Central Ontario 5-pin Bowlers' Association Hall of Fame Members
A selection of the Hall of Fame bios can be found below, the rest will be coming soon
Players Division
Bill Hill 1989
Charlene McCormack 1989
Red McQuaker 1990
Claudina Sula (Lista) 1990
Janet Masaro (Peck) 1991
Brian Kaye 1992
Primo Falcioni 1994
Kristy Zammit 1995
Al Snow 1996
Marg Bratkin 1997
Herman Wessels 1998
Basil Gasdia 1999
Sue Topping (Wise) 1999
Terry Noon 2000
John Mattioli 2001
Brenda Hamilton 2001
Mickey McNeil 2002
Sandy Cuthbert 2003
Jen Donovan 2003
Jim Head 2005
Sandy Lyons 2006
Gord Hobson 2009
Elizabeth Nicoll 2010
Jody Mann 2012
Jason Procher 2013
Al Hardiman 2014
Joanne Coram 2015
Charlene McCormack 1989
Red McQuaker 1990
Claudina Sula (Lista) 1990
Janet Masaro (Peck) 1991
Brian Kaye 1992
Primo Falcioni 1994
Kristy Zammit 1995
Al Snow 1996
Marg Bratkin 1997
Herman Wessels 1998
Basil Gasdia 1999
Sue Topping (Wise) 1999
Terry Noon 2000
John Mattioli 2001
Brenda Hamilton 2001
Mickey McNeil 2002
Sandy Cuthbert 2003
Jen Donovan 2003
Jim Head 2005
Sandy Lyons 2006
Gord Hobson 2009
Elizabeth Nicoll 2010
Jody Mann 2012
Jason Procher 2013
Al Hardiman 2014
Joanne Coram 2015
Builders Division
Red McQuaker 1990
Ted Woodhouse 1991
Yvonne Phair 1992
Ed Holland 1993
Dot Holland 1993
Ted Hannah 1995
Carolyn Mayberry 1998
Pat Jepson 2000
Rick and Helen Solway 2001
Brenda Hamilton 2001
Rheal Champagne 2002
Brian McDougall 2002
Patricia McDougall 2002
Mickey McNeil 2002
Jim Donovan 2003
Jen Donovan 2003
Al Barry 2004
Connie Hannah 2004
Dave Johnson 2005
Tony Bonora 2006
Chuck Lyons 2007
Bob & Jeanette Talbot 2008
Joe Zammit 2010
Glenda Cardinal 2011
Grace Little 2011
Carol Lawrence 2012
Gord Passmore 2013
Roger Theriault 2014
Joan and George Archibald 2015
Jodi Myers 2015
Marilyn and Lyall Gordon 2016
George Barber 2016
Claudina Sula (Lista) 2017
Legends Division
Ed Holland 2007
Dorothy Holland 2007
Primo Falcioni 2009
Jim Beasley 2011
Bill Hill 2012
Terry Noon 2013
Marg Bratkin 2016
John Mattioli 2017
Dorothy Holland 2007
Primo Falcioni 2009
Jim Beasley 2011
Bill Hill 2012
Terry Noon 2013
Marg Bratkin 2016
John Mattioli 2017
Al Hardiman - Player's Division 2014
Al Hardiman was born in 1961 in Oakville, and at 4 years of age joined the Hopedale YBC for the same reason many kids come to our sport – to get out of his parents hair so they could get the Saturday shopping done. A natural athlete, Al was not only a gifted 5-pin bowler, but also played ball hockey, soccer and baseball. He enjoyed fishing, playing the guitar and was involved with the Junior Farmers.
His first full-time job after graduating high school was in his father’s roofing business, but he soon discovered the BBQ business, first as a quality control inspector at BD Waite, and eventually ending up as head of engineering at Monesson Hearth Systems – a job that saw him travelling to Kentucky, Mexico, Vermont and China.
After winning many trophies in the YBC, Al became a force to be reckoned with as an adult. Bowling for Lake Ontario, he qualified for his first Open in 1982, making the mixed team with Herman Wessels, Mike Fillipuzzi, Gerry Arbic, Amy McNutty, Jody Boniface and Barb Roy. The team was coached by Angus Roy.
In 1985, Al qualified for the Lake Ontario men’s team as well as earning a singles spot, and with Bill Hill, Primo Falcioni, Marty Best, Herman Wessels, Al Chandler and coach Angus Roy, won the Ontario title and advanced to Nationals in Newfoundland, where they placed third.
The following year, in 1986, Al and his team of Gerry Arbic, Dave Johnson, Brian Kaye, Terry Noon, Bill Hill and coach Herman Wessels again won gold in Hamilton and also took the gold at Nationals in Vancouver. That year at Nationals, Al bowled the tournament high single of 408 and was selected to the Canadian all-star team.
In total, Al qualified for the Open 19 times as a player and was selected twice as a coach. He played mainly for Lake Ontario, but also qualified in Central, Tri County, and Hamilton. In 1990, Al bowled a 5-game total of 1,725 in Hamilton, setting a record that still stands today. In case you’re trying to do the math, that’s an average of 345.
Al also spent 21 years in the Masters, recording 3 victories: the Rose Festival in the 91-92 season, the New Year’s Classic in 96-97, and the Fall Classic with John Mattioli in 97-98. Over those 21 years, Al played 1,066 games, and averaged just over 257.
Although a fierce competitor, Al is remembered as one of those truly nice people – even giving up a chance to defend his caps championship to give his brother John a much needed drive. He apparently was also not one of the promptest people, once missing the first four frames of a Lake Ontario open qualifying round. Those closest to him referred to this as “Hardiman time”, and it was rumoured that if you wanted him there at 7, you told him 6:30.
Al’s involvement in 5-pin bowling was not all on the lanes in competition. He also served on the Lake Ontario board of directors as Record Scores chairperson, as well as Vice President.
Sadly, in 2012, Al passed away leaving behind Bev, his wife of 14 years, his son David and daughter Jenna. He also left behind a great number of people proud to have known him and called him friend, and tonight we are honoured to induct Al Hardiman into the Central Ontario Hall of Fame as Player,
His first full-time job after graduating high school was in his father’s roofing business, but he soon discovered the BBQ business, first as a quality control inspector at BD Waite, and eventually ending up as head of engineering at Monesson Hearth Systems – a job that saw him travelling to Kentucky, Mexico, Vermont and China.
After winning many trophies in the YBC, Al became a force to be reckoned with as an adult. Bowling for Lake Ontario, he qualified for his first Open in 1982, making the mixed team with Herman Wessels, Mike Fillipuzzi, Gerry Arbic, Amy McNutty, Jody Boniface and Barb Roy. The team was coached by Angus Roy.
In 1985, Al qualified for the Lake Ontario men’s team as well as earning a singles spot, and with Bill Hill, Primo Falcioni, Marty Best, Herman Wessels, Al Chandler and coach Angus Roy, won the Ontario title and advanced to Nationals in Newfoundland, where they placed third.
The following year, in 1986, Al and his team of Gerry Arbic, Dave Johnson, Brian Kaye, Terry Noon, Bill Hill and coach Herman Wessels again won gold in Hamilton and also took the gold at Nationals in Vancouver. That year at Nationals, Al bowled the tournament high single of 408 and was selected to the Canadian all-star team.
In total, Al qualified for the Open 19 times as a player and was selected twice as a coach. He played mainly for Lake Ontario, but also qualified in Central, Tri County, and Hamilton. In 1990, Al bowled a 5-game total of 1,725 in Hamilton, setting a record that still stands today. In case you’re trying to do the math, that’s an average of 345.
Al also spent 21 years in the Masters, recording 3 victories: the Rose Festival in the 91-92 season, the New Year’s Classic in 96-97, and the Fall Classic with John Mattioli in 97-98. Over those 21 years, Al played 1,066 games, and averaged just over 257.
Although a fierce competitor, Al is remembered as one of those truly nice people – even giving up a chance to defend his caps championship to give his brother John a much needed drive. He apparently was also not one of the promptest people, once missing the first four frames of a Lake Ontario open qualifying round. Those closest to him referred to this as “Hardiman time”, and it was rumoured that if you wanted him there at 7, you told him 6:30.
Al’s involvement in 5-pin bowling was not all on the lanes in competition. He also served on the Lake Ontario board of directors as Record Scores chairperson, as well as Vice President.
Sadly, in 2012, Al passed away leaving behind Bev, his wife of 14 years, his son David and daughter Jenna. He also left behind a great number of people proud to have known him and called him friend, and tonight we are honoured to induct Al Hardiman into the Central Ontario Hall of Fame as Player,
Allan Barry - Builder's Division 2004
Al started bowling with a Men’s League in Hanover at Hanover Bowling Lanes in 1963. He worked as a pin boy and was paid the wonderful sum of 5 cents and Line. He decided to reap better benefits so he started dating the Manager’s daughter May.
He moved from Hanover to Orangeville in 1968 and bowled at Avenue Lanes which was owned and operated by his parents. In 1970, Al married the love of his life, you remember May, the Manager’s daughter? Al and May have been happily married for 33 years, 34 come this August. Both he and May bowled on mixed leagues at Avenue Bow.
Their daughter Angela was born in 1972, who, Al will admit, is the next love of his life. OK Bowling Centre opened in 1979 and Al bowled there from 79 to 2004. Incidentally, OK Bowl will be celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Al took Angela to sign up for YBC Pee Wees in 1979 and remained as a volunteer for a year scorekeeping, and generally getting in everyone’s way. In 1983 they decided the only thing to do with him was to put him behind a desk, so they made him Program Director, a position he still holds today.
He became a Master Bowler in 1982, or as he says, he paid the dues. He joined OK Bowl full time in October 1989 and continues today as the bowling center’s Manager. Al also helped form the Orangeville 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association.
Al and May’s grandson Owen was born in March 1999 and today Owen gives Al a run for his money with an average of 40. Al’s hobbies, when he finds time are his grandson Owen, model trains, Casinos and bowling in 4 leagues. One important note definitely worth mentioning, is Al’s love of Christmas.
In 1995-96, with Al as the Vice President, the Orangeville 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association was voted the Most Improved Association by the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association. In 1998 Al was voted the Nevada Chairperson of the year and in 2000 the Association with Al still as Vice President, was voted Decentralized Association of the Year. In 2003, the O5PBA voted Al as the DC Manager of the Year, noting this was the first time a manager had been selected instead of a Proprietor.
Their choice was a good one. Al Barry has been a staunch supporter of both COBA and the O5PBA. He continually attends our monthly meetings with a genuine attitude of “I’m really happy to be here.” He is willing to listen, suggest, and implement new ideas and programs in his center in an effort to work with our Board and Ontario 5 Pin. Al takes a great deal of pride in what he does and has a great deal of respect for our sport and the people in it. While he cares about the bowlers in his centre, he also has concerns about bowlers in general. I believe I am speaking for all of COBA when I say that we are honored to know both he and his wife May, we are proud to call him friend and honored to induct him into COBA’s Hall of Fame.
He moved from Hanover to Orangeville in 1968 and bowled at Avenue Lanes which was owned and operated by his parents. In 1970, Al married the love of his life, you remember May, the Manager’s daughter? Al and May have been happily married for 33 years, 34 come this August. Both he and May bowled on mixed leagues at Avenue Bow.
Their daughter Angela was born in 1972, who, Al will admit, is the next love of his life. OK Bowling Centre opened in 1979 and Al bowled there from 79 to 2004. Incidentally, OK Bowl will be celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Al took Angela to sign up for YBC Pee Wees in 1979 and remained as a volunteer for a year scorekeeping, and generally getting in everyone’s way. In 1983 they decided the only thing to do with him was to put him behind a desk, so they made him Program Director, a position he still holds today.
He became a Master Bowler in 1982, or as he says, he paid the dues. He joined OK Bowl full time in October 1989 and continues today as the bowling center’s Manager. Al also helped form the Orangeville 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association.
Al and May’s grandson Owen was born in March 1999 and today Owen gives Al a run for his money with an average of 40. Al’s hobbies, when he finds time are his grandson Owen, model trains, Casinos and bowling in 4 leagues. One important note definitely worth mentioning, is Al’s love of Christmas.
In 1995-96, with Al as the Vice President, the Orangeville 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association was voted the Most Improved Association by the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association. In 1998 Al was voted the Nevada Chairperson of the year and in 2000 the Association with Al still as Vice President, was voted Decentralized Association of the Year. In 2003, the O5PBA voted Al as the DC Manager of the Year, noting this was the first time a manager had been selected instead of a Proprietor.
Their choice was a good one. Al Barry has been a staunch supporter of both COBA and the O5PBA. He continually attends our monthly meetings with a genuine attitude of “I’m really happy to be here.” He is willing to listen, suggest, and implement new ideas and programs in his center in an effort to work with our Board and Ontario 5 Pin. Al takes a great deal of pride in what he does and has a great deal of respect for our sport and the people in it. While he cares about the bowlers in his centre, he also has concerns about bowlers in general. I believe I am speaking for all of COBA when I say that we are honored to know both he and his wife May, we are proud to call him friend and honored to induct him into COBA’s Hall of Fame.
Bill Hill - Players' Division 1989, Legends' Division 2012
For those of us who knew Bill Hill, be it as a close friend or just fleetingly, the experience can be summed up in two (2) words; Bowler/Gentleman. No matter what order you put them in, these two (2) words would be your first and lasting impression of Bill. William (Bill) George Hill was born and raised in Toronto’s Bloor and Lansdowne area. He was a Survey Draftsman by trade and started his bowling career at the age of 19. He met his wife Jo-Anne, where else, but in a bowling alley. She was the Secretary of the league and Bill made it a point to explain to her that she was doing it all wrong. He then offered to come to her place and show her how it should be done. I will make no further comments on that, but as they say, the rest was history. They married in 1968 on March 23rd, which would have made today their 44th Wedding Anniversary. They settled in Mississauga and raised three boys, Matthew, Stephen and Mark. They were blessed with five grand-children, three of whom Bill never saw. All three of Bill’s sons were members of the YBC and he coached them all in Soccer and Baseball.
Bill joined the Lake Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association and became a Teaching Master out of Applewood Lanes in Mississauga. He started his Open career in 1982 and continued until 1991. In those ten years, he was a member of the Men’s Team seven (7) times plus once as a scorekeeper, and bowled on the Mixed Team twice. This first picture shows the first Men’s team Bill ever bowled on in 1982. Top row from left to right is Terry Noon, a very young John Mattioli, Bill, Everret Sampson the coach, and the Scorekeeper Kerry. On the bottom row we have Brian Kaye, Craig Lemon and Stan Liessi. This next picture is the 1984 Mixed Team and on the top row we have Art Irvine, Jerry Arbick, Rick Massaro, Bill, Barb Roy and Al Hardiman was the scorekeeper. Bottom row is the late Jeanette Irvin, coach Angus Roy and Debbie Sippel. This third picture is the 1985 Men’s Team that went on to Newfoundland and placed third in the Nationals. Top row is John Mattioli the scorekeeper, Bill, Herman Wessels, Marty Best and Al Hardiman. Bottom row is Primo Felcioni, Angus Roy the coach and Al Chandler.
This next picture is the 1986 Men’s Team that won the Ontario Open and went on to represent Ontario in British Columbia where they won Gold and came home the Aggregate winners. Top row is Dave Johnson, Jerry Arbeck, Scorekeeper Gail Wilson, Al Hardiman and Terry Noon. Bottom row is Bill, Coach Herman Wessels and Brian Kaye. This was the mind boggling year that Bill Hill blew the rest of the bowling world apart. The first five games Bill bowled were 350,307, 315, 326 and 311 for a total of 1609. The second five games he bowled 311, 380, 331, 325 and 322 for a total of 1669. His ten game total was 3278 giving him a 327.8 average for the tournament. In the Round Robin division, for the total six games he bowled 343, 330, 235, 303, 309 and 331 for a score of 1851 giving him a 308.5 average for the Round Robin. In all for the 16 games, Bill bowled 5129 giving him an average of 320.6 in total. With his first five game total, Bill set a new record, and then he promptly broke his own record with his next five games. Bill’s five
game record of 1669 held until 1990 when Bill’s old team mate Al Hardiman broke it with his score of 1727. Bill’s ten game total of 3278 still stands today as the record for ten games bowled.
In 1985 and 1987 Bill received the Ontario Champion Certificate from the Government of the Province of Ontario and in 1986 he received the National Achievement Award, again from the Government of the Province of Ontario. In 1987 he was the Master Bowler’s Mid-Winter Blues champion in the Scratch Division.
Bill Hill was a wonderful person and a great bowler with a ready smile for everyone. To those who knew him his winning smile and great bowling style will always be remembered.
Bill joined the Lake Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association and became a Teaching Master out of Applewood Lanes in Mississauga. He started his Open career in 1982 and continued until 1991. In those ten years, he was a member of the Men’s Team seven (7) times plus once as a scorekeeper, and bowled on the Mixed Team twice. This first picture shows the first Men’s team Bill ever bowled on in 1982. Top row from left to right is Terry Noon, a very young John Mattioli, Bill, Everret Sampson the coach, and the Scorekeeper Kerry. On the bottom row we have Brian Kaye, Craig Lemon and Stan Liessi. This next picture is the 1984 Mixed Team and on the top row we have Art Irvine, Jerry Arbick, Rick Massaro, Bill, Barb Roy and Al Hardiman was the scorekeeper. Bottom row is the late Jeanette Irvin, coach Angus Roy and Debbie Sippel. This third picture is the 1985 Men’s Team that went on to Newfoundland and placed third in the Nationals. Top row is John Mattioli the scorekeeper, Bill, Herman Wessels, Marty Best and Al Hardiman. Bottom row is Primo Felcioni, Angus Roy the coach and Al Chandler.
This next picture is the 1986 Men’s Team that won the Ontario Open and went on to represent Ontario in British Columbia where they won Gold and came home the Aggregate winners. Top row is Dave Johnson, Jerry Arbeck, Scorekeeper Gail Wilson, Al Hardiman and Terry Noon. Bottom row is Bill, Coach Herman Wessels and Brian Kaye. This was the mind boggling year that Bill Hill blew the rest of the bowling world apart. The first five games Bill bowled were 350,307, 315, 326 and 311 for a total of 1609. The second five games he bowled 311, 380, 331, 325 and 322 for a total of 1669. His ten game total was 3278 giving him a 327.8 average for the tournament. In the Round Robin division, for the total six games he bowled 343, 330, 235, 303, 309 and 331 for a score of 1851 giving him a 308.5 average for the Round Robin. In all for the 16 games, Bill bowled 5129 giving him an average of 320.6 in total. With his first five game total, Bill set a new record, and then he promptly broke his own record with his next five games. Bill’s five
game record of 1669 held until 1990 when Bill’s old team mate Al Hardiman broke it with his score of 1727. Bill’s ten game total of 3278 still stands today as the record for ten games bowled.
In 1985 and 1987 Bill received the Ontario Champion Certificate from the Government of the Province of Ontario and in 1986 he received the National Achievement Award, again from the Government of the Province of Ontario. In 1987 he was the Master Bowler’s Mid-Winter Blues champion in the Scratch Division.
Bill Hill was a wonderful person and a great bowler with a ready smile for everyone. To those who knew him his winning smile and great bowling style will always be remembered.
Bob and Jeannette Talbot - Builders' Division 2008
Bob and Jeannette Talbot met in a bowling alley. Jeannette bowled in the French Club Bowling League on Sunday afternoons at Roseland which was run by her dad. Bob joined the league because he had just moved to Ontario and speak any English and wanted to meet some French speaking people. They dated for 4 months after which Bob proposed and four months later they were married, the year was 1975.
On November 1st, 1992, they purchased Hopedale Bowl. At that time there were 16 free fall machines and the entire centre was painted orange. The first thing they did was to get rid of the orange paint. Together they repainted everything gray. That same year they joined the BPAO, became members of COBA and the O5 and started their YBC program.
In 1994 they attended their first Bowling Proprietors Convention in Vancouver B.C., updated the snack bar menu to comply with the LLBO and received their liquor license. Bob hand built the railings behind each lane and added tables and chairs to the centre.
In 1998 Bob removed the center desk for the middle of the bowling centre and converted the old game room and office into the new center desk. That same year, he built the bulkhead for the new computers that were being installed. He then rewired all of his machines in order to have the switches where the new center desk is and installed all the electrical work in order to put in Glow in the Dark bowling. It was at this time that their business really began to boom.
In 2001 Bob traveled to Edmonton to purchase 16 string machines. At the end of the bowling season, with the help of friends and family, they removed the old machines and installed the new string machines. That same summer, the air conditioning and the hydro were all updated and the ceiling tiles were replaced and Jeannette hand painted each and every T-bar on the ceiling.
In 2004 Hopedale was flooded and all the lanes were ruined. The old lanes were replaced with 16 synthetic lanes. Each year Bob and Jeannette made changes and improvements to the bowling centre. Every summer was spent updating, fixing or painting something. However, one thing that remains unique about Hopedale is that everything fixed, painted or built, was done by Bob and Jeannette themselves.
It must be the French blood, because while all this was going on, they still managed to raise their three children, Martin, Francois and Natalie. The bowling centre was a family affair with all three siblings working at the centre part-time while going to school and in some cases even after they all had full-time jobs.
Martin and Francois both average over 260 and bowl twice a week. Both Martin and Francois made the Open this year out of Hamilton, Martin is on the Men’s team and Francois is on the Mixed team. Natalie bowled up until she was 7 months pregnant and is taking the rest of the year off. She is the Zone delegate for the Master Bowlers and was the secretary for the Hopedale Terrors for five years. She has shared the Program Director position with Helen DeAdder for 7 years. Natalie is married to Jason Worron, who is also the nephew of Mike Bates. They have a beautiful daughter Teah who was born on December 1st, 2007. This is Bob and Jeannette’s first grandchild and to say they are proud grandparents would be putting it mildly. Natalie also told me that after being married a year and a half, Bob still has no idea how much the wedding cost him.
Anyone who has been to Hopedale bowl and enjoyed a meal there is more then well aware of the cooking genius of Bob Talbot, who I understand, continues to do all the cooking at home. An avid hunter and fisherman, his passion for both is shared only by Jeannette’s passion for shopping. Not much on hunting, Jeannette does enjoy fishing and recently they purchased a Pontoon boat so they can enjoy the sport together. The new boat is of course named “The Teah 07”
Jeannette continues to work full time at Shaklee Canada in Burlington where she has been employed for 20 years. She continues to bowl once a week and averages 200.
Bob bowls twice a week and averages around 235. He was on TSN in 1994 and a member of the Masters National Seniors team in 1999. He has been a member of an Open team three times and made the Seniors team once. And even now, he is busy with his renovation business which I understand is prospering.
In the fall of 2006, Bob and Jeannette decided after 15 years in the business it was time for a change. Over those 15 years, their children all helped in building Hopedale Bowl to where it is today. They created flyers, ran their own tournaments and created new tournaments putting in many hours running their centre. Now, they plan on enjoying their new granddaughter, and after upgrading their cottage, they look forward to spending quality time with their family.
The Talbot’s sold the bowling centre on November 1st, 2007, exactly 15 years to the day after purchasing it. Bob and Jeannette have stated that many memories of Hopedale Bowl will remain with them forever.
On behalf of the Board of Directors for COBA I can only say that we will never forget Bob’s cooking, Jeannette’s wonderful smile and the way in which you both have been more than willing to help, share, and be part of Central’s family. We will miss you both but wish you health and happiness through all your years ahead.
On November 1st, 1992, they purchased Hopedale Bowl. At that time there were 16 free fall machines and the entire centre was painted orange. The first thing they did was to get rid of the orange paint. Together they repainted everything gray. That same year they joined the BPAO, became members of COBA and the O5 and started their YBC program.
In 1994 they attended their first Bowling Proprietors Convention in Vancouver B.C., updated the snack bar menu to comply with the LLBO and received their liquor license. Bob hand built the railings behind each lane and added tables and chairs to the centre.
In 1998 Bob removed the center desk for the middle of the bowling centre and converted the old game room and office into the new center desk. That same year, he built the bulkhead for the new computers that were being installed. He then rewired all of his machines in order to have the switches where the new center desk is and installed all the electrical work in order to put in Glow in the Dark bowling. It was at this time that their business really began to boom.
In 2001 Bob traveled to Edmonton to purchase 16 string machines. At the end of the bowling season, with the help of friends and family, they removed the old machines and installed the new string machines. That same summer, the air conditioning and the hydro were all updated and the ceiling tiles were replaced and Jeannette hand painted each and every T-bar on the ceiling.
In 2004 Hopedale was flooded and all the lanes were ruined. The old lanes were replaced with 16 synthetic lanes. Each year Bob and Jeannette made changes and improvements to the bowling centre. Every summer was spent updating, fixing or painting something. However, one thing that remains unique about Hopedale is that everything fixed, painted or built, was done by Bob and Jeannette themselves.
It must be the French blood, because while all this was going on, they still managed to raise their three children, Martin, Francois and Natalie. The bowling centre was a family affair with all three siblings working at the centre part-time while going to school and in some cases even after they all had full-time jobs.
Martin and Francois both average over 260 and bowl twice a week. Both Martin and Francois made the Open this year out of Hamilton, Martin is on the Men’s team and Francois is on the Mixed team. Natalie bowled up until she was 7 months pregnant and is taking the rest of the year off. She is the Zone delegate for the Master Bowlers and was the secretary for the Hopedale Terrors for five years. She has shared the Program Director position with Helen DeAdder for 7 years. Natalie is married to Jason Worron, who is also the nephew of Mike Bates. They have a beautiful daughter Teah who was born on December 1st, 2007. This is Bob and Jeannette’s first grandchild and to say they are proud grandparents would be putting it mildly. Natalie also told me that after being married a year and a half, Bob still has no idea how much the wedding cost him.
Anyone who has been to Hopedale bowl and enjoyed a meal there is more then well aware of the cooking genius of Bob Talbot, who I understand, continues to do all the cooking at home. An avid hunter and fisherman, his passion for both is shared only by Jeannette’s passion for shopping. Not much on hunting, Jeannette does enjoy fishing and recently they purchased a Pontoon boat so they can enjoy the sport together. The new boat is of course named “The Teah 07”
Jeannette continues to work full time at Shaklee Canada in Burlington where she has been employed for 20 years. She continues to bowl once a week and averages 200.
Bob bowls twice a week and averages around 235. He was on TSN in 1994 and a member of the Masters National Seniors team in 1999. He has been a member of an Open team three times and made the Seniors team once. And even now, he is busy with his renovation business which I understand is prospering.
In the fall of 2006, Bob and Jeannette decided after 15 years in the business it was time for a change. Over those 15 years, their children all helped in building Hopedale Bowl to where it is today. They created flyers, ran their own tournaments and created new tournaments putting in many hours running their centre. Now, they plan on enjoying their new granddaughter, and after upgrading their cottage, they look forward to spending quality time with their family.
The Talbot’s sold the bowling centre on November 1st, 2007, exactly 15 years to the day after purchasing it. Bob and Jeannette have stated that many memories of Hopedale Bowl will remain with them forever.
On behalf of the Board of Directors for COBA I can only say that we will never forget Bob’s cooking, Jeannette’s wonderful smile and the way in which you both have been more than willing to help, share, and be part of Central’s family. We will miss you both but wish you health and happiness through all your years ahead.
Brenda Hamilton - Players' Division 2001, Builders' Division 2001
This young lady has been a part of the executive for both Central Ontario and Lake Ontario before it was dissolved. She has been a dedicated volunteer for over 13 years. As a builder of our sport, she is assuredly one of its hardest workers. There is no task too great or too small for her to give total commitment. Be it making our wine, arranging our activities or just keeping the rest of us in line.
Last year her dedication was rewarded in part when she received the Appreciation Award issued by the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association at our yearly convention. As a bowler, she has qualified for the Open Tournament a total of 16 times. She has been a member of the Ladies team 10 times, 4 of which she was a Singles Representative. She has been a member of the Mixed Team 6 times and last year was a contributing part of the Mixed Team that won Silver in Hamilton were the Nationals were taking place.
She has also added Coaching to her long list of qualifications, and will be making her second appearance this year at the Open in that capacity. She is currently a member of the Master Bowlers’ Senior Tour (although I’m not sure how she got them to lower the age category). She presently has 3 wins with the Master’s and bowled an impressive 400+ to ensure one of them.
In closing, I can only say it is a pleasure working with her; it has been a pleasure to bowl with her and an honour to call her my friend.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join with me in showing our appreciation for Brenda Hamilton, our newest inductee in COBA’s Hall of Fame.
Last year her dedication was rewarded in part when she received the Appreciation Award issued by the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association at our yearly convention. As a bowler, she has qualified for the Open Tournament a total of 16 times. She has been a member of the Ladies team 10 times, 4 of which she was a Singles Representative. She has been a member of the Mixed Team 6 times and last year was a contributing part of the Mixed Team that won Silver in Hamilton were the Nationals were taking place.
She has also added Coaching to her long list of qualifications, and will be making her second appearance this year at the Open in that capacity. She is currently a member of the Master Bowlers’ Senior Tour (although I’m not sure how she got them to lower the age category). She presently has 3 wins with the Master’s and bowled an impressive 400+ to ensure one of them.
In closing, I can only say it is a pleasure working with her; it has been a pleasure to bowl with her and an honour to call her my friend.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join with me in showing our appreciation for Brenda Hamilton, our newest inductee in COBA’s Hall of Fame.
Carol Lawrence - Builders' Division 2012
Carol Lawrence is being inducted into COBA’s Hall of Fame as a builder. Born and raised in Toronto just west of Yonge Street, she was a self taught bowler starting out at Albion Bowl. She was a registered Accountant and was married and has 2 children Chris and Jodi, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Before her role as our Treasurer, she was an avid bowler. A member of the Traveling Major Ladies league, she bowled with many of the well known ladies of her time such as Helen MacCallum, Theda Procher, Doris Stewart and Diane Harrison and carried an average of 230. Carol bowled in Agincourt and York West for their zone qualifying rounds for the Provincial Open. In Agincourt she qualified on four (4) Provincial Open teams, two Ladies teams and two Mixed teams.
Shown here on one of the Ladies teams starting at the top left we have Mickey McNeil, Laura Barrett, Carol, Jean Wood now deceased and Joyce James. In front are Barb Chapman, Coach John Willis and Diane Harrison. On this next team we have Russ Stewart top left, with Steve and Mike (last names unknown) Jerry Carlson and Carol. Bottom row we have Helen Richards, Sandy Barrett, Coach Ron Lott and Laura Barrett. Carol was a
member of the Agincourt Mixed team that went to the Nationals in 1981. Unfortunately, there were no pictures taken of those teams but the team members were, Carol, Barb Chapman, Diane Harrison, Neil Harrison, Alex Park, Bill Cowell, John Inglis and Coach Pete McDowell. While the team was due to travel to British Columbia for the Nationals, B.C. backed out and the team ended up back at Sherwood Centre in Hamilton. That year, Carol also received the Ontario Achievement Award from the Governement of Ontario. On this 1982 Ladies team top left is Jean Wood, Mickey McNeil, Bev and Mona (Last names unknown) and Laura Barrett. Bottom row is Carol, Coach John Inglis and Diane Harrison.
Carol joined the COBA Board of Directors in 2003 as the assistant Treasurer to Carolyn Mayberry. In 2004 she took over the position which she held for an additional eight more years. During that time she won the Treasurer of the Year award from Ontario 5 Pin a total of seven (7) times, missing the award only once in 2006. I guess she took a vacation that year. She looked after our finances and I guess you could say us as well. Over the
years she became known very affectionately as “Himey”. We all learned very quickly no receipt, no money. In 2006 Carol along with other Board members received a Recognition Award presented by Major Hazel McCallum for her volunteer work with sports in Mississauga.
In 2008, Carol began a fight to the finish that she vowed she would not lose. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma Cancer, the specialist advised her that taking Chemo would probably be a waste of time. Carol refused to give in and insisted on taking the treatments. Today, she is as stubborn as ever, cancer free and enjoying every day of the rest of her life.
Shown here on one of the Ladies teams starting at the top left we have Mickey McNeil, Laura Barrett, Carol, Jean Wood now deceased and Joyce James. In front are Barb Chapman, Coach John Willis and Diane Harrison. On this next team we have Russ Stewart top left, with Steve and Mike (last names unknown) Jerry Carlson and Carol. Bottom row we have Helen Richards, Sandy Barrett, Coach Ron Lott and Laura Barrett. Carol was a
member of the Agincourt Mixed team that went to the Nationals in 1981. Unfortunately, there were no pictures taken of those teams but the team members were, Carol, Barb Chapman, Diane Harrison, Neil Harrison, Alex Park, Bill Cowell, John Inglis and Coach Pete McDowell. While the team was due to travel to British Columbia for the Nationals, B.C. backed out and the team ended up back at Sherwood Centre in Hamilton. That year, Carol also received the Ontario Achievement Award from the Governement of Ontario. On this 1982 Ladies team top left is Jean Wood, Mickey McNeil, Bev and Mona (Last names unknown) and Laura Barrett. Bottom row is Carol, Coach John Inglis and Diane Harrison.
Carol joined the COBA Board of Directors in 2003 as the assistant Treasurer to Carolyn Mayberry. In 2004 she took over the position which she held for an additional eight more years. During that time she won the Treasurer of the Year award from Ontario 5 Pin a total of seven (7) times, missing the award only once in 2006. I guess she took a vacation that year. She looked after our finances and I guess you could say us as well. Over the
years she became known very affectionately as “Himey”. We all learned very quickly no receipt, no money. In 2006 Carol along with other Board members received a Recognition Award presented by Major Hazel McCallum for her volunteer work with sports in Mississauga.
In 2008, Carol began a fight to the finish that she vowed she would not lose. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma Cancer, the specialist advised her that taking Chemo would probably be a waste of time. Carol refused to give in and insisted on taking the treatments. Today, she is as stubborn as ever, cancer free and enjoying every day of the rest of her life.
Chuck Lyons - Builders' Division 2007
Chuck Lyons joined COBA in 1986, after much prodding by the then President, Sue Wise. In that same year, the Indian Head Logo that we still use today was designed and implemented. In 1987, Chuck took over the duties as Treasurer and that same year, the very first annual COBA dance was held. That first dance was held at the Lions Hall on Avondale during a rather nasty snow storm. The dance was to be a fundraiser for the Provincial Open teams. In 1988 Chuck took over the reins as President and that same year, COBA won the O5PBA’S Incentive Award for the “Most Improved Association of the Year.” In 1989 the Hall of Fame was incorporated into the dance.
That same year, Chuck also became the Treasurer of the Brampton Minor Hockey Bingo Association looking after 6 weekly bingo sessions, a position he retained until 2002. Also, from 1989 to 1997 he coached his son Jason’s baseball team to 3 silver and 1 gold medal in the Zone championships for COBA’s baseball association. In 1990, Chuck was drafted onto the Brampton Minor Hockey Association board by none other than our own Rheal Champagne. In 1991, he took over the position of Treasurer for the BMHA.
In 1992 he helped to establish portfolios for the COBA’s Board of Directors including the President. At that time, Chuck also received from the city of Brampton, a Sports Achievement Award. From 1990 to 1993 Chuck was President of COBA, Treasurer of the Hockey Bingo Committee and Treasurer for the Brampton Minor Hockey Association. The time commitment was so severe that he had to let go of one of his responsibilities and since both his sons were heavily involved in rep hockey, his decision was to remain with the two hockey organizations.
In 1997, Chuck was asked to take over from the resigning Treasurer of the Brampton Minor Hockey Association to complete the season and continued as their Treasurer through to the end of 2003. The amalgamation of the Brampton and Chingacousy Minor Hockey Associations in 1998 doubled the size of the newly named Brampton Youth Hockey Association from 2,000 to 4,000 minor hockey players. Chuck is a certified level 2 coach and still keeps his hand in 5 pin as he is in his second year as President of their Friday night bowling league in Oshawa.
Chuck and his wife Christine have been married for 5 ½ years now and are enjoying their first grandchild. Chuck has 3 grown children from a previous marriage and while Jeff and Tori are both still single, son Jason and his wife Becky have a son Braeden who is 18 months old.
It is very fitting that on this our 40th anniversary, we induct Chuck Lyons into the Hall of Fame that he, so long ago began.
That same year, Chuck also became the Treasurer of the Brampton Minor Hockey Bingo Association looking after 6 weekly bingo sessions, a position he retained until 2002. Also, from 1989 to 1997 he coached his son Jason’s baseball team to 3 silver and 1 gold medal in the Zone championships for COBA’s baseball association. In 1990, Chuck was drafted onto the Brampton Minor Hockey Association board by none other than our own Rheal Champagne. In 1991, he took over the position of Treasurer for the BMHA.
In 1992 he helped to establish portfolios for the COBA’s Board of Directors including the President. At that time, Chuck also received from the city of Brampton, a Sports Achievement Award. From 1990 to 1993 Chuck was President of COBA, Treasurer of the Hockey Bingo Committee and Treasurer for the Brampton Minor Hockey Association. The time commitment was so severe that he had to let go of one of his responsibilities and since both his sons were heavily involved in rep hockey, his decision was to remain with the two hockey organizations.
In 1997, Chuck was asked to take over from the resigning Treasurer of the Brampton Minor Hockey Association to complete the season and continued as their Treasurer through to the end of 2003. The amalgamation of the Brampton and Chingacousy Minor Hockey Associations in 1998 doubled the size of the newly named Brampton Youth Hockey Association from 2,000 to 4,000 minor hockey players. Chuck is a certified level 2 coach and still keeps his hand in 5 pin as he is in his second year as President of their Friday night bowling league in Oshawa.
Chuck and his wife Christine have been married for 5 ½ years now and are enjoying their first grandchild. Chuck has 3 grown children from a previous marriage and while Jeff and Tori are both still single, son Jason and his wife Becky have a son Braeden who is 18 months old.
It is very fitting that on this our 40th anniversary, we induct Chuck Lyons into the Hall of Fame that he, so long ago began.
Connie Hannah - Builders' Division 2004
Connie was first introduced to 5 Pin bowling in 1964. As a high school student, some friends decided to go bowling at Ajax Bowl. While they did play 10 pin, which was not down Connie’s alley, it did succeed in giving her the itch. In 1968 she and Ted joined a mixed 5 pin league at County Bowl in Whitby.
Connie and Ted married and years later their first daughter Kim, wanted to join the YBC at Shea’s Bowl (which is now known as the Strike Zone) in Mississauga. This was not only the start of bowling for Kim but also started Connie on the road of active involvement with the sport of 5 Pin. So it is therefore, all Kim’s fault!
She joined the Coffee Club Ladies league at Shea’s on Tuesday mornings and offered her services to the YBC. The following year saw her join the ranks of the Teaching Division, and become a coach and Pee-Wee supervisor at Shea’s. She then proceeded to introduce her other two daughters, Shannon and Heather (who by the way was only 3 at the time) to 5 Pin and all three daughters not only went through the YBC program but became Teaching Masters as well.
Connie then moved to Applewood Lanes and became the Pee Wee Supervisor. Connie remained with Applewood until it closed and then she moved to Hopedale Bowl retaining her service as Peewee Supervisor. While there, Connie assisted her husband Ted with the Senior YBC bowlers and then went on to become the Program Director for a couple of years. Connie bowled with the French Club at Hopedale for a couple of years and still bowls with the Hopedale Terrors today.
In her years as a coach, Connie has taken YBC bowlers to the Provincials in the Four Steps, two Youth Challenge teams to Provincials with both teams winning medals, and she has taken a team to the National Classified Provincials. During the period of instructing and coaching the YBC bowlers, Connie became a member of the Lake Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association holding the positions of Secretary and Treasurer for several years. When Lake Ontario and Central Ontario joined forces, Connie came to the new association as Coaching Co-Coordinator for 1 year and then became the Membership Chair person, a position she still holds today.
In 2001, she became the zones YBC representative working with the bowling Proprietors of this zone and their Program Directors as well. Connie has been selected to coach the Ladies team at the Youth Challenge Nationals this year (2004) in Winnipeg and even more recently has been asked to coach the YBC girls Singles in Newfoundland at the end of April, also this year. Connie’s plan is to be able to coach her grandchildren, of which she presently has three, in this wonderful sport she has adopted.
While Connie is being inducted this evening as a builder with our sport, it should be noted that as a Teaching Master, Connie did win the Mid Winter Blues Tournament, where she received her ring, which she proudly wears to this day.
Connie is a valuable part of the YBC Program in our zone, an indispensable member of the Central Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers Association, and an avid supporter of 5 Pin Bowling. But above all these qualities, she is without a doubt, a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend.
Connie and Ted married and years later their first daughter Kim, wanted to join the YBC at Shea’s Bowl (which is now known as the Strike Zone) in Mississauga. This was not only the start of bowling for Kim but also started Connie on the road of active involvement with the sport of 5 Pin. So it is therefore, all Kim’s fault!
She joined the Coffee Club Ladies league at Shea’s on Tuesday mornings and offered her services to the YBC. The following year saw her join the ranks of the Teaching Division, and become a coach and Pee-Wee supervisor at Shea’s. She then proceeded to introduce her other two daughters, Shannon and Heather (who by the way was only 3 at the time) to 5 Pin and all three daughters not only went through the YBC program but became Teaching Masters as well.
Connie then moved to Applewood Lanes and became the Pee Wee Supervisor. Connie remained with Applewood until it closed and then she moved to Hopedale Bowl retaining her service as Peewee Supervisor. While there, Connie assisted her husband Ted with the Senior YBC bowlers and then went on to become the Program Director for a couple of years. Connie bowled with the French Club at Hopedale for a couple of years and still bowls with the Hopedale Terrors today.
In her years as a coach, Connie has taken YBC bowlers to the Provincials in the Four Steps, two Youth Challenge teams to Provincials with both teams winning medals, and she has taken a team to the National Classified Provincials. During the period of instructing and coaching the YBC bowlers, Connie became a member of the Lake Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association holding the positions of Secretary and Treasurer for several years. When Lake Ontario and Central Ontario joined forces, Connie came to the new association as Coaching Co-Coordinator for 1 year and then became the Membership Chair person, a position she still holds today.
In 2001, she became the zones YBC representative working with the bowling Proprietors of this zone and their Program Directors as well. Connie has been selected to coach the Ladies team at the Youth Challenge Nationals this year (2004) in Winnipeg and even more recently has been asked to coach the YBC girls Singles in Newfoundland at the end of April, also this year. Connie’s plan is to be able to coach her grandchildren, of which she presently has three, in this wonderful sport she has adopted.
While Connie is being inducted this evening as a builder with our sport, it should be noted that as a Teaching Master, Connie did win the Mid Winter Blues Tournament, where she received her ring, which she proudly wears to this day.
Connie is a valuable part of the YBC Program in our zone, an indispensable member of the Central Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers Association, and an avid supporter of 5 Pin Bowling. But above all these qualities, she is without a doubt, a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend.
Dave Johnson - Players' Division 2005, Builders' Division 2005
Our 1st inductee this evening is being honoured as both a bowler and a builder. A father of 2, Dave Johnson’s pride and joy are his 2 children. Shannon 22, who is a registered nurse at Trillium Hospital in Mississauga and Ryan 19 who is in his 2nd year at Seneca College studying Computer Engineering Technology and who is also a member of the MBAO and YABA. Dave’s partner of 11 years is Melanie Girard, who is the Program Coordinator for the BPAO.
On the bowling side of things, he began bowling at the age of 9 at Jane Park Bowlerama in Toronto and qualified in three Provincial YBC 4 Step events. His career high single game is 440, his high triple game is1032 and he has bowled five games over 400. A member of the Master Bowlers Association since 1974 he has a lifetime average of 248, having played 1048 games in the MBA Tournament Div. and is ranked 36th provincially for the number of games played. He has two Master Tournament victories, the 1981 Oktoberfest Classic and the 1996 New Years Classic. Dave has been a member of the MBAO Board of Directors since 1999 where he is responsible for all Provincial averages and statistics, the Webmaster for the Masters Website providing tournament information and averages to all members and has computerized all MBAO events provincially. He has assisted at YBC 4 Steps to Stardom Provincial Championships with the Bowling Proprietors and acted as their Master of Ceremonies at the Provincial Awards presentations.
He has eight appearances at the Ontario Open in Hamilton with his 9th being this year which will also represent his second appearance in the
Singles event. In 1986 Dave was a member of the Canadian Gold Men’s team at the Nationals in Vancouver along with Al Hardiman, Brian Kaye, Bill Hill, Gerry Arbic, Terry Noon and Coach Herman Wessels. Dave himself has coached at the Open in Hamilton five times.
As a Builder, Dave was co-host of a local cable TV Bowling Show with Terry Noon in the late 70’s, highlighting the top YBC bowlers in Etobicoke in match play competition. He moved to Mississauga in 1980 and joined the Lake Ontario Board of Directors where he served for five years as their Coaching Coordinator and Lane Certification Agent. In 1980 he was recognized by the BPAO for his work with the YBC in Ontario and was the Program Director at Applewood Lanes YBC from 1980 to 1987. He joined the National Coaching Certification Program as a Course Conductor in 1981 and has presented over 50 Coaching Courses throughout Ontario. Certified by the NCCP to present Theory Courses in 2003, he has just recently become a Learning Facilitator for the new NCCP Competency Based Coaching Program, working with the Peel Board of Education to present these courses to the community.
One of the six original Facilitators of the Ontario 5 Pin Bowling School for YBC bowlers, he has been responsible for developing the tournament package for the school as part of the curriculum and has attended all 13 Bowling Schools, never missing one since the start.
Dave’s dedication and commitment to the sport of 5 Pin Bowling has benefited bowlers of all ages in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
On the bowling side of things, he began bowling at the age of 9 at Jane Park Bowlerama in Toronto and qualified in three Provincial YBC 4 Step events. His career high single game is 440, his high triple game is1032 and he has bowled five games over 400. A member of the Master Bowlers Association since 1974 he has a lifetime average of 248, having played 1048 games in the MBA Tournament Div. and is ranked 36th provincially for the number of games played. He has two Master Tournament victories, the 1981 Oktoberfest Classic and the 1996 New Years Classic. Dave has been a member of the MBAO Board of Directors since 1999 where he is responsible for all Provincial averages and statistics, the Webmaster for the Masters Website providing tournament information and averages to all members and has computerized all MBAO events provincially. He has assisted at YBC 4 Steps to Stardom Provincial Championships with the Bowling Proprietors and acted as their Master of Ceremonies at the Provincial Awards presentations.
He has eight appearances at the Ontario Open in Hamilton with his 9th being this year which will also represent his second appearance in the
Singles event. In 1986 Dave was a member of the Canadian Gold Men’s team at the Nationals in Vancouver along with Al Hardiman, Brian Kaye, Bill Hill, Gerry Arbic, Terry Noon and Coach Herman Wessels. Dave himself has coached at the Open in Hamilton five times.
As a Builder, Dave was co-host of a local cable TV Bowling Show with Terry Noon in the late 70’s, highlighting the top YBC bowlers in Etobicoke in match play competition. He moved to Mississauga in 1980 and joined the Lake Ontario Board of Directors where he served for five years as their Coaching Coordinator and Lane Certification Agent. In 1980 he was recognized by the BPAO for his work with the YBC in Ontario and was the Program Director at Applewood Lanes YBC from 1980 to 1987. He joined the National Coaching Certification Program as a Course Conductor in 1981 and has presented over 50 Coaching Courses throughout Ontario. Certified by the NCCP to present Theory Courses in 2003, he has just recently become a Learning Facilitator for the new NCCP Competency Based Coaching Program, working with the Peel Board of Education to present these courses to the community.
One of the six original Facilitators of the Ontario 5 Pin Bowling School for YBC bowlers, he has been responsible for developing the tournament package for the school as part of the curriculum and has attended all 13 Bowling Schools, never missing one since the start.
Dave’s dedication and commitment to the sport of 5 Pin Bowling has benefited bowlers of all ages in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
Dorothy (Dot) and Ed Holland - Legends' Division 2007
When our Hall of Fame committee decided that we were going to honour Dorothy and Ed Holland this year, I had no idea of what exactly lay ahead of me. I first spent 4 hours with them and had to go back for another 3 hours in order to collect all the information pertaining to their long and lustrous careers. So sit back, relax and prepare to be totally amazed. First of all, you must all understand that to talk of Ed and Dot Holland, is like talking about salt and pepper, rum and coke and bacon and eggs. You cannot possibly refer to one without the other.
Before coming to Canada, Ed was a champion chess player and lawn bowler in his native Wales. Upon arriving in Toronto in 1953, he began his bowling career that same year. In 1963, Ed placed third in the 1st Annual Holiday Sweepstakes with a 289 average. To truly appreciate exactly how big a feat that was, you have to remember that in order to count any score at all back then, you had to remove the left corner pin and in addition, there were 375 bowlers in the tournament. Also that same year, Ed recorded the hi triple for Ontario with a 1050 which included a 448 game. Ed was also Treasurer of the then famous Toronto Men’s City Major League.
In 1949 and 1950, Dot won the high jumping title for the city of Toronto. In doing so, she set a record for Indoor High Jumping in Ontario that stood for 20 years. For three years from 1952 to 1954, she was a member of the Ladies Globe Trotters Basketball team that won both the Ontario and Canadian Championships all three years. Dorothy moved to Calgary where she was a member of the Calgary 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association. While in Calgary, she won the Doubles Remembrance Day Tournament in 1967 and that same year she was a member of the ladies Open team representing Calgary in Winnipeg. In 1968 she and her YBC Senior, Larry Ellert won the Canada Western Team Tournament in Winnipeg. When Dot arrived in Mississauga in 1969, one of the first articles written about her came from Jim Yarrow of the Guardian, and I quote, “A master bowler out of Avondale, she bowls as well as the men.” Mr. Yarrow also mentioned that the Thursday Men’s League where contemplating disguising her as a Tom, Bill, Dick or Harry. Dot bowled in the Toronto Ladies Major League and was their Treasurer for many years.
In 1967, Ed was asked to meet with George Barber and George Nurse at Georgetown to discuss the start of a new Zone. With the help of the proprietors the three men formed the Central Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association and at that time the zone consisted of 13 centres. In that first year, through the Ontario Bowlers’ Association Incentive Award program, Ed was selected the President of the year and in 1970 he was selected as the Tournament Director of the year. Ed was joined by Dot in 1969 and in 1971 she was selected as the Awards Chair of the year. Prior to the formation of the YBC, Ed and Jim Elliott introduced a Junior Tournament tour that was attended by bowlers from all over Ontario. In 1975 Ed and Dot started a weekly news article in the Brampton newspaper, the Daily Times called the Bowling Scene. That same year, they became the hosts of an impromptu weekly TV program on channel 10 were they discussed the art of instruction, news and local bowling scores with some very well known and interesting guests.
Both Ed and Dot remained with COBA until 1984, at which time they left to form the Decentralized Bramalea 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association, which is still in operation today. They were joined by Patricia and Brian McDougall, Jen and Jim Donovan, Carolyn Mayberry, Garry Bruneau and Jim Moroney. That very first year, Dot was selected by the O5PBA as the DC membership chair of the year.
A member of the Master Bowlers’ for 19 years, Dot won the CNE tournament in 1972 and in May of 1974, she won her ring at the 10% tournament. Dot also served as the Vice President and Treasurer for the Master Bowlers Association. Also in 1974, Ed won the Bowlerama Classic in Guelph and in June of 1981, during a Master’s tournament in Welland, he bowled his perfect game. A master bowler for 25 years and one of the first bowlers to join the MBA, Ed is a charter member of that Association.
While Ed was originally a Master out of Comet Lanes in Scarborough, he soon changed houses to bowl out of Avondale, where he was eventually joined by Dot. Between the years 1979 and 1987, Ed and Dot combined to coach MBA teams at the Nationals. For 10 years straight, one or the other coached an MBA National team covering every Province in Ontario with the exclusion of Quebec only. With Ed in charge the men’s team in 1982 took gold in Corner Book and the following year they took gold again in Saskatoon. In 1985 he coached the men’s team to gold in Winnipeg and in 1987 he took the teaching men to Silver in Nanaimo. Dot on the other hand took Ladies teams to gold in Winnipeg in 1979, Silver in Vancouver in 1980 and Bronze in Ottawa in 1981.
While members of COBA, Ed and Dot qualified for the Open 14 times. In 1975, Dot was a member of the Ladies team that represented Ontario in Calgary. In 1978, Dot qualified for the Zone round in the open with the highest 20 game score of any female in Ontario with 5703, which equated to a 285.5 average. Dot was a member of the ladies team in Winnipeg, in 1980, were they won Bronze, and in Hamilton in 1981 were they again won a Bronze medal. Dot and Ed bowled in the Open when it was called the OV, the Carlings, Molson’s, Walkers Special Old and the Colt 45. Names that many of you won’t remember and some of you have never heard off.
Dot and Ed Holland have received two Civic awards each from the city of Brampton for their achievements in Sports plus two each from the Province of Ontario for distinguished performance in the field of amateur sports. Married 25 years last May, both Ed and Dot are level 2 coaches. In 1992, due to health reasons and by mutual consent, both the Holland’s hung up their shoes and threw away their balls after 40 years of participation in the sport they love. Ed has two children from his first marriage, a son Robert and a daughter Elma. Dot has a son Gordon, and combined they have 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with another on the way. Throughout their bowling careers, both Dot and Ed have coached every aspect of 5 pin bowling from the MBA, Open, Zone and YBC. While Dot is taking life easy, Ed has developed a new talent. Ed took up wood carving, and now teaches twice a week at the new Brampton Community Centre. Some of Ed’s creations are here for everyone to see.
Ed Holland founded our Association 40 years ago and Dot Holland joined him to keep it flourishing and growing. We can think of no other two individuals to better represent our 40th Anniversary and it is therefore our privilege and pleasure to induct Dot and Ed Holland into COBA’s Hall of Fame
Before coming to Canada, Ed was a champion chess player and lawn bowler in his native Wales. Upon arriving in Toronto in 1953, he began his bowling career that same year. In 1963, Ed placed third in the 1st Annual Holiday Sweepstakes with a 289 average. To truly appreciate exactly how big a feat that was, you have to remember that in order to count any score at all back then, you had to remove the left corner pin and in addition, there were 375 bowlers in the tournament. Also that same year, Ed recorded the hi triple for Ontario with a 1050 which included a 448 game. Ed was also Treasurer of the then famous Toronto Men’s City Major League.
In 1949 and 1950, Dot won the high jumping title for the city of Toronto. In doing so, she set a record for Indoor High Jumping in Ontario that stood for 20 years. For three years from 1952 to 1954, she was a member of the Ladies Globe Trotters Basketball team that won both the Ontario and Canadian Championships all three years. Dorothy moved to Calgary where she was a member of the Calgary 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association. While in Calgary, she won the Doubles Remembrance Day Tournament in 1967 and that same year she was a member of the ladies Open team representing Calgary in Winnipeg. In 1968 she and her YBC Senior, Larry Ellert won the Canada Western Team Tournament in Winnipeg. When Dot arrived in Mississauga in 1969, one of the first articles written about her came from Jim Yarrow of the Guardian, and I quote, “A master bowler out of Avondale, she bowls as well as the men.” Mr. Yarrow also mentioned that the Thursday Men’s League where contemplating disguising her as a Tom, Bill, Dick or Harry. Dot bowled in the Toronto Ladies Major League and was their Treasurer for many years.
In 1967, Ed was asked to meet with George Barber and George Nurse at Georgetown to discuss the start of a new Zone. With the help of the proprietors the three men formed the Central Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association and at that time the zone consisted of 13 centres. In that first year, through the Ontario Bowlers’ Association Incentive Award program, Ed was selected the President of the year and in 1970 he was selected as the Tournament Director of the year. Ed was joined by Dot in 1969 and in 1971 she was selected as the Awards Chair of the year. Prior to the formation of the YBC, Ed and Jim Elliott introduced a Junior Tournament tour that was attended by bowlers from all over Ontario. In 1975 Ed and Dot started a weekly news article in the Brampton newspaper, the Daily Times called the Bowling Scene. That same year, they became the hosts of an impromptu weekly TV program on channel 10 were they discussed the art of instruction, news and local bowling scores with some very well known and interesting guests.
Both Ed and Dot remained with COBA until 1984, at which time they left to form the Decentralized Bramalea 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association, which is still in operation today. They were joined by Patricia and Brian McDougall, Jen and Jim Donovan, Carolyn Mayberry, Garry Bruneau and Jim Moroney. That very first year, Dot was selected by the O5PBA as the DC membership chair of the year.
A member of the Master Bowlers’ for 19 years, Dot won the CNE tournament in 1972 and in May of 1974, she won her ring at the 10% tournament. Dot also served as the Vice President and Treasurer for the Master Bowlers Association. Also in 1974, Ed won the Bowlerama Classic in Guelph and in June of 1981, during a Master’s tournament in Welland, he bowled his perfect game. A master bowler for 25 years and one of the first bowlers to join the MBA, Ed is a charter member of that Association.
While Ed was originally a Master out of Comet Lanes in Scarborough, he soon changed houses to bowl out of Avondale, where he was eventually joined by Dot. Between the years 1979 and 1987, Ed and Dot combined to coach MBA teams at the Nationals. For 10 years straight, one or the other coached an MBA National team covering every Province in Ontario with the exclusion of Quebec only. With Ed in charge the men’s team in 1982 took gold in Corner Book and the following year they took gold again in Saskatoon. In 1985 he coached the men’s team to gold in Winnipeg and in 1987 he took the teaching men to Silver in Nanaimo. Dot on the other hand took Ladies teams to gold in Winnipeg in 1979, Silver in Vancouver in 1980 and Bronze in Ottawa in 1981.
While members of COBA, Ed and Dot qualified for the Open 14 times. In 1975, Dot was a member of the Ladies team that represented Ontario in Calgary. In 1978, Dot qualified for the Zone round in the open with the highest 20 game score of any female in Ontario with 5703, which equated to a 285.5 average. Dot was a member of the ladies team in Winnipeg, in 1980, were they won Bronze, and in Hamilton in 1981 were they again won a Bronze medal. Dot and Ed bowled in the Open when it was called the OV, the Carlings, Molson’s, Walkers Special Old and the Colt 45. Names that many of you won’t remember and some of you have never heard off.
Dot and Ed Holland have received two Civic awards each from the city of Brampton for their achievements in Sports plus two each from the Province of Ontario for distinguished performance in the field of amateur sports. Married 25 years last May, both Ed and Dot are level 2 coaches. In 1992, due to health reasons and by mutual consent, both the Holland’s hung up their shoes and threw away their balls after 40 years of participation in the sport they love. Ed has two children from his first marriage, a son Robert and a daughter Elma. Dot has a son Gordon, and combined they have 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with another on the way. Throughout their bowling careers, both Dot and Ed have coached every aspect of 5 pin bowling from the MBA, Open, Zone and YBC. While Dot is taking life easy, Ed has developed a new talent. Ed took up wood carving, and now teaches twice a week at the new Brampton Community Centre. Some of Ed’s creations are here for everyone to see.
Ed Holland founded our Association 40 years ago and Dot Holland joined him to keep it flourishing and growing. We can think of no other two individuals to better represent our 40th Anniversary and it is therefore our privilege and pleasure to induct Dot and Ed Holland into COBA’s Hall of Fame
Elizabeth Nicoll - Players' Division 2010
In her own words, Elizabeth Nicoll has never considered her awards or medals as a measurement of her success. She considers what she has learned through each experience and the memories far more important. This then is what her accomplishments have meant to her.
- In her very early years with YBC, she bowled with Greg Peteraitis and Mike Wood. Through their drive for perfection, she learned to accept people for who they are and not to judge because of the way they compete. They also taught her to strive for perfection in all she does.
- She can spare aces for a dollar. As a junior in YBC, while staring at a set of aces, a senior yelled out “Elizabeth, bet you can’t spare it”. A few seconds later she was a dollar richer.
-Her first open experience led her to the Nationals with York West at the tender age of 19. She knew then that this was a tournament she would continue to participate in.
-Fact: Men cannot bowl against women. It was Joe Zammit, her coach, who clearly proved this theory when as a member of the Mixed team; she was placed in the anchor position against a man. While many may have questioned the move, they continued on for their quest of gold at the Nationals
That same team lost gold to Alberta due to the entry of their bench player who came on to throw seven strikes in a row. This was probably the only time in her life when she didn’t mind losing – to watch this guy come off the bench and throw 7 in a row was incredible. It wasn’t the 7 strikes that made this a lasting memory, but the joy he expressed after each shot.
-Dream team: Elizabeth has been part of many great teams but there is a particular combination that for her is deadly. Stacey Zammit in leadoff, Kristy Zammit bowling fourth and Elizabeth pulling up the rear. As anchor, she rarely, if every had to make a shot thanks to both Stacey and Kristy. It is extremely unfortunate that they don’t bowl anymore as others will not get to experience what they brought to the game.
-Fact: The lanes are not just for bowling but for flirting also. She will never forget the tight pant wearing NWT bowler who pulled out all the stops to flirt with Brenda Hamilton.
While she cannot tell you the number of times she has been to the Nationals or how many medals she has collected over the years, she can tell you about the incredible experiences and people bowling has brought to her. Bowling has brought her the greatest wealth in laughter, controversy and memories. Her successes are not hers alone because without the word “team”, there would not have been as many. Elizabeth hopes to continue to build on her memories and upon reaching her senior years become a female version of John Mattiolli. She is extremely competitive in all she does and she expects always to be the best she can be.
While Elizabeth can’t give you an accurate count of her achievements, I certainly can. She has been to the Provincial Open twenty (20) times, seventeen (17) with a Ladies team and three (3) times on the Mixed team. With the Ladies teams she has been to the Nationals four (4) times bringing home two (2) Silver Medals and one (1) Bronze. On the Mixed team she made it to the Nationals once bringing home a Silver Medal. She has also been to the Nationals twice as a Single representative for Ontario where she won one (1) Silver and 1 (1) Bronze medal.
- In her very early years with YBC, she bowled with Greg Peteraitis and Mike Wood. Through their drive for perfection, she learned to accept people for who they are and not to judge because of the way they compete. They also taught her to strive for perfection in all she does.
- She can spare aces for a dollar. As a junior in YBC, while staring at a set of aces, a senior yelled out “Elizabeth, bet you can’t spare it”. A few seconds later she was a dollar richer.
-Her first open experience led her to the Nationals with York West at the tender age of 19. She knew then that this was a tournament she would continue to participate in.
-Fact: Men cannot bowl against women. It was Joe Zammit, her coach, who clearly proved this theory when as a member of the Mixed team; she was placed in the anchor position against a man. While many may have questioned the move, they continued on for their quest of gold at the Nationals
That same team lost gold to Alberta due to the entry of their bench player who came on to throw seven strikes in a row. This was probably the only time in her life when she didn’t mind losing – to watch this guy come off the bench and throw 7 in a row was incredible. It wasn’t the 7 strikes that made this a lasting memory, but the joy he expressed after each shot.
-Dream team: Elizabeth has been part of many great teams but there is a particular combination that for her is deadly. Stacey Zammit in leadoff, Kristy Zammit bowling fourth and Elizabeth pulling up the rear. As anchor, she rarely, if every had to make a shot thanks to both Stacey and Kristy. It is extremely unfortunate that they don’t bowl anymore as others will not get to experience what they brought to the game.
-Fact: The lanes are not just for bowling but for flirting also. She will never forget the tight pant wearing NWT bowler who pulled out all the stops to flirt with Brenda Hamilton.
While she cannot tell you the number of times she has been to the Nationals or how many medals she has collected over the years, she can tell you about the incredible experiences and people bowling has brought to her. Bowling has brought her the greatest wealth in laughter, controversy and memories. Her successes are not hers alone because without the word “team”, there would not have been as many. Elizabeth hopes to continue to build on her memories and upon reaching her senior years become a female version of John Mattiolli. She is extremely competitive in all she does and she expects always to be the best she can be.
While Elizabeth can’t give you an accurate count of her achievements, I certainly can. She has been to the Provincial Open twenty (20) times, seventeen (17) with a Ladies team and three (3) times on the Mixed team. With the Ladies teams she has been to the Nationals four (4) times bringing home two (2) Silver Medals and one (1) Bronze. On the Mixed team she made it to the Nationals once bringing home a Silver Medal. She has also been to the Nationals twice as a Single representative for Ontario where she won one (1) Silver and 1 (1) Bronze medal.
Gord Hobson - Players' Division 2009
Being inducted into our Players Division of the Hall of Fame, Gord Hobson has enjoyed a 5 pin bowling career that has spanned 40 years. Gord and his family came to Canada from England and originally settled in New Brunswick. The family arrived in Toronto in 1953 and Gord’s first sporting involvement was of course soccer. An all-star goalkeeper in the Toronto and District League, one of his teammates was Jimmy Ferguson, a popular singer with the Irish Rovers.
Gord’s 1st bowling experience was on two outdoor lanes installed at Wasaga Beach. With a first game score of 213, he was hooked. Back in Toronto, Gord ventured to Shea’s Kennedy and started in league play under the watchful eye of the manager, Herb Sutcliffe and Amos Henrick, an early teammate. Amos recommended Gord to the City Majors where his average peaked at 263 in 1974-75 and where he also rolled a five game score of 1641, a personal best.
When the Master Bowlers’ Association began in 1964, Gord was a charter member out of Comet Lanes, where he also ran the YBC program. In 15 years with the MBA, Gord never missed a frame and bowled 1060 frames and averaged 254. He won six tournaments starting with the Master Junior in 1966 and ending with the 1978 Holiday Inn Classic. In 1976, he was the Ontario Bowler of the Year, and the following season, he was a member of one of the greatest teams ever assembled. At the Masters Nationals in Saskatoon in 1977, with teammates, Chuck Park, Nick Pagniello, Dave Cattanach and Jim Elliott, the team was undefeated in 15 games averaging 278. As the anchor bowler Gord averaged 270.5. Also in the Masters, Gord bowled the second perfect game in MBA history. His 1974 effort awarded him a new 1975 Buick Century. Two years later, he almost duplicated his 450 when, with another car on the line, he rolled the first 11 strikes only to miss the headpin on the last ball. As a present member of the MBA Senior Division for four years, Gord has four wins.
Gord was a member of some of the top leagues of the day. In the Mixed Major League at Olympia Edward, Gord set three personal marks including a 291 average in 1967-68, a 2nd sanctioned perfect game in 1970 and also a near all time high triple of 1149.
The Open was another event that allowed Gord to shine. Overall, he qualified 16 times including three as a single and he also coached on four other occasions. From Central Ontario in 1976, Gord was a mmber of the Ontario Men’s team champions but lost to Albert at the Nationals held in Regina. In 1980, I was fortunate to be a member of the York West Mixed team that Gord coached to the Nationals in Winnipeg were we picked up a Bronze medal.
Still involved with the YBC program, Gord has coached two YBC senior teams to Ontario Championship in St. John’s, Nfld. And Moosejaw, Sask. In 1991, Gord was inducted into Huronia’s Hall of Fame.
Today, Gord continues to bowl out of Brampton Bowl, and this year is a member of the Senior Team representing Central Ontario at the Provincials in Hamilton.
Gord’s 1st bowling experience was on two outdoor lanes installed at Wasaga Beach. With a first game score of 213, he was hooked. Back in Toronto, Gord ventured to Shea’s Kennedy and started in league play under the watchful eye of the manager, Herb Sutcliffe and Amos Henrick, an early teammate. Amos recommended Gord to the City Majors where his average peaked at 263 in 1974-75 and where he also rolled a five game score of 1641, a personal best.
When the Master Bowlers’ Association began in 1964, Gord was a charter member out of Comet Lanes, where he also ran the YBC program. In 15 years with the MBA, Gord never missed a frame and bowled 1060 frames and averaged 254. He won six tournaments starting with the Master Junior in 1966 and ending with the 1978 Holiday Inn Classic. In 1976, he was the Ontario Bowler of the Year, and the following season, he was a member of one of the greatest teams ever assembled. At the Masters Nationals in Saskatoon in 1977, with teammates, Chuck Park, Nick Pagniello, Dave Cattanach and Jim Elliott, the team was undefeated in 15 games averaging 278. As the anchor bowler Gord averaged 270.5. Also in the Masters, Gord bowled the second perfect game in MBA history. His 1974 effort awarded him a new 1975 Buick Century. Two years later, he almost duplicated his 450 when, with another car on the line, he rolled the first 11 strikes only to miss the headpin on the last ball. As a present member of the MBA Senior Division for four years, Gord has four wins.
Gord was a member of some of the top leagues of the day. In the Mixed Major League at Olympia Edward, Gord set three personal marks including a 291 average in 1967-68, a 2nd sanctioned perfect game in 1970 and also a near all time high triple of 1149.
The Open was another event that allowed Gord to shine. Overall, he qualified 16 times including three as a single and he also coached on four other occasions. From Central Ontario in 1976, Gord was a mmber of the Ontario Men’s team champions but lost to Albert at the Nationals held in Regina. In 1980, I was fortunate to be a member of the York West Mixed team that Gord coached to the Nationals in Winnipeg were we picked up a Bronze medal.
Still involved with the YBC program, Gord has coached two YBC senior teams to Ontario Championship in St. John’s, Nfld. And Moosejaw, Sask. In 1991, Gord was inducted into Huronia’s Hall of Fame.
Today, Gord continues to bowl out of Brampton Bowl, and this year is a member of the Senior Team representing Central Ontario at the Provincials in Hamilton.
Gord Passmore was born in Toronto, and grew up in the Long Branch community. He started 5-pin bowling at 10 years old in a weekend youth league, which pre-dated today’s Youth Bowling Council.
Among his successes on the lanes are a perfect game bowled in sanctioned league play in Streetsville in 1975, and an Ontario men’s team championship for Central Ontario in 1971 with Tom Patterson, George Barber, Red McQuaker, Jim Peters, Jim Beasley and coach Erik Whittaker. Unfortunately, this was during the east-west counter-pin dispute, and there was no national championship for the team to move on to.
Gord qualified 4 times for the Open as a player, and was selected twice as a coach. He was also a Master bowler, holding a life-time average of just under 245 in 314 games.
However, it is not Gord’s bowling skills we are honouring tonight, but rather his dedication to the sport of 5-pin and the Central Ontario zone as a volunteer.
Gord first joined the Central Ontario board in the 1965-66 season, under president George Barber. He served as Vice-President, Tournament Director and Awards chairman in his first three years, then succeeded George Nurse as Central’s president in the 1968-69 season, a position he retained until the close of the 1971-72 season.
In 1970, Gord’s contribution to the strength and stability of the Central Ontario zone was recognized when he was named Ontario’s President of the Year. He was also named Executive of the Year in 1974, and awarded Life Membership in the Ontario 5-Pin Association in 1977.
His love of the sport was reflected in his career choices, when he purchased Brampton Bowl along with Pat Jepson in 1975. He left his tool and die design career in 1978 to devote his full time to the management of the bowling centre, where he remained until 1988. During that time, Gord assisted in the formation of one of the first decentralized associations in Ontario: the Flowertown 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association, which was an annual leader in YBC registrations and fundraising, and in participation levels for Ontario 5-Pin, Canadian 5-pin and Bowling Proprietors’ events.
In 1970, Gord was elected to the Ontario 5-Pin Board of Directors, and was assigned the Incentive Awards position. Throughout his time on the O5 board, he served as record scores chair, awards chair, Vice President, and tournament director. During that time, he developed the “Greenbook” which is the bible for tournament directors and league secretaries. Gord left the O5 board in 1984 after serving for 13 years.
He is currently living in Midland, where he helps run a genealogy business, researching the histories of family names and coats of arms.
Gord was named a Builder of the Bowling Industry by Ontario 5-Pin in 1983, and received a Volunteer special Achievement Award from the Government of Ontario in 1984, and tonight, we recognize Mr. Gordon Passmore as a Builder of the Central Ontario 5-Pin Bowlers’s Association.
Gord Passmore - Builder's Division 2013
Gord Passmore was born in Toronto, and grew up in the Long Branch community. He started 5-pin bowling at 10 years old in a weekend youth league, which pre-dated today’s Youth Bowling Council.
Among his successes on the lanes are a perfect game bowled in sanctioned league play in Streetsville in 1975, and an Ontario men’s team championship for Central Ontario in 1971 with Tom Patterson, George Barber, Red McQuaker, Jim Peters, Jim Beasley and coach Erik Whittaker. Unfortunately, this was during the east-west counter-pin dispute, and there was no national championship for the team to move on to.
Gord qualified 4 times for the Open as a player, and was selected twice as a coach. He was also a Master bowler, holding a life-time average of just under 245 in 314 games.
However, it is not Gord’s bowling skills we are honouring tonight, but rather his dedication to the sport of 5-pin and the Central Ontario zone as a volunteer.
Gord first joined the Central Ontario board in the 1965-66 season, under president George Barber. He served as Vice-President, Tournament Director and Awards chairman in his first three years, then succeeded George Nurse as Central’s president in the 1968-69 season, a position he retained until the close of the 1971-72 season.
In 1970, Gord’s contribution to the strength and stability of the Central Ontario zone was recognized when he was named Ontario’s President of the Year. He was also named Executive of the Year in 1974, and awarded Life Membership in the Ontario 5-Pin Association in 1977.
His love of the sport was reflected in his career choices, when he purchased Brampton Bowl along with Pat Jepson in 1975. He left his tool and die design career in 1978 to devote his full time to the management of the bowling centre, where he remained until 1988. During that time, Gord assisted in the formation of one of the first decentralized associations in Ontario: the Flowertown 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association, which was an annual leader in YBC registrations and fundraising, and in participation levels for Ontario 5-Pin, Canadian 5-pin and Bowling Proprietors’ events.
In 1970, Gord was elected to the Ontario 5-Pin Board of Directors, and was assigned the Incentive Awards position. Throughout his time on the O5 board, he served as record scores chair, awards chair, Vice President, and tournament director. During that time, he developed the “Greenbook” which is the bible for tournament directors and league secretaries. Gord left the O5 board in 1984 after serving for 13 years.
He is currently living in Midland, where he helps run a genealogy business, researching the histories of family names and coats of arms.
Gord was named a Builder of the Bowling Industry by Ontario 5-Pin in 1983, and received a Volunteer special Achievement Award from the Government of Ontario in 1984, and tonight, we recognize Mr. Gordon Passmore as a Builder of the Central Ontario 5-Pin Bowlers’s Association.
Among his successes on the lanes are a perfect game bowled in sanctioned league play in Streetsville in 1975, and an Ontario men’s team championship for Central Ontario in 1971 with Tom Patterson, George Barber, Red McQuaker, Jim Peters, Jim Beasley and coach Erik Whittaker. Unfortunately, this was during the east-west counter-pin dispute, and there was no national championship for the team to move on to.
Gord qualified 4 times for the Open as a player, and was selected twice as a coach. He was also a Master bowler, holding a life-time average of just under 245 in 314 games.
However, it is not Gord’s bowling skills we are honouring tonight, but rather his dedication to the sport of 5-pin and the Central Ontario zone as a volunteer.
Gord first joined the Central Ontario board in the 1965-66 season, under president George Barber. He served as Vice-President, Tournament Director and Awards chairman in his first three years, then succeeded George Nurse as Central’s president in the 1968-69 season, a position he retained until the close of the 1971-72 season.
In 1970, Gord’s contribution to the strength and stability of the Central Ontario zone was recognized when he was named Ontario’s President of the Year. He was also named Executive of the Year in 1974, and awarded Life Membership in the Ontario 5-Pin Association in 1977.
His love of the sport was reflected in his career choices, when he purchased Brampton Bowl along with Pat Jepson in 1975. He left his tool and die design career in 1978 to devote his full time to the management of the bowling centre, where he remained until 1988. During that time, Gord assisted in the formation of one of the first decentralized associations in Ontario: the Flowertown 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association, which was an annual leader in YBC registrations and fundraising, and in participation levels for Ontario 5-Pin, Canadian 5-pin and Bowling Proprietors’ events.
In 1970, Gord was elected to the Ontario 5-Pin Board of Directors, and was assigned the Incentive Awards position. Throughout his time on the O5 board, he served as record scores chair, awards chair, Vice President, and tournament director. During that time, he developed the “Greenbook” which is the bible for tournament directors and league secretaries. Gord left the O5 board in 1984 after serving for 13 years.
He is currently living in Midland, where he helps run a genealogy business, researching the histories of family names and coats of arms.
Gord was named a Builder of the Bowling Industry by Ontario 5-Pin in 1983, and received a Volunteer special Achievement Award from the Government of Ontario in 1984, and tonight, we recognize Mr. Gordon Passmore as a Builder of the Central Ontario 5-Pin Bowlers’s Association.
Jason Procher - Player's Division 2013
Jason Procher started bowling as a pee wee at Avondale Bowl because his friends next door were in the YBC. Being upset because his friends got to play 3 games to his two, he wanted to quit, but, thankfully, his mother Sandy made him stick with it at least until the end of the season. His friends ended up quitting that first year, but Jason finished the season and returned to bowling the following September, putting him on the path to 5-pin stardom.
Throughout his YBC experience, Jason qualified many times for provincial teams out of Avondale, but it wasn’t until 1989, his last year in YBC, that he qualified for nationals, winning a singles silver in Regina. That same year, he also won the MBAO Bursary.
And bowling wasn’t Jason’s only activity as a youngster. He also played lacrosse, baseball, golf and other school sports, and was a provincial volleyball referee.
As a Master, Jason has averaged just over 260, was named tournament division bowler of the year for the 1996/97 season, and has recorded 7 wins so far: the RRSP in 1994-95, the Elimination Knock-out in 1995/96, Mixed Doubles with Sandy Lyons, the New Year’s Classic and the Year-End tournaments all in 1997/98, and the Spring Classic Mixed Triples with Jody Mann and Kevin Berg in 2000/2001. Of all these wins, it is probably the New Year’s Classic win in January 1998 that is most memorable, with Jason and Santo Chiodo both starting on 9 in a row in head-to-head competition. Santo picked in the 10th, but Jason got the last 3 strikes to record his 2nd career perfect game. This game is actually listed as one of the 31 most memorable moments in MBAO history.
And, yes, I said 2nd perfect game. His first was on February 20, 1991 during the Brewhouse Open at KG Bowl in Saskatoon, at the ripe old age of xx.
All of Jason’s success hasn’t been in the Masters. He has qualified for the Open 16 times, most of those for Central on both mixed and men’s teams. In 2002, he advanced to Nationals in Winnipeg with Wade Thompson, Bill Schwemlein, Jim Head, John Mattioli, Brian Kaye and coach Rheal Champagne. In 2004, he was on another Central provincial championship team with Bob Jones, Mark Busch, Bill Schwemlein, Bryce McKiernan, Jim Head and coach Brian Kaye. This team won Nationals in Gatineau, setting 4 Canadian team records: High Game, High Double, High Triple, and High Quad, and helping Ontario win the National aggregate. That year, Jason was also selected to the Canadian all-star team.
Jason has been with the York Regional Police since 1999, and although the shift work means he can’t commit to league play, he still participates on the Club Tour. He is currently living in Whitby, where he is helping to raise his twin 4-year-olds, Jack and Eva.
Tonight, we are honoured to induct Jason Procher into the Central Ontario 5-Pin Hall of Fame as a player.
Throughout his YBC experience, Jason qualified many times for provincial teams out of Avondale, but it wasn’t until 1989, his last year in YBC, that he qualified for nationals, winning a singles silver in Regina. That same year, he also won the MBAO Bursary.
And bowling wasn’t Jason’s only activity as a youngster. He also played lacrosse, baseball, golf and other school sports, and was a provincial volleyball referee.
As a Master, Jason has averaged just over 260, was named tournament division bowler of the year for the 1996/97 season, and has recorded 7 wins so far: the RRSP in 1994-95, the Elimination Knock-out in 1995/96, Mixed Doubles with Sandy Lyons, the New Year’s Classic and the Year-End tournaments all in 1997/98, and the Spring Classic Mixed Triples with Jody Mann and Kevin Berg in 2000/2001. Of all these wins, it is probably the New Year’s Classic win in January 1998 that is most memorable, with Jason and Santo Chiodo both starting on 9 in a row in head-to-head competition. Santo picked in the 10th, but Jason got the last 3 strikes to record his 2nd career perfect game. This game is actually listed as one of the 31 most memorable moments in MBAO history.
And, yes, I said 2nd perfect game. His first was on February 20, 1991 during the Brewhouse Open at KG Bowl in Saskatoon, at the ripe old age of xx.
All of Jason’s success hasn’t been in the Masters. He has qualified for the Open 16 times, most of those for Central on both mixed and men’s teams. In 2002, he advanced to Nationals in Winnipeg with Wade Thompson, Bill Schwemlein, Jim Head, John Mattioli, Brian Kaye and coach Rheal Champagne. In 2004, he was on another Central provincial championship team with Bob Jones, Mark Busch, Bill Schwemlein, Bryce McKiernan, Jim Head and coach Brian Kaye. This team won Nationals in Gatineau, setting 4 Canadian team records: High Game, High Double, High Triple, and High Quad, and helping Ontario win the National aggregate. That year, Jason was also selected to the Canadian all-star team.
Jason has been with the York Regional Police since 1999, and although the shift work means he can’t commit to league play, he still participates on the Club Tour. He is currently living in Whitby, where he is helping to raise his twin 4-year-olds, Jack and Eva.
Tonight, we are honoured to induct Jason Procher into the Central Ontario 5-Pin Hall of Fame as a player.
Jen and Jim Donovan - Builders' Division 2003, Jen Donovan - Players' Division 2003
Married in October 1974, Jen and Jim have 2 children, a son and a daughter and one granddaughter. While their daughter is concentrating on raising their grandchild, James has started to make a name for himself on the lanes. Jen was born in New Brunswick and had 13 brothers and sisters and moved to Ontario in 1967. Jim was born in Ottawa and had 3 sisters and one brother. He first moved to Nova Scotia then Winnipeg before settling in Brampton in 1968. Jim met Jen’s brother at his job at Lipton’s and the rest as we say is history.
Both Donovans were very active in the AVONDALE YBC in the mid 70’s. Jim was the Junior supervisor and Jen was into coaching. Jen always considered the Bantams as the place for the most improvement and therefore worked with this group extensively. Jen coached Pepsi teams to wins and took the Senior girls to the Ontario Winter Games and won gold. Jen and Jim helped to establish the Bramalea 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association and in the first year Jen served as the first Membership Director. In the second year with Jim working along side, Jen took over the Presidency and served until 1991. That first year of her presidency, the Association won the most improved Association of the year. The following year they were named the Association of the year. Jim served under many titles including Publicity chair, Booster Club chair, Nevada Director and Tournament Director. Jim also served on the Central Board as our Tournament Director.
In 1987 Jen and Jim composed the D.C. Job Descriptions and the booklet was distributed to all associations. The booklet earned both Donovans the title of Executives of the Year at the Ontario 5 Pin Association’s annual convention in 1988. During the summer of 1994 Avondale Bowl underwent extensive renovations with the assistance of the Donovans. Jen really “cleaned up” and Jim looked very fetching in his acid mask.
As bowlers Jen and Jim are no strangers to the lanes. While no longer bowling due to health issues, Jim at one time was an avid bowler with an average of 250. Jim has also been to the Region Open as an assistant coach. Jim continues to use his bowling knowledge to give assistance and encouragement to his wife and son.
Jen’s bowling accomplishments are outstanding. Joining the Master’s in 1976, Jen has won 4 Master events and one National Championship. Bowling in the Ontario Open, Jen has bowled on 11 Ladies teams including 5 Single representations and 8 Mixed teams. These accomplishments have placed her 50th on the top 90 female bowlers of all time.
While Jen and Jim are very proud of their involvement at all levels of bowling, they feel their true accomplishments are that of their family.
Both Donovans were very active in the AVONDALE YBC in the mid 70’s. Jim was the Junior supervisor and Jen was into coaching. Jen always considered the Bantams as the place for the most improvement and therefore worked with this group extensively. Jen coached Pepsi teams to wins and took the Senior girls to the Ontario Winter Games and won gold. Jen and Jim helped to establish the Bramalea 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association and in the first year Jen served as the first Membership Director. In the second year with Jim working along side, Jen took over the Presidency and served until 1991. That first year of her presidency, the Association won the most improved Association of the year. The following year they were named the Association of the year. Jim served under many titles including Publicity chair, Booster Club chair, Nevada Director and Tournament Director. Jim also served on the Central Board as our Tournament Director.
In 1987 Jen and Jim composed the D.C. Job Descriptions and the booklet was distributed to all associations. The booklet earned both Donovans the title of Executives of the Year at the Ontario 5 Pin Association’s annual convention in 1988. During the summer of 1994 Avondale Bowl underwent extensive renovations with the assistance of the Donovans. Jen really “cleaned up” and Jim looked very fetching in his acid mask.
As bowlers Jen and Jim are no strangers to the lanes. While no longer bowling due to health issues, Jim at one time was an avid bowler with an average of 250. Jim has also been to the Region Open as an assistant coach. Jim continues to use his bowling knowledge to give assistance and encouragement to his wife and son.
Jen’s bowling accomplishments are outstanding. Joining the Master’s in 1976, Jen has won 4 Master events and one National Championship. Bowling in the Ontario Open, Jen has bowled on 11 Ladies teams including 5 Single representations and 8 Mixed teams. These accomplishments have placed her 50th on the top 90 female bowlers of all time.
While Jen and Jim are very proud of their involvement at all levels of bowling, they feel their true accomplishments are that of their family.
Jim Head - Players' Division 2005
Our 2nd inductee into COBA’s Hall of Fame this evening might be considered young by Hall of Fame standards, but like a few others he has shown exceptional skill in our sport. Jim Head comes from a family of bowlers as his father (Pat), mother (Doris) and sister (Patricia) all bowled. As a matter of fact, his dad now in his seventies, still bowls in a league at Streetsville Bowl.
Jim started bowling in 1972 at Village Bowl and spent 14 years in the YBC program, not missing a week even when he broke his foot. He represented Lake Ontario in the Pepsi Challenge (now the Youth Challenge) for six years. He bowled in the Sunday Night Old Timers league with his family while still in YBC and at the tender age of 14, was drafted into the Thomson’s Men’s League at Village Bowl. It was at this time that Jim developed his unique style. His dad had suggested he slow his first step and for anyone who has watched Jim’s unique approach on the lanes, what you see is his interpretation of his dad’s suggestion. Even back then, Jim knew he would become a money bowler. He bowled his first 400 game as a YBC Senior at Park Royal for a $1.00 bet. Since then, Jim has been bowling a minimum of three times a week.
In 1991 Jim decided to give back some of his experience to our younger generations and started coaching YBC. While he has been involved with both Streetsville Bowl and Park Royal Bowl, he has spent most of his time with Hopedale Bowl. He joined the Master Bowlers’ Association as a Teaching Master through Hopedale in 1992 and in 1996 he changed over to the Tournament Division. Jim won his Master’s ring in 2000 when he won his first Master’s tournament “The New Year’s Classic”. Jim’s 4th tournament win was the “Sherwood Challenge” in 2004, which not only won him the large diamond in his ring, but also netted him $8000. Just this month, he won his 5th MBA tournament and is showing no indication of stopping. Jim was on the Men’s team that went to the Master Nationals in St. John’s and also to Saskatoon where they won gold. He holds a lifetime average with the Masters of 258.44.
As a member of the YABA League, he was the Tour Points Champion in 1998-99 and in 2003-04 he captured the Singles Event title. He has 15 wins on the YABA tour including Teams, Doubles, Triples and Singles. He has been a member of the YABA Committee since 1998 and is also a member of the YABA Rules committee.
Qualifying for the Ontario Open 12 times, and the last 11 consecutively, he has been on 4 Mixed Teams and 8 Men’s Teams. He has qualified for Singles six times in the Zone, three of which he finished first. In 2002 he was on the Men’s team that won the Provincials and competed in Winnipeg. He was also a member of the Men’s team that competed in Gatineau, Quebec where they won Gold as well as the Aggregate. At that time the team set four National Team records, high single, high 2, high 3 and high 4 game totals.
Jim is also involved with the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association as a Pro at the Bowling School that is held every July at Sherwood Lanes in Hamilton. He has been with them for eight years now and just like Jim, he has gone that one step further. Besides giving the young bowlers at the school the benefit of his skill and knowledge, he created and is the sponsor of the “Spare Percentage Award” which is given each year to the student who has the highest spare percentage for the week. In this way, Jim hopes to teach our young players the importance of spares in the game.
Jim also served on the Lake Ontario Board and the Central Ontario Board for ten years. He has held the positions of Membership Director, Tournament Director and Lane Certification Agent.
As an individual Jim has:
-Appeared on the TSN Pins game twice advancing to the quarter finals in 1997
-Was on the team that won the Streetsville Team Tournament
-Was a member of the team that won the inaugural Uxbridge Team Scramble Tournament
-At the Jubilee Ford Open in Saskatoon in 2001 he qualified for singles and after 33 games on the Sunday finished 2nd.
-In 2001 he was a member of the team that won the Cornwall Open Team Event and placed 2nd at the Cornwall Open in 2004
-Won the 2003 3-6-9 tournament in Oshawa
His highest year end average 283; High single 425; High Triple 1069 and High Five 1802. And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is only the beginning.
Jim started bowling in 1972 at Village Bowl and spent 14 years in the YBC program, not missing a week even when he broke his foot. He represented Lake Ontario in the Pepsi Challenge (now the Youth Challenge) for six years. He bowled in the Sunday Night Old Timers league with his family while still in YBC and at the tender age of 14, was drafted into the Thomson’s Men’s League at Village Bowl. It was at this time that Jim developed his unique style. His dad had suggested he slow his first step and for anyone who has watched Jim’s unique approach on the lanes, what you see is his interpretation of his dad’s suggestion. Even back then, Jim knew he would become a money bowler. He bowled his first 400 game as a YBC Senior at Park Royal for a $1.00 bet. Since then, Jim has been bowling a minimum of three times a week.
In 1991 Jim decided to give back some of his experience to our younger generations and started coaching YBC. While he has been involved with both Streetsville Bowl and Park Royal Bowl, he has spent most of his time with Hopedale Bowl. He joined the Master Bowlers’ Association as a Teaching Master through Hopedale in 1992 and in 1996 he changed over to the Tournament Division. Jim won his Master’s ring in 2000 when he won his first Master’s tournament “The New Year’s Classic”. Jim’s 4th tournament win was the “Sherwood Challenge” in 2004, which not only won him the large diamond in his ring, but also netted him $8000. Just this month, he won his 5th MBA tournament and is showing no indication of stopping. Jim was on the Men’s team that went to the Master Nationals in St. John’s and also to Saskatoon where they won gold. He holds a lifetime average with the Masters of 258.44.
As a member of the YABA League, he was the Tour Points Champion in 1998-99 and in 2003-04 he captured the Singles Event title. He has 15 wins on the YABA tour including Teams, Doubles, Triples and Singles. He has been a member of the YABA Committee since 1998 and is also a member of the YABA Rules committee.
Qualifying for the Ontario Open 12 times, and the last 11 consecutively, he has been on 4 Mixed Teams and 8 Men’s Teams. He has qualified for Singles six times in the Zone, three of which he finished first. In 2002 he was on the Men’s team that won the Provincials and competed in Winnipeg. He was also a member of the Men’s team that competed in Gatineau, Quebec where they won Gold as well as the Aggregate. At that time the team set four National Team records, high single, high 2, high 3 and high 4 game totals.
Jim is also involved with the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association as a Pro at the Bowling School that is held every July at Sherwood Lanes in Hamilton. He has been with them for eight years now and just like Jim, he has gone that one step further. Besides giving the young bowlers at the school the benefit of his skill and knowledge, he created and is the sponsor of the “Spare Percentage Award” which is given each year to the student who has the highest spare percentage for the week. In this way, Jim hopes to teach our young players the importance of spares in the game.
Jim also served on the Lake Ontario Board and the Central Ontario Board for ten years. He has held the positions of Membership Director, Tournament Director and Lane Certification Agent.
As an individual Jim has:
-Appeared on the TSN Pins game twice advancing to the quarter finals in 1997
-Was on the team that won the Streetsville Team Tournament
-Was a member of the team that won the inaugural Uxbridge Team Scramble Tournament
-At the Jubilee Ford Open in Saskatoon in 2001 he qualified for singles and after 33 games on the Sunday finished 2nd.
-In 2001 he was a member of the team that won the Cornwall Open Team Event and placed 2nd at the Cornwall Open in 2004
-Won the 2003 3-6-9 tournament in Oshawa
His highest year end average 283; High single 425; High Triple 1069 and High Five 1802. And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is only the beginning.
Joan and George Archibald - Builders' Division 2015
Those of you who came up through the YBC ranks to adult bowling will no doubt agree that it is the coaches and volunteers who instill the love of 5-pin bowling in you. Our first inductees are the epitome of the volunteering spirit.
Joan and George Archibald met in the early 1950’s while they were both working for Coleman Lamp & Stove. On her first day of work, Joan spotted him on her way to her desk and declared to her friend she was going to marry him. Two years later she did just that, and they spent 49 ½ years together, until George’s passing in 2002. They had two children, Karen and Stephan, and now have 3 grown grandchildren as well – Haley, Heather and Jennie.
Their daughter, Karen, joined the Georgetown YBC at age 8. The very next week, George Nurse recruited both Joan and George as coaches, with George being assigned to Junior boys and Joan to Bantam girls. Within a few short years, they were producing champions.
In 1971, Joan & George became the first husband and wife coaching team to take YBC teams to nationals, held that year in Vancouver. At those national championships, Joan’s Bantam girls team captured the bronze medal, while George’s Junior boys took the gold. When they returned, they were all asked to stay on the plane while the other passengers departed. Once they were finally able to leave, they were greeted by a crowd of bowlers gathered there to congratulate the champions and their coaches. Here is George and his winning team.
In addition to coaching, George was the YBC zone rep for 10 years, organizing 4-Step and senior mixed tournaments, as well as the Masters zone rep. The two of them spent many hours at the lanes coaching and supervising, but also managed to find some time to actually bowl themselves.
Both were Master bowlers in the teaching division – George for 12 years, and Joan for 14. George’s victory at the Octoberfest tournament in 1977 earned him his Master ring. In the 1979-80 season, Joan received hers for winning the Holiday Inn Classic, and followed that up the following year with a repeat victory in the same tournament. Joan has also advanced to Masters nationals, earning a gold medal as part of an Ontario team, and a bronze medal as a single competitor. She represented Central on the 1973 Open mixed team and here she is with Primo Falcioni, that’s Joan, Tom Patterson, Marlene Van Norman and coach Ed Holland in the front row, and Red McQuaker, Olga Bosada and Alan Rahn in the back.
These days, Joan still bowls twice a week at Georgetown, and has been President of the Club 55+ league for the past 6 years. She continues to coach as well, helping out the bowlers in her league, and works part time at the lanes on Wednesday afternoons.
As with most of us, Joan enjoyed not only the participation in the sport of 5-pin as a player and volunteer, but also the people she’s met over the years. As a testament to the impact that these two had on the kids they coached, she is still warmly greeted by those now-adults who remember her and George and the fun of 5-pin they instilled in them.
Joan and George Archibald met in the early 1950’s while they were both working for Coleman Lamp & Stove. On her first day of work, Joan spotted him on her way to her desk and declared to her friend she was going to marry him. Two years later she did just that, and they spent 49 ½ years together, until George’s passing in 2002. They had two children, Karen and Stephan, and now have 3 grown grandchildren as well – Haley, Heather and Jennie.
Their daughter, Karen, joined the Georgetown YBC at age 8. The very next week, George Nurse recruited both Joan and George as coaches, with George being assigned to Junior boys and Joan to Bantam girls. Within a few short years, they were producing champions.
In 1971, Joan & George became the first husband and wife coaching team to take YBC teams to nationals, held that year in Vancouver. At those national championships, Joan’s Bantam girls team captured the bronze medal, while George’s Junior boys took the gold. When they returned, they were all asked to stay on the plane while the other passengers departed. Once they were finally able to leave, they were greeted by a crowd of bowlers gathered there to congratulate the champions and their coaches. Here is George and his winning team.
In addition to coaching, George was the YBC zone rep for 10 years, organizing 4-Step and senior mixed tournaments, as well as the Masters zone rep. The two of them spent many hours at the lanes coaching and supervising, but also managed to find some time to actually bowl themselves.
Both were Master bowlers in the teaching division – George for 12 years, and Joan for 14. George’s victory at the Octoberfest tournament in 1977 earned him his Master ring. In the 1979-80 season, Joan received hers for winning the Holiday Inn Classic, and followed that up the following year with a repeat victory in the same tournament. Joan has also advanced to Masters nationals, earning a gold medal as part of an Ontario team, and a bronze medal as a single competitor. She represented Central on the 1973 Open mixed team and here she is with Primo Falcioni, that’s Joan, Tom Patterson, Marlene Van Norman and coach Ed Holland in the front row, and Red McQuaker, Olga Bosada and Alan Rahn in the back.
These days, Joan still bowls twice a week at Georgetown, and has been President of the Club 55+ league for the past 6 years. She continues to coach as well, helping out the bowlers in her league, and works part time at the lanes on Wednesday afternoons.
As with most of us, Joan enjoyed not only the participation in the sport of 5-pin as a player and volunteer, but also the people she’s met over the years. As a testament to the impact that these two had on the kids they coached, she is still warmly greeted by those now-adults who remember her and George and the fun of 5-pin they instilled in them.
Joanne Coram - Players' Division 2015
Joanne Coram started bowling at age 7. While her parents were 10-pinners, they made the right choice when they enrolled her and her brother in 5-pin at Queensway Bowl, where she spent her entire YBC years.
Her talent was obviously spotted early – at about age 10 or 11, she skipped school to bowl for channel 10 TV. Terry Noon and Dave Johnson were there to help contribute to her delinquency. In her final year of YBC in 1987, she earned a national achievement for amateur sports, sparking her competitive spirit.
In 1987, Joanne joined the Master Bowlers’ Association, starting in the teaching division. In 1990, she moved over to the tournament division, and continued to compete for the next 7 years. Her one and only Master win came in the 91-92 season, when she was victorious in the Double Knockout. Over her 7 years as a tournament master, Joanne averaged just over 247 over 400 games, which puts her 24th in all-time average ranking for the MBAO as of the end of the 2014 season.
She also qualified for the Ontario Open 9 times in Central including her qualifications out of the Lake Ontario zone. In 1989, she first qualified in Lake Ontario on the mixed team, with Terry Noon, Mike Filipuzzi, Stan Liessi, Brian Kaye, Kim Hannah and Terry Kelly.
That first qualification sparked a 6 year run as a singles representative from 1990 through 1996. And not only singles – in 1992 and 1993 she was the top ladies’ qualifier in Lake Ontario edging out some talented competition such as Mickey McNeil and Kristy Zammit.
It was that 1993 ladies team from Lake Ontario that was victorious in Hamilton, advancing to Nationals in Ottawa. Joining Joanne on that stellar team was Kristy Zammit, Terri Haydar, Helen Banas, Mickey McNeil and Michelle Dundas, and they were coached by Joe Zammit.
In 1997, after Lake Ontario and Central merged back together again, Joanne qualified for her final (at least so far) Open team, joining Marty Best, Brian Kaye, Jeff Belanger, Jim Head, Carol Ross, and myself on the mixed team, coached by Walt Parkin.
It was around this time that Joanne gave up the game to dedicate herself to her family and career. She’s been married to Bruce for 16 years, and they have two children: Justin aged 15 and Shayne aged 12. She has worked the last 25 years in Early Childhood development, first as an Educator, then a Resource Teacher and is now an Early Childhood consultant in the City of Toronto.
Although she is no longer involved in the sport of 5-pin bowling, some of the friendships that were formed in those days of competition still carry on to this day. It is always disappointing when such talented athletes retire in their prime, and we can only hope that some day, when time permits, Joanne will return to the 5-pin lanes.
Her talent was obviously spotted early – at about age 10 or 11, she skipped school to bowl for channel 10 TV. Terry Noon and Dave Johnson were there to help contribute to her delinquency. In her final year of YBC in 1987, she earned a national achievement for amateur sports, sparking her competitive spirit.
In 1987, Joanne joined the Master Bowlers’ Association, starting in the teaching division. In 1990, she moved over to the tournament division, and continued to compete for the next 7 years. Her one and only Master win came in the 91-92 season, when she was victorious in the Double Knockout. Over her 7 years as a tournament master, Joanne averaged just over 247 over 400 games, which puts her 24th in all-time average ranking for the MBAO as of the end of the 2014 season.
She also qualified for the Ontario Open 9 times in Central including her qualifications out of the Lake Ontario zone. In 1989, she first qualified in Lake Ontario on the mixed team, with Terry Noon, Mike Filipuzzi, Stan Liessi, Brian Kaye, Kim Hannah and Terry Kelly.
That first qualification sparked a 6 year run as a singles representative from 1990 through 1996. And not only singles – in 1992 and 1993 she was the top ladies’ qualifier in Lake Ontario edging out some talented competition such as Mickey McNeil and Kristy Zammit.
It was that 1993 ladies team from Lake Ontario that was victorious in Hamilton, advancing to Nationals in Ottawa. Joining Joanne on that stellar team was Kristy Zammit, Terri Haydar, Helen Banas, Mickey McNeil and Michelle Dundas, and they were coached by Joe Zammit.
In 1997, after Lake Ontario and Central merged back together again, Joanne qualified for her final (at least so far) Open team, joining Marty Best, Brian Kaye, Jeff Belanger, Jim Head, Carol Ross, and myself on the mixed team, coached by Walt Parkin.
It was around this time that Joanne gave up the game to dedicate herself to her family and career. She’s been married to Bruce for 16 years, and they have two children: Justin aged 15 and Shayne aged 12. She has worked the last 25 years in Early Childhood development, first as an Educator, then a Resource Teacher and is now an Early Childhood consultant in the City of Toronto.
Although she is no longer involved in the sport of 5-pin bowling, some of the friendships that were formed in those days of competition still carry on to this day. It is always disappointing when such talented athletes retire in their prime, and we can only hope that some day, when time permits, Joanne will return to the 5-pin lanes.
Jodi Myers - Builders' Division 2015
Jodi was introduced to bowling via the Candlepin game. Candlepin bowling was developed in 1880 in the U.S. some years before both standardization of 10 Pin in 1985 and duck pin bowling. It is predominantly played in the Maritimes and some of the North Eastern states in the U.S. The main differences between candlepin and ten pin are that each player uses three balls per frame, rather than two; the balls are much smaller (4½ in diameter) with no holes with each ball weighing as much as only one candlepin and the pins are thinner (hence the name 'candlepin'). Also, the deadwood is not cleared away between balls thrown in a frame.
Because of these differences, scoring is considerably more difficult than in ten-pin bowling, and the highest officially sanctioned score ever recorded is 245 out of a possible 300 score. Jodi averaged approximately 112 in her leagues, which is about the equivalence of 240 in our 5 pin game. Most people averaged 100 or lower. At the Ladies East Coast Championships held at Heather Lanes in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Jodi averaged 114 at this event.
With her friend and partner Tom Sampson, Jodi moved to Ontario in 1988 and settled in Brampton, where they are still residing today. Well at least for the next few months. Being new in town they decided to join a 5 pin bowling league to meet some new friends and also to see what this 5 pin game was all about. They joined the Thursday Night Classic League at Brampton Bowl where Jodi’s bowling abilities soon stood out. In her first year in the league she was averaging 240 and quickly moved on to join other leagues like the prestigious Toronto City Majors Mixed travelling league.
Jodi has qualified for the Open 6 times out of the Central Ontario zone – 3 times on the ladies team. Jodi also qualified 3 times on the mixed team. Jodi also made singles in her first year of qualifying in 1989. She was also a Teaching Master for one year out of Brampton Bowl.
Off the lanes, Jodi also contributed to the growth of 5 pin bowling when she was elected to the Central Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association Board of Directors in 1992, and like so many bowling Executives, she was joined by her partner Tom. From 1992 until 1999 Jodi held the positions of Publicity, Awards, Average Book and Vice-President. But It did not take long to see where her talents lay. She was elected Treasurer in 1994, a position she would hold for 6 years until 1999, when she announced her retirement from bowling to pursue her accounting designation. Over the next several years, Jodi worked diligently towards attaining her CGA and was successful to this end.
In 2011, Jodi came back to bowling and to COBA as Historian. The following year upon Carol Lawrence’s retirement as Treasurer, she slipped comfortably into this role in 2012. When Mickey McNeil stepped down from Zone President in 2013, Jodi assumed the role of President.
Unfortunately for COBA, Jodi’s employer, Global Eagel Entertainment, like the godfather, made her an offer she could not refuse. She was awarded a promotion as a Senior Accountant, however, they are relocating her to their offices in Irvine, California. This all happened very quickly and from the words of Jodi herself “it is very exciting and frightening at the same time”. As soon as her work visa comes through she will be heading South West for about 3 weeks, but will be back sometime in April or May to get Tom, who will be staying behind to sell the house and get their affairs in order before leaving the country.
So, after 13 years as a 5 pin bowling executive, Jodi will be retiring once more as a new chapter in her life begins. She leaves behind her a plethora of ideas, some of which have already been implemented, in ways for us to improve our Association and 5 pin bowling in general. She will also be leaving behind many, many friends in the bowling community. Jodi has also been a part of the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association Audit Committee for several years, where she will also be missed tremendously.
So coming from her Candlepin roots with the 4-1/2” size ball, to the five pin 5” ball, do we see her moving on up to the much larger 10 pin ball? Only time will tell, although it is heard, according to her husband Tom, there is no bowling in California.
Because of these differences, scoring is considerably more difficult than in ten-pin bowling, and the highest officially sanctioned score ever recorded is 245 out of a possible 300 score. Jodi averaged approximately 112 in her leagues, which is about the equivalence of 240 in our 5 pin game. Most people averaged 100 or lower. At the Ladies East Coast Championships held at Heather Lanes in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Jodi averaged 114 at this event.
With her friend and partner Tom Sampson, Jodi moved to Ontario in 1988 and settled in Brampton, where they are still residing today. Well at least for the next few months. Being new in town they decided to join a 5 pin bowling league to meet some new friends and also to see what this 5 pin game was all about. They joined the Thursday Night Classic League at Brampton Bowl where Jodi’s bowling abilities soon stood out. In her first year in the league she was averaging 240 and quickly moved on to join other leagues like the prestigious Toronto City Majors Mixed travelling league.
Jodi has qualified for the Open 6 times out of the Central Ontario zone – 3 times on the ladies team. Jodi also qualified 3 times on the mixed team. Jodi also made singles in her first year of qualifying in 1989. She was also a Teaching Master for one year out of Brampton Bowl.
Off the lanes, Jodi also contributed to the growth of 5 pin bowling when she was elected to the Central Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association Board of Directors in 1992, and like so many bowling Executives, she was joined by her partner Tom. From 1992 until 1999 Jodi held the positions of Publicity, Awards, Average Book and Vice-President. But It did not take long to see where her talents lay. She was elected Treasurer in 1994, a position she would hold for 6 years until 1999, when she announced her retirement from bowling to pursue her accounting designation. Over the next several years, Jodi worked diligently towards attaining her CGA and was successful to this end.
In 2011, Jodi came back to bowling and to COBA as Historian. The following year upon Carol Lawrence’s retirement as Treasurer, she slipped comfortably into this role in 2012. When Mickey McNeil stepped down from Zone President in 2013, Jodi assumed the role of President.
Unfortunately for COBA, Jodi’s employer, Global Eagel Entertainment, like the godfather, made her an offer she could not refuse. She was awarded a promotion as a Senior Accountant, however, they are relocating her to their offices in Irvine, California. This all happened very quickly and from the words of Jodi herself “it is very exciting and frightening at the same time”. As soon as her work visa comes through she will be heading South West for about 3 weeks, but will be back sometime in April or May to get Tom, who will be staying behind to sell the house and get their affairs in order before leaving the country.
So, after 13 years as a 5 pin bowling executive, Jodi will be retiring once more as a new chapter in her life begins. She leaves behind her a plethora of ideas, some of which have already been implemented, in ways for us to improve our Association and 5 pin bowling in general. She will also be leaving behind many, many friends in the bowling community. Jodi has also been a part of the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association Audit Committee for several years, where she will also be missed tremendously.
So coming from her Candlepin roots with the 4-1/2” size ball, to the five pin 5” ball, do we see her moving on up to the much larger 10 pin ball? Only time will tell, although it is heard, according to her husband Tom, there is no bowling in California.
Jody Mann - Players' Division 2012
Jody Mann is being inducted tonight into COBA’s Hall of Fame as a Player. Jody grew up in Brampton and her parents signed her up for YBC at Brampton Bowl where they bowled in the Madoc Misfits League. Jody was five when she first came to the program at Brampton Bowl and continued there until her final senior year which she completed at Avondale Bowl. She spent a great deal of time at Brampton Bowl as she used to work as a snack bar attendant starting at the age of 13 up until she turned 18. Jody bowled in a number of leagues in our Zone such as the Brampton
Thursday Night Doubles, Skyview Sunday Night league, the YABA league out of Streetsville, and the Georgetown Doubles league as well as the Triples League out of Bathurst Bowl in Toronto. Her overall average was 238 and she bowled three 400 games, 410, 418 and 430. A member of the Ontario Winter Games in 1984, they won a Gold Medal in North Bay with Jen Donovan as their coach. As a member of the O5PBA, Jody bowled 18 years in the Ontario Open, with the majority of them on the Ladies Team. She was a member of the Mixed Team twice. In 1991 she was a member of the winning Provincial Ladies that went on to the Open Nationals in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan were they won a Silver Medal. Shown here left to right is Julie McCory, Jen Donovan, Cathy Blackmere, Jody, Marg Bratkin and Sandy Cuthbert. Their coach was Rheal Champagne and the assistant coach was Kerry Byam. In 1994 she finished 4th in the stepladder at the Open Provincials. In 1996 and 1997 Jody put in an appearance at the TSN. Shown
here is the 1997 Central Ladies Team. Top left is the Assistant Coach Jen Donovan, Sue Topping, Sandy Lyons, Jody, and Sandy Cuthbert. Bottom row is Stacey Zammit, coach Joe Zammit and Kristy Zammit. This next picture is the 1999 Ladies Team. Top left is Jody, Kristy Zammit, Sandy Lyons, Kathleen Millar and Natalie Laporte. Bottom room is Sandy Cuthbert, coach Dave Johnston and Assistant Coach Connie Hannah. In this next picture, Jody was again a member of the Ladies team that won the Provincials in 2002 and went on to the Nationals being held in Hamilton that year. Shown left to right is coach Joe Zammit, Elizabeth Nicholls, Jody, Stacey Zammit, Elizabeth Poitrais, Sarag Dougall and Kristy Zammit. The team won a Silver Medal and Jody was voted to the All StarTeam.
Jody was a member of the Master Bowlers’ Association for six (6) years in the Tournament Division and had two wins acquiring her MBA ring. In 1998 she was a member of the MBA National team in Calgary, where they won a Silver Medal. On the team were Jody, Ferne Wendel, Brenda Pankoff, Sandy Lyons and Sue Topping. Their coach was Dave Roeder.
Jody held an average of 241.8 with the Masters over the six (6) years she was a member. Jody was also voted #70 on the Top 90 Women bowlers in Ontario.
Jodi moved to Aurora almost eight years ago where she shares her home with a two year old dog named Charlie. She has worked in human Resources for the last eleven years, currently working at Johnson and Johnson Medical Companies. Although she has not bowled for two years now, she has found a new love in photography and travel. This past summer she spent three months backpacking through Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. She is looking forward to getting back into bowling at some point in the future, and we certainly hope to see her on the lanes again soon.
Thursday Night Doubles, Skyview Sunday Night league, the YABA league out of Streetsville, and the Georgetown Doubles league as well as the Triples League out of Bathurst Bowl in Toronto. Her overall average was 238 and she bowled three 400 games, 410, 418 and 430. A member of the Ontario Winter Games in 1984, they won a Gold Medal in North Bay with Jen Donovan as their coach. As a member of the O5PBA, Jody bowled 18 years in the Ontario Open, with the majority of them on the Ladies Team. She was a member of the Mixed Team twice. In 1991 she was a member of the winning Provincial Ladies that went on to the Open Nationals in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan were they won a Silver Medal. Shown here left to right is Julie McCory, Jen Donovan, Cathy Blackmere, Jody, Marg Bratkin and Sandy Cuthbert. Their coach was Rheal Champagne and the assistant coach was Kerry Byam. In 1994 she finished 4th in the stepladder at the Open Provincials. In 1996 and 1997 Jody put in an appearance at the TSN. Shown
here is the 1997 Central Ladies Team. Top left is the Assistant Coach Jen Donovan, Sue Topping, Sandy Lyons, Jody, and Sandy Cuthbert. Bottom row is Stacey Zammit, coach Joe Zammit and Kristy Zammit. This next picture is the 1999 Ladies Team. Top left is Jody, Kristy Zammit, Sandy Lyons, Kathleen Millar and Natalie Laporte. Bottom room is Sandy Cuthbert, coach Dave Johnston and Assistant Coach Connie Hannah. In this next picture, Jody was again a member of the Ladies team that won the Provincials in 2002 and went on to the Nationals being held in Hamilton that year. Shown left to right is coach Joe Zammit, Elizabeth Nicholls, Jody, Stacey Zammit, Elizabeth Poitrais, Sarag Dougall and Kristy Zammit. The team won a Silver Medal and Jody was voted to the All StarTeam.
Jody was a member of the Master Bowlers’ Association for six (6) years in the Tournament Division and had two wins acquiring her MBA ring. In 1998 she was a member of the MBA National team in Calgary, where they won a Silver Medal. On the team were Jody, Ferne Wendel, Brenda Pankoff, Sandy Lyons and Sue Topping. Their coach was Dave Roeder.
Jody held an average of 241.8 with the Masters over the six (6) years she was a member. Jody was also voted #70 on the Top 90 Women bowlers in Ontario.
Jodi moved to Aurora almost eight years ago where she shares her home with a two year old dog named Charlie. She has worked in human Resources for the last eleven years, currently working at Johnson and Johnson Medical Companies. Although she has not bowled for two years now, she has found a new love in photography and travel. This past summer she spent three months backpacking through Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. She is looking forward to getting back into bowling at some point in the future, and we certainly hope to see her on the lanes again soon.
Joe Zammit - Builders' Division 2010
Born in Malta, Joe Zammit came to Canada in 1957. He and his family settled in the Junction area of Toronto. He played fastball, soccer and pool while growing up. He started bowling at Queensway Bowl, where he met his wife Judy over milkshakes. He has been married 37 years, has two daughters, Kristy and Stacey and one son Ryan. He now has four grandsons, Damon, Dean, Nathan and Chad, and also inherited two son-in-laws Dave and Herb.
Joe was involved with the Mississauga Valley Softball Association for seventeen years. During that time he umpired, was Equipment Manager, Tournament Director and President for fifteen years. He also coached house league and All Star teams with huge success. He started the boy’s softball in the area and served on the Interlocking Executive. He was awarded the Mississauga Civic Recognition Award for fifteen years service with the Softball Association. He worked for Consumers Glass for 27 years and now works at Supply Chain Management a division of Wal-Mart Logistics.
Joe has been bowling for 36 years, was a Master Bowler for four and bowled in the Men’s Metro Majors. He has had numerous games over 400 with his highest score being 425. He served on the Lake Ontario and Central boards for 15 years as Tournament Director, Coaching coordinator, Publicity Chair and member at large. In 1996 he was selected by Ontario 5 Pin as a finalist in the Tournament category, in 1997 he was the Coaching coordinator of the Year, in 2004 he again made finalist, this time as Publicity Chair and in 2006 he again received a Civic Recognition Award, this time for his involvement with bowling. Joe co-started the Major Triples at Streetsville Bowl, the Major Doubles league at Georgetown Bowl and helped run the Streetsville and Georgetown YABA tournaments.. He is also the Tournament Zcoordinator for the Sherwood Challenge.
Joe coached YBC for twenty years, with both Kristy and Stacey benefiting from his instruction.
He coached YBC Senior teams in 4 Steps and in 1991 he coached the Youth Challenge Ladies for Lake Ontario to the Winter Games in Barrie where they won a Bronze Medal.
Joe has coached teams in the Open Championships for 16 years, two men’s teams, eight ladies and six mixed teams at the Provincial Championships. Four of the ladies teams he took to the Nationals. In 1993 the Lake Ontario Ladies went to Orleans were they placed 6th. In 2002 the ladies were in Winnipeg where they won Silver and had a high four game total of 5455 which at that time set a Canadian record. In 2006 in Newfoundland, once more with the ladies, they came in fourth but set four new Canadian records. High single of 1529, high three with 4131, high four of 5590 and the high five of 6949. In 2007 he was with the Men’s team in Sudbury were they finished 6th. Joe also took two mixed teams to the Nationals in Hamilton and Winnipeg where they both won Silver medals. In 1993 and 1997 he coached Kristy and Stacey to Provincial singles. In 2003 he coached Elizabeth Nicoll to a 3rd place finish at the Provincials and in 2004 his daughter Stacey to a 2nd place finish at the Provincials, both in single competition. Again in singles, in 2006 he coached Elizabeth Nicoll to a Provincial championship. This year, he will again be coaching the Ladies team at the Nationals.
Joe was involved with the Mississauga Valley Softball Association for seventeen years. During that time he umpired, was Equipment Manager, Tournament Director and President for fifteen years. He also coached house league and All Star teams with huge success. He started the boy’s softball in the area and served on the Interlocking Executive. He was awarded the Mississauga Civic Recognition Award for fifteen years service with the Softball Association. He worked for Consumers Glass for 27 years and now works at Supply Chain Management a division of Wal-Mart Logistics.
Joe has been bowling for 36 years, was a Master Bowler for four and bowled in the Men’s Metro Majors. He has had numerous games over 400 with his highest score being 425. He served on the Lake Ontario and Central boards for 15 years as Tournament Director, Coaching coordinator, Publicity Chair and member at large. In 1996 he was selected by Ontario 5 Pin as a finalist in the Tournament category, in 1997 he was the Coaching coordinator of the Year, in 2004 he again made finalist, this time as Publicity Chair and in 2006 he again received a Civic Recognition Award, this time for his involvement with bowling. Joe co-started the Major Triples at Streetsville Bowl, the Major Doubles league at Georgetown Bowl and helped run the Streetsville and Georgetown YABA tournaments.. He is also the Tournament Zcoordinator for the Sherwood Challenge.
Joe coached YBC for twenty years, with both Kristy and Stacey benefiting from his instruction.
He coached YBC Senior teams in 4 Steps and in 1991 he coached the Youth Challenge Ladies for Lake Ontario to the Winter Games in Barrie where they won a Bronze Medal.
Joe has coached teams in the Open Championships for 16 years, two men’s teams, eight ladies and six mixed teams at the Provincial Championships. Four of the ladies teams he took to the Nationals. In 1993 the Lake Ontario Ladies went to Orleans were they placed 6th. In 2002 the ladies were in Winnipeg where they won Silver and had a high four game total of 5455 which at that time set a Canadian record. In 2006 in Newfoundland, once more with the ladies, they came in fourth but set four new Canadian records. High single of 1529, high three with 4131, high four of 5590 and the high five of 6949. In 2007 he was with the Men’s team in Sudbury were they finished 6th. Joe also took two mixed teams to the Nationals in Hamilton and Winnipeg where they both won Silver medals. In 1993 and 1997 he coached Kristy and Stacey to Provincial singles. In 2003 he coached Elizabeth Nicoll to a 3rd place finish at the Provincials and in 2004 his daughter Stacey to a 2nd place finish at the Provincials, both in single competition. Again in singles, in 2006 he coached Elizabeth Nicoll to a Provincial championship. This year, he will again be coaching the Ladies team at the Nationals.
John Mattioli - Players' Division 2000, Legends' Division 2017
This year’s first inductee into COBA’s Hall of Fame is a gentleman who has been bowling for 42 years. No stranger too many of us, he started to owl in 1963. He has a current lifetime average of 269. His personal best is a 1042 Triple, 1599 for five games, and a very impressive 3040 for 10 games.
As well as winning numerous tournaments throughout the years including Ace Bowl and a doubles and singles tournament at Aprile Lanes, he was a member of the original TV program, “Beat the Champ.”
He has held high average in numerous leagues including the Willowdale Men’s League, the Royal Bank league and the Avondale Triples, just to mention a few.
He has qualified for the Ontario Open 17 times, 15 of which he was a member of the Men’s team and twice he was part of the mixed team. In 1968 he was part of the team that won the Eastern Canadian Championship. He has been a singles rep 10 times and last year he finished first overall in Hamilton, but lost in the final stepladder game with a 285 to a 320.
He has been a member of the Master Bowlers tournament tour since 1983 winning tournaments in both 1997 and 1998. In 1999, he as a member of the team that won Bronze in Vancouver and in 2000 he was on the team that won Gold in London. John is also a member of the Master Seniors tournament tour.
Showing absolutely no sign of slowing down, please join me in congratulating Mr. John Mattioli.
As well as winning numerous tournaments throughout the years including Ace Bowl and a doubles and singles tournament at Aprile Lanes, he was a member of the original TV program, “Beat the Champ.”
He has held high average in numerous leagues including the Willowdale Men’s League, the Royal Bank league and the Avondale Triples, just to mention a few.
He has qualified for the Ontario Open 17 times, 15 of which he was a member of the Men’s team and twice he was part of the mixed team. In 1968 he was part of the team that won the Eastern Canadian Championship. He has been a singles rep 10 times and last year he finished first overall in Hamilton, but lost in the final stepladder game with a 285 to a 320.
He has been a member of the Master Bowlers tournament tour since 1983 winning tournaments in both 1997 and 1998. In 1999, he as a member of the team that won Bronze in Vancouver and in 2000 he was on the team that won Gold in London. John is also a member of the Master Seniors tournament tour.
Showing absolutely no sign of slowing down, please join me in congratulating Mr. John Mattioli.
Mickey McNeil - Players' Division 2001, Builders' Division 2001
Organized bowling has flourished over the last forty years and Mickey McNeil has played a role in every one of them both on and off the lanes.
Born in Toronto during the Second World War, Mickey was an athlete and specifically a baseball player, excelling in the most difficult position of catcher. Also, like many early bowlers, she set pins at the upscale Granite Club, located on St. Clair Avenue. Mickey initially joined the workforce in the 1950’s with an insurance company and moved to Continental Can before ultimately establishing herself at Westburne Inc, a distributor of home products, where she was employed for thirty years
It was at Continental Can that Mickey was first exposed to 5 pin bowling as part of their industrial league teams. While Mickey enjoyed her bowling, she had a desire to improve and traveled to Thorncliffe Bowlerama several nights a week to try to perfect her delivery. While practicing, top Toronto bowler Volda Hefner and her husband Bill, noticed this young lady and, in 1964, they recruited her to join two of the most elite leagues of the day, namely the Scarborough Ladies League which bowled on Saturday afternoon and the mixed major league at Olympia Edward that was held on Tuesday night. Mickey joined both leagues and her career was on her way. She rubbed shoulders with not only her mentor Volda, but the stars of the day including Primo Vagnini, Bill and Jimmy Hoult, Theda Procher, and many more.
Mickey joined the Master Bowlers Association in 1966 and originally represented Olympia Edward as a teaching master before moving to the Ladies’ MBAO tour and changing her home centre to Aprile Lanes. Altogether, Mickey has enjoyed thirty-one years in the Masters, two as a teaching master, twenty four on the ladies tour and five as a senior. On the tour, Mickey is part of a select few who have bowled over 1000 games with her lifetime average of 230. Overall, Mickey has three wins, with two on the Senior tour and a Mixed Triples victory on the tournament tour in 1985 with Gord Male of Smiths Falls and Roger Davies of Oshawa.
Mickey proved to be a dominant force in the provincial Open conducted by the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers Association. Mickey first qualified in 1977 and would bowl at the provincial championships a total of seventeen times before retiring in 1999. She made singles three times and actually led the Agincourt zone in 1982. In addition, she would qualify for eleven ladies teams and six mixed teams. Three of these teams won provincial titles beginning with the 1983 mixed team from York West and followed by the 1993 ladies from Central Ontario and the 1999 mixed team from the same zone. At the national level, the 1983 team won a bronze medal in Winnipeg, while the 1999 team took silver in Regina. In recognition of her achievements, Mickey was ranked sixty-ninth on the Top 90 list of bowlers of the twentieth century.
While Mickey was starring on the lanes, she was also an integral part of the administrative side of our sport. In the Scarborough Ladies League and also the amalgamated men’s and ladies league, Mickey bowled for twenty years and was treasurer for eighteen consecutive seasons. When the league was in difficulty of surviving, Mickey led the cause for amalgamation with the men’s league and was successful, allowing both leagues to continue for several more years. When the O5PBA began their bowling school program in 1991, Mickey was selected as an instructor in the first year and has returned each and every year to pass on her techniques to our future adult bowlers. At the zone level, Mickey was an executive with the Lake Ontario Zone under the umbrella of the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association and assumed the presidency for the 1995-96 season, the final year for the zone. For the next year, Mickey became president of the combined Central-Lake Ontario Zone and, following a year as vice-president, has returned to the presidency and maintained it to this day.
In 2001, Mickey moved to the provincial board and has used her promotional skills to shine in the areas of communications, awards and publicity. Her e-mail newsletter, called the Pinboard, that appears on the O5PBA website on a monthly basis has proved to be immensely popular and has spawned a new venture “Coast to Coast”, which now reaches bowlers across Canada. This past summer, Mickey worked with fellow board members Mike Kyte and Mike Cregan and Ontario Special Olympics representative, Margaret French, to develop a membership program for Special Olympic bowlers, who, hopefully, represent a new area for a membership increase.
Mickey has a son, Ron, and is also a grandmother to a daughter, Rikki, and a great grandmother to Conrad, who is just three months old. Today, Mickey and her life partner, Carol Lawrence, live in Mississauga, and, while health problems have curtailed her on- lane bowling, this new computer age will keep Mickey involved for many years to come.
Born in Toronto during the Second World War, Mickey was an athlete and specifically a baseball player, excelling in the most difficult position of catcher. Also, like many early bowlers, she set pins at the upscale Granite Club, located on St. Clair Avenue. Mickey initially joined the workforce in the 1950’s with an insurance company and moved to Continental Can before ultimately establishing herself at Westburne Inc, a distributor of home products, where she was employed for thirty years
It was at Continental Can that Mickey was first exposed to 5 pin bowling as part of their industrial league teams. While Mickey enjoyed her bowling, she had a desire to improve and traveled to Thorncliffe Bowlerama several nights a week to try to perfect her delivery. While practicing, top Toronto bowler Volda Hefner and her husband Bill, noticed this young lady and, in 1964, they recruited her to join two of the most elite leagues of the day, namely the Scarborough Ladies League which bowled on Saturday afternoon and the mixed major league at Olympia Edward that was held on Tuesday night. Mickey joined both leagues and her career was on her way. She rubbed shoulders with not only her mentor Volda, but the stars of the day including Primo Vagnini, Bill and Jimmy Hoult, Theda Procher, and many more.
Mickey joined the Master Bowlers Association in 1966 and originally represented Olympia Edward as a teaching master before moving to the Ladies’ MBAO tour and changing her home centre to Aprile Lanes. Altogether, Mickey has enjoyed thirty-one years in the Masters, two as a teaching master, twenty four on the ladies tour and five as a senior. On the tour, Mickey is part of a select few who have bowled over 1000 games with her lifetime average of 230. Overall, Mickey has three wins, with two on the Senior tour and a Mixed Triples victory on the tournament tour in 1985 with Gord Male of Smiths Falls and Roger Davies of Oshawa.
Mickey proved to be a dominant force in the provincial Open conducted by the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers Association. Mickey first qualified in 1977 and would bowl at the provincial championships a total of seventeen times before retiring in 1999. She made singles three times and actually led the Agincourt zone in 1982. In addition, she would qualify for eleven ladies teams and six mixed teams. Three of these teams won provincial titles beginning with the 1983 mixed team from York West and followed by the 1993 ladies from Central Ontario and the 1999 mixed team from the same zone. At the national level, the 1983 team won a bronze medal in Winnipeg, while the 1999 team took silver in Regina. In recognition of her achievements, Mickey was ranked sixty-ninth on the Top 90 list of bowlers of the twentieth century.
While Mickey was starring on the lanes, she was also an integral part of the administrative side of our sport. In the Scarborough Ladies League and also the amalgamated men’s and ladies league, Mickey bowled for twenty years and was treasurer for eighteen consecutive seasons. When the league was in difficulty of surviving, Mickey led the cause for amalgamation with the men’s league and was successful, allowing both leagues to continue for several more years. When the O5PBA began their bowling school program in 1991, Mickey was selected as an instructor in the first year and has returned each and every year to pass on her techniques to our future adult bowlers. At the zone level, Mickey was an executive with the Lake Ontario Zone under the umbrella of the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association and assumed the presidency for the 1995-96 season, the final year for the zone. For the next year, Mickey became president of the combined Central-Lake Ontario Zone and, following a year as vice-president, has returned to the presidency and maintained it to this day.
In 2001, Mickey moved to the provincial board and has used her promotional skills to shine in the areas of communications, awards and publicity. Her e-mail newsletter, called the Pinboard, that appears on the O5PBA website on a monthly basis has proved to be immensely popular and has spawned a new venture “Coast to Coast”, which now reaches bowlers across Canada. This past summer, Mickey worked with fellow board members Mike Kyte and Mike Cregan and Ontario Special Olympics representative, Margaret French, to develop a membership program for Special Olympic bowlers, who, hopefully, represent a new area for a membership increase.
Mickey has a son, Ron, and is also a grandmother to a daughter, Rikki, and a great grandmother to Conrad, who is just three months old. Today, Mickey and her life partner, Carol Lawrence, live in Mississauga, and, while health problems have curtailed her on- lane bowling, this new computer age will keep Mickey involved for many years to come.
Primo Falcioni - Legends' Division 2009
Primo Falcioni is being inducted this evening into COBA’s Legends Division of our Hall of Fame. Primo arrived in Toronto in 1952 from his native home of Fano Italy and in his very first year of 5 pin bowling, using his bocce skills, Primo won the high average title at St. Clair Bowl which was located at St. Clair and Dufferin. Primo joined the City Major League as a member of the Bowling Displays Team. Over the next few years he and many of his friends who had also immigrated to Toronto, bowled on a number of teams until in 1959 under the sponsorship of Darrigo’s the “Italian Connection” became a powerful force in the league. Under the captaincy of Tom Lenzi, this team bowled together until the league folded in 1969.
Primo’s family joined him in Canada in 1953 and bowling became his passion. Primo bowled 75 to 80 games a week at St. Clair Bowl and with Primo Vagnini they dominated the local sweeps. In 1961 he qualified for the Canadian Championships in Toronto and using an All Star format, bowled nationally with Hall of Famer John Scholes, John Trott, Jim Lacey, Phil Gunn and Grace MacDonald. Primo won a second Provincial Championship in 1964 but was unable to capture the National title in Regina. Primo qualified again in 1985 with the Lake Ontario Men’s Team and while they again missed the National title, he did witness a perfect game by his teammate, Herman Wessels.
All events tournaments were a popular weekend activity for the Darringo’s team as they barnstormed through Peterborough, Waterloo Oshawa and several other tournament sites. Many records were established by the team that stood throughout the 1960’s. It was in one of these events, in 1964 that Primo bowled his perfect game at Playtime Bowl in Toronto. In the early 60’s, bowling was a weekly fixture on CBC from O’Connor Bowl and Primo appeared three times. Primo came in second at the Cataract Open in Niagara Falls with a 3026 score behind Holly Leet and again at the Nickel City Open in Sudbury, he came in second behind Joe Chiki. While Primo’s business interests curtailed his entry into the Master Bowlers’ Association, he shone at the Open and Sherwood Centre in Hamilton, In all, since 1965, he qualified for 14 Opens with 4 appearances in the singles division. As well as winning the Provincial Championship in 1985, he was first in the singles qualifying in 1983 only to lose in the final stepladder game to Wayne Hein. Primo’s last appearance was on the 1995 Lake Ontario Mixed team at the young age of 74.
A tailor by trade, Primo operated two stores. This allowed him to sponsor several times and his favourite was the Huron Men’s Wear team that dominated major league play at Village Bowl in Port Credit. Although Primo didn’t join the MBA until 1982, and despite being in his early sixties, he still managed a 250 average for five seasons.
Primo and his wife Gianna raised two children, Gastone and Miriam and there are now five grandchildren as well. Sadly, Gianna died in 1995 just days after their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Today, at the age of 88, Primo has retired his bowling balls but his love of the game will go on forever.
Primo’s family joined him in Canada in 1953 and bowling became his passion. Primo bowled 75 to 80 games a week at St. Clair Bowl and with Primo Vagnini they dominated the local sweeps. In 1961 he qualified for the Canadian Championships in Toronto and using an All Star format, bowled nationally with Hall of Famer John Scholes, John Trott, Jim Lacey, Phil Gunn and Grace MacDonald. Primo won a second Provincial Championship in 1964 but was unable to capture the National title in Regina. Primo qualified again in 1985 with the Lake Ontario Men’s Team and while they again missed the National title, he did witness a perfect game by his teammate, Herman Wessels.
All events tournaments were a popular weekend activity for the Darringo’s team as they barnstormed through Peterborough, Waterloo Oshawa and several other tournament sites. Many records were established by the team that stood throughout the 1960’s. It was in one of these events, in 1964 that Primo bowled his perfect game at Playtime Bowl in Toronto. In the early 60’s, bowling was a weekly fixture on CBC from O’Connor Bowl and Primo appeared three times. Primo came in second at the Cataract Open in Niagara Falls with a 3026 score behind Holly Leet and again at the Nickel City Open in Sudbury, he came in second behind Joe Chiki. While Primo’s business interests curtailed his entry into the Master Bowlers’ Association, he shone at the Open and Sherwood Centre in Hamilton, In all, since 1965, he qualified for 14 Opens with 4 appearances in the singles division. As well as winning the Provincial Championship in 1985, he was first in the singles qualifying in 1983 only to lose in the final stepladder game to Wayne Hein. Primo’s last appearance was on the 1995 Lake Ontario Mixed team at the young age of 74.
A tailor by trade, Primo operated two stores. This allowed him to sponsor several times and his favourite was the Huron Men’s Wear team that dominated major league play at Village Bowl in Port Credit. Although Primo didn’t join the MBA until 1982, and despite being in his early sixties, he still managed a 250 average for five seasons.
Primo and his wife Gianna raised two children, Gastone and Miriam and there are now five grandchildren as well. Sadly, Gianna died in 1995 just days after their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Today, at the age of 88, Primo has retired his bowling balls but his love of the game will go on forever.
Rheal Champagne - Builders' Division 2001
Rheal started bowling when he was 16 in Sudbury were he was also a pin chaser. He was a major participant in the forming of the Sudbury High School league and was its Secretary for 2 years. He was also the Northern Ontario Singles Champion in 1963/64. Rheal moved to Brampton in June of 65 were he went to work for Nortel as a Tool and Die apprentice. He spent 30 years with them finishing his employment as a Manager of Skill Trades.
He bowled in the old Tri County league and was with the City Majors for 4 years and the Master Bowlers for 7 years. His lifetime average for these leagues was around 253. He has been a member of the Men’s team 5 times and the Mixed team twice in the Ontario Open in Hamilton. He was also a singles rep 3 times at the Provincials. In 1978, Rheal along with Herman Wessels, Brian Kaye, Rick Masaro, George Barber, Frank Boiane and coach Gord Hobson, represented Ontario at the Winter Games. He was also on the Men’s team at the Nationals in 1980 and finished in 4th place.
While his bowling is worthy of acclamation, his work as a volunteer is outstanding. Through the 70’s and 80’s he was both a Supervisor and coach to the Special Needs bowlers. In 1978 he was instrumental in the 24 hour Bowl-A-Thon for Big Brothers. He co-chaired with Big Brothers at both the corporate and zone Association level for 2 years. Rheal was a member of the Ontario Provincial Board from 1978 to 1986 and ran the Ontario Provincial Level 1 Technical and Practical clinic and was the chairperson on the Builders of the Industry and selection committee. One interesting notation is that while a member of the Ontario Provincial Board, he recommended personalized bowling balls and was turned down. Rheal has been a member of COBA’s Board of Directors for 18 years in total. He has served as our Fundraiser, Lane Certification Agent, Awards Chairperson, Tournament Director, Vice President and President. Currently as our Vice President, he has also taken on the responsibility of our weekly bingos.
In 1979, Rheal was voted Tournament Director of the year and in 1984 he was Coach of the year and we can certainly see why. He coached the Men’s team in 1983 at the Canadian Games and they won gold. He coached the Mixed team for the Youth Challenge at the Winter Games and they won Silver. He has coached the Youth Challenge 3 times at the Regional level and twice at the Provincials and both times the teams won silver. He coached the Ladies for the All Ontario High School Championship and they took home gold. He has also coached 2 Men’s teams and one Ladies team in the Pepsi Challenge taking all 3 to the Provincials. In the 4 Steps to Stardom, he has coached 4 teams at the zone level, 3 going on to the Provincials and 2 of them coming in second.
He has coached at the Open Championship a total of 15 times. Nine of those years his teams finished in the top 4 and 2 teams went National. The ladies in 1990 won Silver and the Mixed team in 1994 finished 4th. Real and his wife Hazel have been married 35 years this coming June and have raised two sons, David and Steve. Mind you, judging by Rheal’s above noted accomplishments, I am tempted to think Hazel did most of the raising herself.
Rheal is an intricate part of our sport, an indispensable member of our Board and a person long overdue as an inductee into Central Ontario’s Hall of Fame.
He bowled in the old Tri County league and was with the City Majors for 4 years and the Master Bowlers for 7 years. His lifetime average for these leagues was around 253. He has been a member of the Men’s team 5 times and the Mixed team twice in the Ontario Open in Hamilton. He was also a singles rep 3 times at the Provincials. In 1978, Rheal along with Herman Wessels, Brian Kaye, Rick Masaro, George Barber, Frank Boiane and coach Gord Hobson, represented Ontario at the Winter Games. He was also on the Men’s team at the Nationals in 1980 and finished in 4th place.
While his bowling is worthy of acclamation, his work as a volunteer is outstanding. Through the 70’s and 80’s he was both a Supervisor and coach to the Special Needs bowlers. In 1978 he was instrumental in the 24 hour Bowl-A-Thon for Big Brothers. He co-chaired with Big Brothers at both the corporate and zone Association level for 2 years. Rheal was a member of the Ontario Provincial Board from 1978 to 1986 and ran the Ontario Provincial Level 1 Technical and Practical clinic and was the chairperson on the Builders of the Industry and selection committee. One interesting notation is that while a member of the Ontario Provincial Board, he recommended personalized bowling balls and was turned down. Rheal has been a member of COBA’s Board of Directors for 18 years in total. He has served as our Fundraiser, Lane Certification Agent, Awards Chairperson, Tournament Director, Vice President and President. Currently as our Vice President, he has also taken on the responsibility of our weekly bingos.
In 1979, Rheal was voted Tournament Director of the year and in 1984 he was Coach of the year and we can certainly see why. He coached the Men’s team in 1983 at the Canadian Games and they won gold. He coached the Mixed team for the Youth Challenge at the Winter Games and they won Silver. He has coached the Youth Challenge 3 times at the Regional level and twice at the Provincials and both times the teams won silver. He coached the Ladies for the All Ontario High School Championship and they took home gold. He has also coached 2 Men’s teams and one Ladies team in the Pepsi Challenge taking all 3 to the Provincials. In the 4 Steps to Stardom, he has coached 4 teams at the zone level, 3 going on to the Provincials and 2 of them coming in second.
He has coached at the Open Championship a total of 15 times. Nine of those years his teams finished in the top 4 and 2 teams went National. The ladies in 1990 won Silver and the Mixed team in 1994 finished 4th. Real and his wife Hazel have been married 35 years this coming June and have raised two sons, David and Steve. Mind you, judging by Rheal’s above noted accomplishments, I am tempted to think Hazel did most of the raising herself.
Rheal is an intricate part of our sport, an indispensable member of our Board and a person long overdue as an inductee into Central Ontario’s Hall of Fame.
Rick and Helen Solway - Builders' Division 2001
Our next inductee is a twosome. Rick and Helen have been staunch supporters of 5 Pin bowling for many years. Rick began his bowling career at the ripe old age of 12 at a 10 Pin centre in Oakville. When his family moved to Long Branch, Rick became involved in the 5 pin game by way of setting pins at Long Branch Lanes.
Although he was mastering the 5 pin game very well, he did not leave behind his love of the 10 pin game and at the age of 16 was the Junior 10 pin Champion.
In 1967, Rick met his soon to be wife Helen at a club that was visited by a lot of Long Branch, New Toronto and Mimico people called “Cousin Don’s”. Although Helen was not a bowler, Rick swept her off her feet and into 5 pin. Rick and Helen were married in 1969 and if our calculations are correct, that is 32 years of married bliss. Congratulations to you both.
Rick and Helen became the proprietors of Skyview Lanes in Bolton in 1978 and have done a fine job of promoting both the sport of 5 pin and the Youth Bowling Council ever since. Helen has been the YBC Program Director for 21 years.
They have raised two children, Tammy and Trevor and they are continuing the family 5 pin tradition. Both Tammy and Trevor joined the YBC and were members of the Ladies and Men’s teams in the Winter Games. Both finished first and brought home the Gold. Trevor also won a Silver medal as a singles representative.
In more recent years, Tammy has been a member of the Bay of Quinte team twice in the Open and has represented BC were she now resides both last year and this year. On December 5th last year, she became a member of the elite group who can boast a perfect game.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Rick and Helen Solway to COBA’S Hall Of Fame.
Although he was mastering the 5 pin game very well, he did not leave behind his love of the 10 pin game and at the age of 16 was the Junior 10 pin Champion.
In 1967, Rick met his soon to be wife Helen at a club that was visited by a lot of Long Branch, New Toronto and Mimico people called “Cousin Don’s”. Although Helen was not a bowler, Rick swept her off her feet and into 5 pin. Rick and Helen were married in 1969 and if our calculations are correct, that is 32 years of married bliss. Congratulations to you both.
Rick and Helen became the proprietors of Skyview Lanes in Bolton in 1978 and have done a fine job of promoting both the sport of 5 pin and the Youth Bowling Council ever since. Helen has been the YBC Program Director for 21 years.
They have raised two children, Tammy and Trevor and they are continuing the family 5 pin tradition. Both Tammy and Trevor joined the YBC and were members of the Ladies and Men’s teams in the Winter Games. Both finished first and brought home the Gold. Trevor also won a Silver medal as a singles representative.
In more recent years, Tammy has been a member of the Bay of Quinte team twice in the Open and has represented BC were she now resides both last year and this year. On December 5th last year, she became a member of the elite group who can boast a perfect game.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Rick and Helen Solway to COBA’S Hall Of Fame.
Roger Theriault - Builder's Division 2014
Roger Theriault was born in 1955 in New Brunswick and grew up in the small town of Drummond. As a youngster, he was quite a gifted gymnast, and toured the Maritimes in competition and shows. He was also a hockey goalie and, in the summer, played baseball as catcher.
In 1977, after marrying his wife Sue, they and their daughter Tina, relocated to Ontario for Roger’s job with Tire Man. Daughter Lisa joined the family not long after their relocation. After working at Tire Man for 30 years, he went back to school as a “mature” student to upgrade himself with accounting skills, and now works at Canadian Tire.
He was first introduced to 5-pin bowling in 1992 by his friend Rigo, who was short bowlers in his league at Bowlerama Park Royal, and for Roger, this sport was addictive. Never having bowled before, he started with the tried and true run-as-fast-as-you-can-from-the-mat method, but after studying other bowlers he refined his approach and became a more consistent player. That first year of bowling, he finished with an impressive 211 average – not bad for a newbie.
As a student of the game, Roger became quite gifted at analyzing other bowlers – what they were doing right and what they were doing wrong. This lead him into coaching, starting as an instructor with the YBC at Bowlerama Park Royal in 1994. He eventually earned his level one coaching certification, and coached the Park Royal senior mixed team.
In 2005, Roger completed his coaching certification, finally earning his level 2. In the 2005/06 season, Roger was selected by the Senior Open team to be their coach. Then, in 2008, he was selected by the Central mixed team as their coach for the provincial Open. That year, with the talents of Matt Wieland, Kris Pike, Doug Brock, Barb Hamilton, Torry Burrows and Lindsay Laporte, to work with, he coached the team to success and they became the provincial championships. A few short months later, they also prevailed at Nationals, becoming Canadian champions. To top it all off, that year, he was selected as Ontario’s Elite Coach of the Year.
Roger was also a favourite of the youth challenge teams, coaching 6 consecutive ladies’ teams from 2006 through 2011, and being selected as coach for the mixed team in 2012. All of this experience and coaching talent was recognized by Ontario 5-pin when he was selected as co-coach of the Youth Challenge team representing Ontario at Nationals in Winnipeg in 2010, where they captured the gold medal as the best in the country.
Roger was also a teaching master for 12 years, starting in the 2000/2001 season, and has been an instructor at the Ontario 5-Pin’s annual bowling school 5 times.
His involvement in 5-pin is not limited to coaching, though. In 2000, he first joined the Central board of directors, and held many positions including coaching co-ordinator and awards and record scores chair. He has received 2 incentive awards at the Ontario 5-Pin annual meeting – Strike It Rich Chair of the year, and Lane Certification Agent of the Year. He received a special award for his dedication to the sport of 5-pin from the city of Mississauga, presented by mayor Hazel McCallion.
While Roger’s work commitments have kept him out of bowling lately, he can still take pride in his accomplishments and all the friends he has made over the years. His dedication to, and love of 5-pin bowling has earned him his place in the Central Ontario hall of fame as a builder of our sport. Ladies and gentlemen, M. Roger Theriault.
In 1977, after marrying his wife Sue, they and their daughter Tina, relocated to Ontario for Roger’s job with Tire Man. Daughter Lisa joined the family not long after their relocation. After working at Tire Man for 30 years, he went back to school as a “mature” student to upgrade himself with accounting skills, and now works at Canadian Tire.
He was first introduced to 5-pin bowling in 1992 by his friend Rigo, who was short bowlers in his league at Bowlerama Park Royal, and for Roger, this sport was addictive. Never having bowled before, he started with the tried and true run-as-fast-as-you-can-from-the-mat method, but after studying other bowlers he refined his approach and became a more consistent player. That first year of bowling, he finished with an impressive 211 average – not bad for a newbie.
As a student of the game, Roger became quite gifted at analyzing other bowlers – what they were doing right and what they were doing wrong. This lead him into coaching, starting as an instructor with the YBC at Bowlerama Park Royal in 1994. He eventually earned his level one coaching certification, and coached the Park Royal senior mixed team.
In 2005, Roger completed his coaching certification, finally earning his level 2. In the 2005/06 season, Roger was selected by the Senior Open team to be their coach. Then, in 2008, he was selected by the Central mixed team as their coach for the provincial Open. That year, with the talents of Matt Wieland, Kris Pike, Doug Brock, Barb Hamilton, Torry Burrows and Lindsay Laporte, to work with, he coached the team to success and they became the provincial championships. A few short months later, they also prevailed at Nationals, becoming Canadian champions. To top it all off, that year, he was selected as Ontario’s Elite Coach of the Year.
Roger was also a favourite of the youth challenge teams, coaching 6 consecutive ladies’ teams from 2006 through 2011, and being selected as coach for the mixed team in 2012. All of this experience and coaching talent was recognized by Ontario 5-pin when he was selected as co-coach of the Youth Challenge team representing Ontario at Nationals in Winnipeg in 2010, where they captured the gold medal as the best in the country.
Roger was also a teaching master for 12 years, starting in the 2000/2001 season, and has been an instructor at the Ontario 5-Pin’s annual bowling school 5 times.
His involvement in 5-pin is not limited to coaching, though. In 2000, he first joined the Central board of directors, and held many positions including coaching co-ordinator and awards and record scores chair. He has received 2 incentive awards at the Ontario 5-Pin annual meeting – Strike It Rich Chair of the year, and Lane Certification Agent of the Year. He received a special award for his dedication to the sport of 5-pin from the city of Mississauga, presented by mayor Hazel McCallion.
While Roger’s work commitments have kept him out of bowling lately, he can still take pride in his accomplishments and all the friends he has made over the years. His dedication to, and love of 5-pin bowling has earned him his place in the Central Ontario hall of fame as a builder of our sport. Ladies and gentlemen, M. Roger Theriault.
Sandy Cuthbert - Players' Division 2003
Our next inductee into COBA’s Hall of Fame is being entered as a bowler. She was introduced into bowling by her mother Marg Bratkin who is in the Ontario Hall of Fame as well as our own. Sandy has 3 children, Michael, Amanda and Jason.
Sandy started bowling at the age of 8 in Georgetown. Throughout her YBC years she had such esteemed coaches as Charlene McCormick, George Nurse, Joan Archibald and of course her mother. With Joan Archibald as her coach she was a member of the winning team at the World Bantam and she was the Provincial Champion at the Pepsi Challenge. During YBC Sandy was successful in winning 4 tournaments. When her son Michael was a Junior in YBC they were successful in winning the Family Twosome.
Sandy was also a member of 3 different National Classified teams that were zone Champions. She was also a part of the Aggregate Zone Contingent winners in 2001. As a member of the Toronto Ladies Major league, in 1985 Sandy bowled a 435 single.
As a member of the Master Bowlers Association, Sandy has won 3 tournaments. The Mixed Doubles, the New Year’s Classic and the Year End Tournament. She also won the Mark Ten competition in the 1990/91 season. Her overall average in the Masters’ is 240+ Sandy bowled in her first Open in 1983 and never looked back. She has competed in 17 Open competitions. She has represented the zone 6 times as a single with her highest finish being 6th. She has been a member of the Ladies team 14 times, winning 3 Provincials and the Silver medal twice at the Nationals. She was a member of the Mixed team 3 times winning the Provincials once.
Sandy has recorded a 1007 triple, a 5 game total of 1485 and a ten game block of 2775. In qualifying at the zone round of the Open, Sandy bowled a 20 game total of 5460. With a 240 lifetime average it is no surprise that she is ranked 52nd on the top ninety women bowlers of all time.
Sandy started bowling at the age of 8 in Georgetown. Throughout her YBC years she had such esteemed coaches as Charlene McCormick, George Nurse, Joan Archibald and of course her mother. With Joan Archibald as her coach she was a member of the winning team at the World Bantam and she was the Provincial Champion at the Pepsi Challenge. During YBC Sandy was successful in winning 4 tournaments. When her son Michael was a Junior in YBC they were successful in winning the Family Twosome.
Sandy was also a member of 3 different National Classified teams that were zone Champions. She was also a part of the Aggregate Zone Contingent winners in 2001. As a member of the Toronto Ladies Major league, in 1985 Sandy bowled a 435 single.
As a member of the Master Bowlers Association, Sandy has won 3 tournaments. The Mixed Doubles, the New Year’s Classic and the Year End Tournament. She also won the Mark Ten competition in the 1990/91 season. Her overall average in the Masters’ is 240+ Sandy bowled in her first Open in 1983 and never looked back. She has competed in 17 Open competitions. She has represented the zone 6 times as a single with her highest finish being 6th. She has been a member of the Ladies team 14 times, winning 3 Provincials and the Silver medal twice at the Nationals. She was a member of the Mixed team 3 times winning the Provincials once.
Sandy has recorded a 1007 triple, a 5 game total of 1485 and a ten game block of 2775. In qualifying at the zone round of the Open, Sandy bowled a 20 game total of 5460. With a 240 lifetime average it is no surprise that she is ranked 52nd on the top ninety women bowlers of all time.
Sandy Lyons - Players' Division 2006
Sandy Lyons started her illustrious career with the YBC as a Bantam. Her mother, Audrey Shanahan was well known in all bowling circles. A member of the Master Bowler’ Association and an Open bowler for many years, a few years ago Audrey was inducted into the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Hall of Fame.
A competitive bowler for over 40 years, she took six years off to have her family. Son Jason, now 24 and married has just recently given Sandy her first grandson Bradon. Her younger son Jeff is still single at 21 and daughter Lori is 18 and bowling in YBC. She started her league bowling at Olympia Edward on Dundas Street, the Toronto Ladies and the Mixed Majors that used to bowl each Saturday afternoon.
Sandy has been bowling in the Ontario 5 Pin Open Championships for 25 years and making a team in all 25. In all, she has qualified for six National teams. Starting her run with York West Association where she bowled her first 2 years in the Open, along with the thrill of making a team both times, she was also able to bowl both years on the same team as her mother Audrey. In 1980 as a member of the Mixed Team with coach Gord Hobson, they brought home Bronze. In 1992, Sandy moved into Central Ontario and in 1993 she was in Ottawa, again on the Mixed Team and her coach was Rheal Champagne. In 1998 the Nationals were held in Hamilton and once again she was there, this time with Brian Kaye as Coach and on the Ladies team.
In 2001, she decided to take her talents to Hamilton to bowl with some of her friends, and in 2003 with Norm McDonald at the helm the Ladies were in British Columbia. In 2005 she was a member of the Ladies team in Edmonton where with Martin Talbot as their coach, they brought home gold and once again, in 2006 Sandy will be bowling in Hamilton on the Hamilton’s Ladies team at Easter in an attempt to be part of the Ontario Ladies Team going to Newfoundland in May.
A member of the Master Bowlers’ Associations Tournament Division for 24 years, she has 6 Tournament wins for herself. As a member of 4 National teams, Sandy was part of the Ladies team in 1993 when Ontario came home with the Aggregate. In 1996 she was a member of the team that won Gold in Nfld., a member of the team in 1997 that went to Winnipeg and came home with the Gold and in 1998 she was once again a member of the ladies team that came home with gold from Calgary, Alberta. At the present time, she is still a Tournament Division Master, and most recently, on the March 25th weekend, Sandy along with her doubles partner Martin Talbot, entered a “Best Ball Tournament” in St. Thomas and won first prize of $1500.00.
A sales representative for Able Pest Control, out of Mississauga, she proudly adds to her accomplishments by being a member of her company’s Presidents Club for outstanding sales.
Sandy’s high single is 445 with a chop off costing her the perfect game. Still going strong, she is of course still bowling competitively, plays Softball in 2 leagues and has now taken up golf. . As a member of the team that won Bronze in Winnipeg, I can with personal experience tell you that she is a fierce competitor who never gives up, but when circumstances dictate, a gracious loser. It is with great pleasure ladies and gentlemen that I give you our newest inductee into Central Ontario’s Hall of Fame, Sandy Lyons.
A competitive bowler for over 40 years, she took six years off to have her family. Son Jason, now 24 and married has just recently given Sandy her first grandson Bradon. Her younger son Jeff is still single at 21 and daughter Lori is 18 and bowling in YBC. She started her league bowling at Olympia Edward on Dundas Street, the Toronto Ladies and the Mixed Majors that used to bowl each Saturday afternoon.
Sandy has been bowling in the Ontario 5 Pin Open Championships for 25 years and making a team in all 25. In all, she has qualified for six National teams. Starting her run with York West Association where she bowled her first 2 years in the Open, along with the thrill of making a team both times, she was also able to bowl both years on the same team as her mother Audrey. In 1980 as a member of the Mixed Team with coach Gord Hobson, they brought home Bronze. In 1992, Sandy moved into Central Ontario and in 1993 she was in Ottawa, again on the Mixed Team and her coach was Rheal Champagne. In 1998 the Nationals were held in Hamilton and once again she was there, this time with Brian Kaye as Coach and on the Ladies team.
In 2001, she decided to take her talents to Hamilton to bowl with some of her friends, and in 2003 with Norm McDonald at the helm the Ladies were in British Columbia. In 2005 she was a member of the Ladies team in Edmonton where with Martin Talbot as their coach, they brought home gold and once again, in 2006 Sandy will be bowling in Hamilton on the Hamilton’s Ladies team at Easter in an attempt to be part of the Ontario Ladies Team going to Newfoundland in May.
A member of the Master Bowlers’ Associations Tournament Division for 24 years, she has 6 Tournament wins for herself. As a member of 4 National teams, Sandy was part of the Ladies team in 1993 when Ontario came home with the Aggregate. In 1996 she was a member of the team that won Gold in Nfld., a member of the team in 1997 that went to Winnipeg and came home with the Gold and in 1998 she was once again a member of the ladies team that came home with gold from Calgary, Alberta. At the present time, she is still a Tournament Division Master, and most recently, on the March 25th weekend, Sandy along with her doubles partner Martin Talbot, entered a “Best Ball Tournament” in St. Thomas and won first prize of $1500.00.
A sales representative for Able Pest Control, out of Mississauga, she proudly adds to her accomplishments by being a member of her company’s Presidents Club for outstanding sales.
Sandy’s high single is 445 with a chop off costing her the perfect game. Still going strong, she is of course still bowling competitively, plays Softball in 2 leagues and has now taken up golf. . As a member of the team that won Bronze in Winnipeg, I can with personal experience tell you that she is a fierce competitor who never gives up, but when circumstances dictate, a gracious loser. It is with great pleasure ladies and gentlemen that I give you our newest inductee into Central Ontario’s Hall of Fame, Sandy Lyons.
Terry Noon - Player's Division 2000, Legend's Division 2013
Terry Noon was born in England in 1937. While growing up, he tried many sports such as cricket, soccer and badminton. He admits he wasn’t very good at any of them, but did enjoy their competitive aspects.
Terry married his wife Jean in 1960, and they had two children, Kevin and Angela, while still living in England. In search of better opportunities, the family moved to Canada in 1965, settling in the west end of Toronto. Daughter Michelle was born in 1966, and Robyn arrived in 1977.
In the late 60’s, Terry discovered 5-pin bowling, joining friends in a league at Glen Valley Bowl. He was introduced to the top bowlers of that time, and became enthused by the sport and its history. He enrolled his kids in the YBC at Glen Valley, and became involved as a YBC volunteer.
By the early seventies, Terry was averaging over 240, and in 1974 he bowled a perfect game at Glen Valley Bowl. That same year, he joined the Master Bowlers tournament division. Over his 25 year career as a Master, he averaged just under 248 over 1,483 games. Terry has 4 Master wins under his belt – doubles in 1978 with Sue Wise Topping, doubles again in 1979 again with Sue, and doubles again in 1988 with Arlene McIntyre. The only singles event he won was in 1985, taking top spot in the Walkers Special Old Classic, earning a prize of $4,000.
Terry has qualified for the Open 16 times as a player, representing York West, Lake Ontario and Central Ontario, and has been selected to coach 4 times. The high point of his Open experience is 1986, as a member of the Lake Ontario men’s team that won both the Ontario and Canadian titles. Bowling with Terry on that team were Gerry Arbic, Dave Johnson, Brian Kaye, Al Hardiman, and Bill Hill and they were coached by Herman Wessels.
Terry was also very involved off the lanes, through coaching at both the youth and adult levels, a 5-Pin bowling show on MacLean-Hunter cable in the ‘80s, and 5 years as president of the prestigious Toronto City Major League during which he oversaw the amalgamation of the men’s and ladies’ leagues.
In 2000, Terry was inducted into Central Ontario’s Hall of Fame as a player. In 2002, Terry was inducted into the Ontario 5-Pin Bowlers’ Association Hall of Fame again as a Player. He continued to bowl in leagues until eventually retiring from the sport altogether in 2006.
These days, in addition to doting on his 7 grandchildren, he is honing his roulette skills in Sarnia, where he and Jean live with their daughter Michelle and her husband Rick.
With Terry’s successes both on and off the lanes, his love of the sport, and his good-natured attitude, there is no doubt that he can truly be called a legend in Central Ontario.
Terry married his wife Jean in 1960, and they had two children, Kevin and Angela, while still living in England. In search of better opportunities, the family moved to Canada in 1965, settling in the west end of Toronto. Daughter Michelle was born in 1966, and Robyn arrived in 1977.
In the late 60’s, Terry discovered 5-pin bowling, joining friends in a league at Glen Valley Bowl. He was introduced to the top bowlers of that time, and became enthused by the sport and its history. He enrolled his kids in the YBC at Glen Valley, and became involved as a YBC volunteer.
By the early seventies, Terry was averaging over 240, and in 1974 he bowled a perfect game at Glen Valley Bowl. That same year, he joined the Master Bowlers tournament division. Over his 25 year career as a Master, he averaged just under 248 over 1,483 games. Terry has 4 Master wins under his belt – doubles in 1978 with Sue Wise Topping, doubles again in 1979 again with Sue, and doubles again in 1988 with Arlene McIntyre. The only singles event he won was in 1985, taking top spot in the Walkers Special Old Classic, earning a prize of $4,000.
Terry has qualified for the Open 16 times as a player, representing York West, Lake Ontario and Central Ontario, and has been selected to coach 4 times. The high point of his Open experience is 1986, as a member of the Lake Ontario men’s team that won both the Ontario and Canadian titles. Bowling with Terry on that team were Gerry Arbic, Dave Johnson, Brian Kaye, Al Hardiman, and Bill Hill and they were coached by Herman Wessels.
Terry was also very involved off the lanes, through coaching at both the youth and adult levels, a 5-Pin bowling show on MacLean-Hunter cable in the ‘80s, and 5 years as president of the prestigious Toronto City Major League during which he oversaw the amalgamation of the men’s and ladies’ leagues.
In 2000, Terry was inducted into Central Ontario’s Hall of Fame as a player. In 2002, Terry was inducted into the Ontario 5-Pin Bowlers’ Association Hall of Fame again as a Player. He continued to bowl in leagues until eventually retiring from the sport altogether in 2006.
These days, in addition to doting on his 7 grandchildren, he is honing his roulette skills in Sarnia, where he and Jean live with their daughter Michelle and her husband Rick.
With Terry’s successes both on and off the lanes, his love of the sport, and his good-natured attitude, there is no doubt that he can truly be called a legend in Central Ontario.
Tony Bonora - Builders' Division 2006
Tony Bonora is both a Builder and a Bowler. Although he is being recognized as a Builder today, he started in this sport when he joined a league at D & K Bowl, which we all know now as Streetsville Bowl. As a self taught bowler, he was averaging over 250 within 5 years. He has (10) 400 games, 3 of which are 440 and one of those was very close to being a perfect game. But his wife Mary Ann called him when he was on 11 in a row to tell him she was in labour, with Jonathan and he proceeded to punch the headpin with his last ball. Tony has a high league average of 265, a high triple of 1173 and a high 5 of 1580.
As a builder, the best thing Tony says he ever built was his family with Mary Ann, which includes his 2 sons Jonathan and Michael. He started building, in the true sense of the word, approximately 25 years ago when Charlie Mascat took him under his wing and taught him how to resurface lanes. His first project was Sherwood Lanes; which explains a lot to those of us who have bowled there. He continues to do lane resurfacing today. Tony and Mary Ann took over Streetsville Bowl in 1995 and he partnered up with his brother Frank to take over Long Branch Bowl in 1997, Georgetown in 2000, Sherwood Centre in 2003 and Avondale earlier this year.
The Bonora brothers have the largest chain of 5 pin bowling alleys in Canada. Tony has invested money back into his businesses changing the typical face of a bowling alley from dark and gloomy to bright and clean. As a proprietor, he has been very generous in his support of local tournaments and programs.
Tony and Mary Ann have run a successful YBC program, encouraging young people to join the sport. Streetsville was the first 12 lane centre to hold a YABA tournament and Tony has continued to donate to the prize money of YABA tournaments held in his centres. He has also encouraged and organized outside sponsors of the game. He ran a team tournament sponsored by J. S. Crawford & Sons for a number of years.
This 12 team tournament probably lead to the development of the biggest money tournament in Canada, “The Sherwood Challenge”. Tony had the vision, Joe Zammit put it on paper, and this excellent event has been running for 2 years now with many more Sherwood Challenges to come.
The Bonora Brothers are the biggest sponsors of the Masters and the Open Tournaments. Tony is a true ambassador for our game and is always looking at how to continue 5 pin’s success and make the sport better.
In addition to all of the above, The Ontario Government will be honoring Tony Bonora at the Sports Awards Dinner on April 20th of this year. At that time he will be presented with a Sports Sponsorship Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports in general. While most of us are aware of his dedication to 5 pin bowling, there are many who do not realize his sponsorship does not end there. On behalf of the Central Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Board of Directors, I would like to extend congratulations to Tony on this recognition from our Government.
Most of the above was of course information that we obtained from Tony himself. What is not noted in the above biography, is that over the years in dealing with him I have found him to be stubborn in his opinions, demanding of himself and his staff, critical of anything he does not believe in and outspoken in his views. He is also, an extremely honest individual who will tell you like it is. While you may not like everything he has to say to you, you can be sure it is the truth. He is a willing listener to anyone’s problems, generous in his praise and donations when warranted and courteous at all times. He is most definitely, a man you would want to call friend.
As a builder, the best thing Tony says he ever built was his family with Mary Ann, which includes his 2 sons Jonathan and Michael. He started building, in the true sense of the word, approximately 25 years ago when Charlie Mascat took him under his wing and taught him how to resurface lanes. His first project was Sherwood Lanes; which explains a lot to those of us who have bowled there. He continues to do lane resurfacing today. Tony and Mary Ann took over Streetsville Bowl in 1995 and he partnered up with his brother Frank to take over Long Branch Bowl in 1997, Georgetown in 2000, Sherwood Centre in 2003 and Avondale earlier this year.
The Bonora brothers have the largest chain of 5 pin bowling alleys in Canada. Tony has invested money back into his businesses changing the typical face of a bowling alley from dark and gloomy to bright and clean. As a proprietor, he has been very generous in his support of local tournaments and programs.
Tony and Mary Ann have run a successful YBC program, encouraging young people to join the sport. Streetsville was the first 12 lane centre to hold a YABA tournament and Tony has continued to donate to the prize money of YABA tournaments held in his centres. He has also encouraged and organized outside sponsors of the game. He ran a team tournament sponsored by J. S. Crawford & Sons for a number of years.
This 12 team tournament probably lead to the development of the biggest money tournament in Canada, “The Sherwood Challenge”. Tony had the vision, Joe Zammit put it on paper, and this excellent event has been running for 2 years now with many more Sherwood Challenges to come.
The Bonora Brothers are the biggest sponsors of the Masters and the Open Tournaments. Tony is a true ambassador for our game and is always looking at how to continue 5 pin’s success and make the sport better.
In addition to all of the above, The Ontario Government will be honoring Tony Bonora at the Sports Awards Dinner on April 20th of this year. At that time he will be presented with a Sports Sponsorship Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports in general. While most of us are aware of his dedication to 5 pin bowling, there are many who do not realize his sponsorship does not end there. On behalf of the Central Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Board of Directors, I would like to extend congratulations to Tony on this recognition from our Government.
Most of the above was of course information that we obtained from Tony himself. What is not noted in the above biography, is that over the years in dealing with him I have found him to be stubborn in his opinions, demanding of himself and his staff, critical of anything he does not believe in and outspoken in his views. He is also, an extremely honest individual who will tell you like it is. While you may not like everything he has to say to you, you can be sure it is the truth. He is a willing listener to anyone’s problems, generous in his praise and donations when warranted and courteous at all times. He is most definitely, a man you would want to call friend.