The lone bowler in this year’s class, he was born July 31, 1969 and is a 1988 graduate of Ursuline High School.
He began his bowling career at age five and a mere five years became a member of the Junior League at Bell Wick Bowl (Hubbard) under the watchful eye of Francis Zitnik and Kandy Budd.
He was a member of the Junior Traveling League from 1984 to 1988 under Al and Patty Schuley’s watch, beginning his adult league career in 1988 at various centers, including, but not limited to Bell Wick Bowl, Boardman Lanes, Holiday Bowl, Mar-Hill and Wedgewood Lanes.
His earliest influences locally came from the likes of legendary keglers Joe Nuzzo, the late Paul “Scooter” Trgovac, Tom Posey and Rob Tice.
In addition to his bowling prowess, he has held multiple league officer positions and most recently has served as president of Amron Lanes’ Saturday Boardman Printing Mixers.
He bowled his first 300-game on December 21, 1999 and has recorded 34 USBC (United States Bowling Congress) sanctioned perfect games.
His first 800-set was registered November 12, 2002 – he has bowled 10, 800 sets – with his high series of 889 (300, 300, 289) occurring on December 26, 2020. His highest league average is 240.
Over the years he has consistently finished in the top-10 at GYBA (Greater Youngstown Bowling Association) and state events.
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He became the first bowling coach at Struthers High School and under his tutelage, the Wildcats’ program produced two OHSAA individual (Ohio High School Athletic Association) state champions.
This year’s inductee still enjoys helping both high school and adult bowlers with their technique and ball reaction.
A 2018-19 GYBA Hall of Fame Inductee, he has been a PBA (Professional Bowlers Association) member since 2019 with his highest finish fifth-place, that coming in the PBA/PBA50 at Cuyahoga Falls’ Clutch Lanes in ’21.
He has been instrumental in bringing the PBA to Youngstown, having organized two PBA tournaments and PRO-AM’s at Holiday Bowl in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and one PBA tournament and PRO-AM at Amron Lanes in 2022.
He has been on staff with Columbia 300 since 2015, rising to Ohio Team Leader in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
A recipient of the PBA’s Pat Patterson Award (2022) for his contributions to the regional program and his efforts to promote the sport of bowling, his early professional influences included Jason Couch, Mark Roth, Marshall Holman, Norm Duke and Pete Weber.
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He is a certified A2 mechanic, having worked at two local centers as head mechanic and most recently at Amron Lanes in Canfield where he is always available to any mechanic in need of assistance.
He has been in a relationship with Kim McGuire since October 19, 1991, and they are the parents of a daughter, Megan McGuire-Graham (32) and son, T.J. (25).
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