Dan Ottman will posthumously receive the Joyce Deitch Trailblazer Award presented during the USBC Convention, which will be held March 28-31 in Nashville, Tenn. The Award, named for the Women's International Bowling Congress seventh president, honors those who have made important contributions to bowling by being motivators, visionaries, leaders and inventors. Ottman made his mark as a coach, administrator, historian and passion for the game. He specialized in helping the development of youth bowlers as the founder of the Michigan Junior Masters Association. He passed away in July 2004 at age 47 while preparing for a MJMA event in Belleville, Mich. Under his leadership, the MJMA provided a training ground for many of today's stars while providing more than $350,000 in scholarships for its members. In the 1998-99 season, he helped organize the Detroit Competitive Standard Invitational League, a local test league to the current USBC Sport Bowling program.
(12-20-2006)

Congratulations to Lydia Rypcinski of Chicago who was inducted into the Chicagoland USBC Women's Hall of Fame in October.

Member Scott Frager has been hired by the Bowling Centers of Southern California to manage its operations as BCSC Executive Director. Frager remains publisher of International Bowling Industry.

Keith Hamilton of BJI was elected chairman of the IBPSIA Advisory Board. Another member, Bob Reid of Ebonite, was elected vice chairman.

Member Pat Holseth has been elected to the Minnesota State Bowling Hall of Fame. Pat and wife Juette operate an excellent bowling publication in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

John Weber has enjoyed a successful first year as director of the PBA's senior and regional tours. Dick's son took over from Bobby Dinkins who left the PBA.
(12-17-2006)