of Fame’ award, during the TNBA ‘76^th Annual Convention’ and TNBA Week festivities in Las Vegas, Nevada. The TNBA festivities also included the ‘74^th Championship Tournament, held May 21 – 31, 2015; of which Luther serves as the National Director of Tournaments; a role he has held for the past seven years.

A capacity-filled banquet hall, which included members of Luther’s family, and past and present National Tournament Staff, witnessed him receiving the award for Meritorious Service; an award given that he so richly deserved.

Luther, who is also a TNBA Life Member, was honored for Meritorious Service; based on a 43 year history with TNBA, serving in multiple roles for the organization. His passion for bowling led him to join TNBA in 1972; after returning to California following an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force; where wanted to become more involved with the organization, not just as a bowler. In 1978, a United States Postal Service promotion led Luther to relocate to Denver, Colorado where he actively became involved with the Denver Bowling Senate; serving as its President for twelve years. As a result of his professionalism, service and dedication to TNBA and over the span of 25 years; Luther has served as TNBA Budget Director (2 years), Assistant Western Region Tournament Director (3 years), appointed as acting, then Western Region Tournament Director (18 years); Western Region Rhodman Tournament Director (3 years); then ultimately appointed as TNBA National Director of Tournaments.

Other TNBA accolades include: Board Member of JP & SP (1989), where he served as Vice-Chairman and formed the now Century Club; donating the first $100.00 out of his own pocket; a philanthropic gesture he has continuously donated since 1989, to date. Luther has served as Chairman of TNBA Finance Committee; Chaplin; Parliamentarian, headquarters relocation committee; Cabinet Advisory Committees, Site Regional Inspection Committee and a Southern Regional Tournament staff member.

Luther’s bowling accomplishments include two ‘300’ game awards, ‘299’ game award (twice) and a career high series of 776. He is also proud of a current book average of ‘206’.

Personal accomplishments include his wife and one daughter; a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; member of California State University Alumni Association; a faithful member of Kings Baptist Church; Blacks in Government (BIG); Denver Strikers-Strikettes Bowling Club; National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) and National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS). Three years ago, Luther retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 42 years.

The National Bowling Association, Inc., joins the Western Region Senate’s Committee in recognizing Luther Moses as the 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee, for Meritorious Service. He has taken his rightful place alongside his fellow recipients and colleagues.

CONGRATULATIONS LUTHER!! [posted 7/6/2015]

Lieutenant Commander Robyn White

TNBA member Robyn White recently celebrated her promotion to Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy.   US Navy Lieutenant Commander positions are significant because they are the first commissioned officer positions that are selected by special selection boards.  Lcdr White began her tour of duty in December, 2005 where she serves as a Nurse Corps Officer.  She has served in Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom and also has toured on humanitarian missions with the USN Hospital Ship Comfort (T-AH-20) to help victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.  She is currently studying at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (Bethesda, MD) for her Doctorate in Nursing.  Her dad, Robert Reynolds, is also a TNBA member and bowls with the Las Vegas Bowling Senate.  Good sailing, Lieutenant Commander White, job well done!!

[posted 6/5/2015]

 

TNBA Members Join Hammer Staff

Hammer has been a corporate sponsor to TNBA for over 5 years.  Over the years, they have become a true, dedicated member of the TNBA family. This year they have added a new sponsorship element to this relationship. Bugsy Kelly of Ebonite International/Hammer has developed a new program that rewards TNBA members (one from each of the four regions) with a one year “Hammer Amateur Staff Contract.” These four members will be provided with hammer equipment and invited to hammer events. They will promote the Hammer and TNBA brands.

Congratulations go out to Ron Holt (Eastern), Charles Zelaya (Western), Cieara Watts (Southern) and Michele Irwin (Central). Names of deserving candidates from across the country were submitted to Team Hammer by TNBA leaders for consideration. From that list, these bowlers were chosen by Hammer based on their support and dedication to TNBA, image amongst their peers and bowling ability.

Today it is common for companies to hire celebrities and well known sports figures to endorse their products.
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All companies in the bowling industry have professional bowlers on staff to help promote their company’s products, especially bowling balls. Hammer utilizes a combination of professionals and amateurs on their staff. They have discovered that high averaged amateurs that compete in many tournaments are very effective in showing the public the quality and efficiency of their products.

Please join TNBA in congratulating Ron, Charles, Cieara and Michele. They join fellow TNBA members Novella Daniel and Ron Simms Jr. on the Hammer staff. We thank Hammer for offering this opportunity.

Send in your yearbook ads and high scores for the 2016 issue of “TNBA’s 2015 Yearbook Journal” to  Rob McDaniel.  Ads and high scores should be submitted by February 15, 2016.  Submit high scores for both adult and junior bowlers.  Ad and high score forms may be found on the Yearbook page.