Category Archives: MERITORIOUS SERVICE RECIPIENTS

2023 HOF MERITORIOUS SERVICE RECIPIENT – JOHNSON

2023 Hall of Fame Inductee
BOB JOHNSON

Bob started at age 15 working for the Pacific Bowler newspaper in Orange County. He also spent several years as Editor of the California Bowling News based in Burbank. During more than a decade covering the bowlers and bowling events of California, Bob wrote with style and grace about everything from outstanding league accomplishments to local sweeper results to pro tournaments. Among his most-remembered feature stories were several about Glenn Allison’s 900 series (at La Habra “300” Bowl in 1982), one about Pete McCordic’s televised 300 game (at Gable House Bowl in Torrance in 1987) and one about how local bowlers and other residents prevented Midtown Bowl in Los Angeles from being burned down during the so-called “Rodney King riots” in 1992.

Bob also began writing feature stories for Bowlers Journal, Bowling Digest and Junior Bowler magazines. He wrote features about President Richard Nixon (a native of Whittier.) and “Peanuts” comic strip creator Charles M. Schulz (a long-time resident of Sonoma County).

During his career, Bob has served as Editor of six national magazines — Bowlers Journal International, Bowling Center Management, Bowling Entertainment Center, Pro Shop Operator, International Bowling Industry (then based in Westlake Village) and even a short stint with Bowling, the ABC magazine. He also was a volunteer member of the SoCal Bowling Writers Association for many years, serving as one of the presenters at the annual SoCal Bowling All-Star Awards Banquet and writing stories about the various award winners for the local media.

Johnson has won more than 80 national writing awards — earning him inductions into three national bowling halls of fame: USBC (2019), PBA (2019) and International Bowling Media Association (2009).

2022 HOF MERITORIOUS SERVICE RECIPIENT – SHEASLEY

2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
MABEL SHEASLEY

Mabel has served bowling since 1981 on her local Women’s board in Stockton. She served as President from 1990 to 1995. She served as Secretary from 1996 to 2005. She then served as the local Men’s association secretary from August 2005 until April 2014. She served on both the Women’s and Open Associations as a Director and served as chairman of the merged committee in 2015 until they finally merged in 2016. Mabel was elected as 1st V.P. and in 2018 she was appointed Association Manager which she currently holds.

Mabel was also elected to serve on the new CUSBC board. She was involved in running the Senior Singles tournament and under her guidance the tournament has thrived! She served on the BVL/Helen Duval Veterans Tournament and became Co-Chair from 2012 to 2021! She is an inspiration to all who have met her!

2022 HOF MERITORIOUS SERVICE RECIPIENT – LUCAS

2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
MIKE LUCAS

Mike started as a Director of the Palomar Bowling Association in 1974 and has served as chairman of all the Association committees and held all league board positions. He is also a certified youth instructor.  Mike has held all line officer positions and was President from 1982 to 1986 and also President of the newly merged North County USBC from 2006 to 2009. Mike was elected to the California State board when it merged in 2006 as a Director and has served on many committees. He is currently Co-Chair for the Awards Committee. Mike has participated in 33 California Open  Championships and is looking forward to bowling his 35th so he can receive his plaque!

2022 HOF MERITORIOUS SERVICE RECIPIENT – PEPPERS

2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
LARRY PEPPERS

Larry has been active in bowling since 1991. He was elected to the California Men’s Bowling Association in 1994 and was involved in the transition group when the Women’s, Open and Youth state associations merged to become the California USBC (2006). He has a history as a CPA and has shared his knowledge with the State board and many bowlers and association officials. He is deserving of this award!

2020 HOF MERITORIOUS SERVICE RECIPIENT – WEILER

2020 Hall of Fame Inductee
FRANK WEILER

Frank Weiler lives in San Bernardino and has been involved in bowling for over 65 years and is still very involved in reporting on the many  bowling events he attends. Frank has promoted the sport of bowling as a writer and photographer for over 20 years.  He has done so in an outstanding manner winning 7 writing awards – 5 National and 2 California State awards.  His awards were for outstanding editorials, feature stories, and news stories about bowling. His winning awards in all three categories make him the winner of the “Triple Crown” of writing!

2019 HOF MERITORIOUS SERVICE RECIPIENT – PARKER

2019 Hall of Fame Inductee
ROSIE PARKER

Rosie Parker has been involved in bowling for over 55 years and is the newest Past President of the CUSBC. She has served the California bowlers for many years and she has always been very diplomatic and empathetic when it comes to explaining rules etc. She has kept bowling at a high level of integrity and has always respected bowling and bowlers.

2018 HoF MERITORIOUS SERVICE RECIPIENT – GILLESS

2018 Hall of Fame Inductee
EARNEST LOU GILLESS

Lou Gilless  was a late bloomer to bowling, not starting til he was in his 20’s at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico, but he loved it and has served the bowling community for over 40 years!  Lou worked as a civil servant for the Department of Defense before retiring in 2001! Lou has been involved for many years in his local association and was also a Director on the State USBC for several years!