Fifth Annual John Davis Award

Mark Gerberich Honored

Mark Gerberich, the former Commissioner of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), has been named as the 2005 recipient of The John Davis Award. The surprise presentation was made in Orlando , Florida at Bowl Expo. Gerberich, 45, now joins a very impressive list of previous honorees that includes Joyce Deitch, John Weber, Ted Hoffman, Jr. and Jim Dressel.

In 1996, John Davis called together a group of professional lanemen in an attempt to research the problems that were affecting the sport of bowling. Out of that week-long meeting, a "Guild of Lanemen" was established and Davis promised that his group would be involved in as many major events in the world as possible, and to exhibit all of the research for the whole world to see on the company's web site. Soon thereafter (in 1997), The Foundation was formed and Mark became actively involved at its very inception by becoming an initial Founding Member.

Gerberich spent 18-years with the PBA, starting as Membership Services Director prior to being named as Commissioner in 1996. He was instrumental in introducing Arena Finals and also showcasing the PBA's first "outdoor shows". During his tenure, he also introduced colored pins for the telecasts (which were heavier) and that helped to showcase the difference between the amateurs and the professionals. He is also proud of generating "bowling fan" databases through contests, promotions, giveaways and the website so that the PBA could provide its fans with current news of the Tour. When the PBA was sold, he declined a new position with the Seattle based group and started his own sports marketing company, Paramount Sports Marketing. A scratch bowler since a teenager, he graduated from St. John's University in 1983 with his S.M. degree. He is also a Member of two Halls of Fame in his original home area of Lebanon , PA. He now resides in Akron , Ohio with his lovely wife Beth, and three sons: Matt, 14 Tom, 12 and Joel, 9.

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 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 also 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 , with the words: "For Outstanding Contributions and Extraordinary Efforts of Behalf of the Advancement of the Sport of Bowling", and bearing each recipients name, is permanently displayed at the "home" of The Foundation, in The Kegel Training Center, in Lake Wales, Florida.

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