THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 10, 1995 TAG: 9512080203
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
A PORTSMOUTH DUCKPIN Hall of Fame will be established with plans for an induction program to be held every two years beginning in 1996.
In announcing the start of the Hall of Fame, Don Ferguson said the Portsmouth Duckpin Bowlers Association will be in charge of the project. Ferguson is president of the city association, which includes all nationally sanctioned duckpin bowlers in Portsmouth leagues.
``We have tentatively set the first induction banquet for September, 1996,'' Ferguson said. ``This will give us ample time to set up the numerous committees it will take to make this a memorable occasion.''
Added Ferguson: ``One of the prime committees will be the group who will select the first inductees. This committee will be many who have had a long association with duckpins in Portsmouth. Their first chore will be establishing a criteria to determine just what is required for eligibility.''
Ferguson said bowlers in other cities or who have moved to other states will be considered. ``But one definite requirement will be that they must have bowled in Portsmouth leagues,'' he said.
The board of directors at Victory Lanes, the only duckpin bowling center in Portsmouth, has endorsed the project. Victory Lanes will set up a site for pictures of the Hall of Famers to be a permanent attraction in the 16-lane center.
Initial plans call for 10 bowlers to be the charter inductees, probably five men and five women. Some may be deceased.
In future years, there will be a smaller number of inductees, probably six.
``With two-year intervals between inductions, this will give up adequate time to prepare for each future ceremony,'' said Ferguson.
In addition to the Hall of Famers, other special recognitions have been proposed. There will be a Mr. and Ms. Bowler chosen, two individuals who will be honored for special achievements.
Also to be given are two Foundation Awards for a male and female bowler who have been unsung bowling workers - such as league officers, organizers or longtime contributors to the continuance of duckpins in the city.
One novel plan for the future Duckpin Hall of Fame is that no announcement of those selected will be made prior to the induction banquet.
Those honored will be notified but the first public announcement of the inductees will be made at the awards banquet.
``Portsmouth has produced many, many state champions and some of the top duckpin bowlers in the nation through the years,'' said Ferguson. ``Not many cities have had duckpin bowling longer than in our city.
``We feel this will focus some deserved attention on duckpin bowling. And it will be something special for the bowlers themselves.''
Ferguson has asked that former bowlers who are interested in taking part in the project or have suggestions and recommendations about the organization of the Hall of Fame should contact Victory Lanes at 487-1614. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
Don Ferguson is president of the Portsmouth Duckpin Bowlers
Association, which is in charge of the Hall of Fame project.
by CNB