Mr. Jim Dressel, long-time Editor of Bowlers Journal International, has been named as the 2004 recipient of the John Davis Award. The surprise presentation was made at Bowl Expo in Las Vegas . Previous winners of the Award includeJoyce Deitch, John Weber and Ted Hoffman, Jr.

Dressel has been at Bowlers Journal International (the oldest sports magazine in the United States ) for over 28-years. Originally majoring in mathematics in college, Dressel (a real sports “nut”) turned to bowling journalism in 1967 and has been at it ever since. He has won numerous writing awards (over 40 from the ABC and PBA alone), including the coveted BPAA Chief Wapensky and the bowling writers Mort Luby, Sr. Memorial Award, which is the equivalent to the bowling writers Hall of Fame. He has interviewed almost every industry leader over the years at least once, and has never been hesitant to ask the “hardball questions”. He always strives to present the legitimate news, report on all sides of a story, and when feasible, do it with a touch of humor. When asked if he looked to be controversial when covering bowling stories, he responded with, “No, I prefer to be provocative. I would much rather provoke thought.”

Jim became involved with The Foundation at its inception by becoming a Founding Member. He has also been a “Continuing Contributor” to this group in many ways. He is also a mainstay on Phantom Radio, the weekly internet bowling show. Jim assists The Phantom at the end of each quarter of the year with his review of what has been happening (on all levels) of this great sport. As The Phantom says, “Nobody knows as much about what is going on in bowling than Jim Dressel. It’s an honor and a privilege to have him with me on the show, and it’s a real treat knowing that he will be on. Not only does he have a real passion for the sport of bowling, but he often calls for the leaders to be more cognizant of bowling’s credibility and integrity.”

John Davis, the man who started The Kegel Company, and founding ‘father’ of The Foundation, has been involved in bowling for nearly his entire life. At an early age, John's dad taught all of his children how to bowl. That "love affair" with this great sport has been on going for over a half a century. In his 50-plus years of involvement with bowling, it is safe to say that no one has done more for the sport of bowling than John Davis. Even though The Kegel Company is a relatively small company, his personal investment in bowling has been unselfish and unmatched.

His innovations, inventions, contributions, etc., have all been well documented in the past. His leadership in both technology and humanities, both in this country and worldwide, make him perhaps the most sought out figure in the game today. His behind-the-scenes committee "work" is globally welcomed. Because of his vast accomplishments and devotion to the sport, the Award (aptly called: "The John Davis Award"), was established by The Foundation in his name. This prestigious honor is presented annually to a deserving Foundation Member. A beautiful, “one –of-a-kind”, perpetual plaque, bearing each recipients name, is permanently displayed at the "home" of The Foundation, in The Kegel Training Center, in Lake Wales, Florida.

Congratulations Jim, and thanks for all of your help and efforts with The Foundation.