Congratulations to BWAA member and Madison, Wis. bowler Jeff Richgels won two titles at the American Bowling Congress tournament, which concluded July 4 in Baton Rouge, La. Richgels' career exploits at the ABC tourney includes four titles, including team in 1986 in Las Vegas, all-events in 1997 in Huntsville, Ala., and doubles and team all-events in 2005 in Baton Rouge, La. He joins Joe Wilman (1930s, '40s, '50s) as only bowlers with ABC titles in three decades. His overall average is 210 for 24 years with 14 700 series, second behind Lennie Boresch with 15. He has 14 1,900 or better all events totals and eight 2,000 or better all events totals. In 1997, he became the only player to go through an entire ABC tournament without an open frame.

BWAA members attending the 2005 convention voted unanimously to rename the BWAA Male Bowler of the Year in honor of the late Dick Weber. Weber's name and photo will be a part of all future men's awards in honor of bowling's greatest ambassador.

Members Matt Fiorito of Detroit and Mort Luby Sr. of Carpentersville, Ill. were honored recently with induction to the Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Fame. Congratulations to both deserving honorees.

Member Don Wright has had a great run due to his exceptional writing ability. After winning a first place honor in the American Bowler competition at the BWAA convention in Baton Rouge in March, he was voted the first place winner in feature, unclassified and column divisions and writer of the year by the National Women Bowling Writers at its convention in Tulsa April 25. A new plaque honoring the Herta Kissel award recipients for the past 10 years will be placed in the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in St. Louis, and Don's photo will be on that plaque for one year.

Member Mary Jane Sporar continued her award winning record with a first-place finish in the NWBW Senior story division. Member Jackie Wyckoff was the topic of a winning story in the Paula Carter special award and also was re-elected NWBW first vice president. Member Nancy Chapman was re-elected president.

BWAA veterans invited to serve on USBC Hall of Fame Committee
United States Bowling Congress President Mike Carroll has invited five BWAA members to serve on the inaugural USBC Hall of Fame Committee which will be responsible for selection of superior performance candidates to be elected on a national ballot, and for election of candidates in meritorious service, non-pro performance and veterans categories.

BWAA members invited to serve one-year terms are: BWAA President Bill Vint, Past Presidents Dick Evans, Chuck Pezzano and Fran Deken, and Bob Johnson.

Three other BWAA members were appointed by Carroll to serve as ABC/WIBC Hall of Fame representatives: Steve James, Pearl Keller and Bill Spigner.

BWAA Board member Elaine Hagin also is serving as a representative of the USBC Board.

All hall of famers inducted by the American Bowling Congress or Women's International Bowling Congress will automatically be "grandfathered" into the new USBC Hall of Fame, and will be referred to as USBC Hall of Famers in the future. Evans, Pezzano and Hagin are USBC Hall of Famers in addition to representing their respective organizations.