The Foundation / The Foundation / John Davis Award

2007 Seventh Annual John Davis Award

Phantom — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 09:12:03 GMT

Linda Davis honored with:
“The John Davis Award”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 1, 2007

In a surprise announcement, Linda Davis the loving wife of Kegel Founder John Davis has been selected as the 2007 recipient of: “The John Davis Award”. The presentation of this prestigious, annual Award was made during Kegel’s Xmas Party in Lake Wales, Florida. Ironically, this was also Kegel’s 25th Anniversary and well over 200 of Kegel employees, their families and friends were there to celebrate the joyous occasion. Linda now joins a very impressive list of previous honorees that include: Joyce Deitch (2001- the 1st honoree of the Award), John Weber (2002), Ted Hoffman (2003), Jim Dressel (2004), Mark Gerberich (2005) and Carmen Salvino (2006

In 1996, John Davis (Founder of the Kegel Company) called together a knowledgeable group of professional lane-men in an attempt to scientifically research the seemingly endless problems that were affecting the Sport of bowling. From that week-long meeting, a ‘Guild of Lanemen’ was then established and Davis promised that this group of dedicated bowling people would be involved in as many major bowling events in the world as possible. He also promised to exhibit all of the research found for the whole world to see on the company’s website. Soon thereafter, ‘The Foundation’ was formed. He has stuck to his word to this very day.

John, the founding ‘father’ of The Foundation, has been totally involved in bowling for nearly his entire life. At an early age, John's father taught all of his children how to bowl, and that ‘love affair’ with this great Sport has been going on for well 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 Davis. Even though the Kegel Company is comparatively small, his personal investment in bowling has been unselfish and unmatched. His innovations, inventions, contributions, etc., have also been well documented in the past. His leadership in technology and humanities along with his complete knowledge of the Sport make him perhaps the most sought after 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.

The phrase, ~”Behind every great man, is a great woman”~, was never so true as in this case, as Linda has been with John from the very start when they started out working together on his first lane cleaning tool in their garage with their good friend, David Jennings. Throughout those past 25-years, Linda has been at John’s side encouraging and supporting him every step of the way. As the Company grew, so did their family as they were blessed with 3-children, that at times she had to raise on her own as John frequently traveled in his quest of solving problems around the world. When he started The Foundation, she was one of the very first to step up and contribute.

Speaking of contributions, there are not enough words to explain all the things that she has done.

This prestigious honor is presented annually to a deserving Foundation Member. A beautiful, “one-of-a-kind” perpetual plaque, with the words inscribed: “For Outstanding Contributions and Extraordinary Efforts of Behalf of the Advancement of the Sport of Bowling”, and bearing all of the past recipients names, is permanently displayed at the home of The Foundation, in The Kegel Training Center, in Lake Wales, Florida. Linda also received a beautiful and unique facsimile.

Congratulations Linda! ALL of bowling sincerely thanks you for ALL of your contributions to our Sport and we personally thank you for your help and efforts with The Foundation.

2006 Sixth Annual John Davis Award

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:54:20 GMT

Sixth Annual John Davis Award

Carmen Salvino Honored

Carmen Salvino, known worldwide as a true bowling Ambassador and the greatest Showman in the history of the Sport, has been selected as the 2006 recipient of: “The John Davis Award”. The presentation of this prestigious, annual Award was made during Bowl Expo in Las Vegas. Salvino now joins an impressive list of previous honorees that include: Joyce Deitch (2001), John Weber (2002), Ted Hoffman, Jr. (2003), Jim Dressel (2004) and Mark Gerberich (2005).

In 1996, John Davis (Founder of the Kegel Company) called together a knowledgeable group of professional lanemen in an attempt to finally research the seemingly endless problems that were affecting the Sport of bowling. From that week long meeting, a ‘Guild of Lanemen’ was then established and Davis promised that this group would be involved in as many major bowling events in the world as possible, and to exhibit all of the research found for the whole world to see on the company’s website. Soon thereafter, ‘The Foundation’ was formed and Carmen became involved at its inception by becoming a Founding Member, as well as a Continuing Contributor.

Salvino, 72, resides in Schaumburg, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), with his lovely wife Ginny, who he has been happily married to for 48 years. They are blessed with one daughter, Corinne. Because of his bowling prowess as a youngster, Carmen was known as ‘Chicago’s Boy Wonder’. He joined the PBA as a Charter Member in 1958, and his personal records are well chronicled as he amassed 20 Tour Titles and cashed in more tournaments than any PBA player. He has also won numerous industry Awards. He has been inducted into a total of 5 Halls of Fame. This true “Legend of Bowling” is known and respected as a ‘Fan Favorite’ worldwide. He also owns 3 patents (in the United States) and is also the consummate athlete, mentor, teacher and scientist whose accomplishments and life philosophies truly epitomize the ‘art and science’ of bowling.

Davis, the founding ‘father’ of The Foundation, has been totally involved in bowling for nearly his entire life. At an early age, John's father taught all of his children how to bowl, and that ‘love affair’ with this great Sport has been going on for well 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 Davis. Even though the Kegel Company is comparatively small, his personal investment in bowling has been unselfish and unmatched. His innovations, inventions, contributions, etc., have also been well documented in the past. His leadership in technology and humanities along with his complete knowledge of the Sport make him perhaps the most sought after 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 inscribed: “For Outstanding Contributions and Extraordinary Efforts of Behalf of the Advancement of the Sport of Bowling”, and bearing all of the past recipients names, is permanently displayed at the home of The Foundation, in The Kegel Training Center, in Lake Wales, Florida. Carmen also received a beautiful and unique facsimile.

Congratulations Carmen! ALL of bowling sincerely thanks you for ALL of your contributions to our Sport and we personally thank you for your help and efforts with The Foundation.

2005 Fifth Annual John Davis Award

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:53:16 GMT

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.

2004 Fourth Annual John Davis Award

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:39:52 GMT

Fourth Annual John Davis Award

Jim Dressel Honored

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.

2003 Third Annual John Davis Award

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:37:55 GMT

Third Annual John Davis Award

Ted Hoffman Jr. Honored

In a surprise announcement at the Bowl Expo Convention in Las Vegas , Ted Hoffman, Jr., has been named the recipient of the 2003 John Davis Award. Hoffman, 64, is a Charter Member and a "continuing contributor" of The Foundation, a group of bowling enthusiasts that Davis formed in 1997. This particular award was established in 2001 by The Foundation to recognize the world-wide contributions that Davis has made in so many ways to the sport of bowling.

Ted literally grew up in the bowling business, as his father was a bowling proprietor. At the age of 15, Ted rolled his first perfect game and (at that time) was the youngest bowler in the world to have ever accomplished that feat. He later bowled on several teams on the East Coast and in 1963 he won the Newsday Long Island Open tournament, which was a real test of one's talent. In 1964 he was voted the Pennsylvania "Bowler-of-the-Year" by the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association. It was then that he decided to test the waters of the PBA National Tour. In his Pro career, he finished 2nd on four occasions and also was victorious in two PBA Regional events.

He married his high school sweetheart (Marilynn), and in 1968 they moved to the West Coast to pursue a career in Bowling Management with Smallcomb Enterprises in Redwood City , CA. He started the PBA Western Regional Program and successfully ran it for 30-years. In 1971, he won the Pat Patterson Award for outstanding contributions to the PBA Regional Program. Ted has since been inducted into eight Halls of Fame, including the prestigious PBA shrine.

In 1984, Ted became involved with the late Earl Anthony in a business partnership in two Northern California bowling centers. Ted remains actively involved on both the local and national level with BPAA groups and has served as President of the Northern California Bowling Proprietors, which covers some 120-bowling centers. He was also responsible for bringing the PBA National Tour to the bay area for over 20-years with his promotions, and to this day, he still runs the Earl Anthony Memorial PBA Regional tournament at Earl Anthony's Dublin Bowl. In 2002, that event was also billed as a Foundation Games tournament. He was also instrumental in allowing The Foundation to establish "The Earl Anthony Award of Excellence", a special award given to bowlers who roll a 300-game during Foundation Games tournaments.

Ted received a beautiful Lucite plaque, which was inscribed with: "2003 John Davis Award, Presented to Foundation Member Ted Hoffman, Jr., for Outstanding Contributions and Extraordinary Efforts of Behalf of the Advancement of the Sport of Bowling". This handsome trophy was his to keep, and a perpetual plaque bearing those same words will be permanently displayed at the home of The Foundation in Lake Wales , Florida . Previous winners of this prestigious honor are: Joyce Deitch, a past WIBC President, and John Weber, PBA Midwest Regional Director.

Congratulations Ted on your untiring devotion, your passion and for all that you have done for the sport of bowling.

2002 Second Annual John Davis Award

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:35:37 GMT

Second Annual John Davis Award

John Weber Honored

In 2001, The Foundation established The John Davis Award, to be presented annually to the Foundation Member who exemplifies dedication and contributes their time and efforts to the sport of bowling. The inaugural winner of this prestigious award was Joyce Deitch.

The 2002 winner is: Mr. John Weber. John, a Founding Member of The Foundation, comes from perhaps the #1 'family' in all of bowling. Reliable sources have told us that he literally (and believably) "cut-his-teeth" on a bowling ball. When he was notified about being selected for this coveted honor, John (in his usual humble manner) said, "I can't believe it. Are you sure that you have the right guy? I haven't done anything spectacular to deserve this great award".

Oh Yes He Has

Before becoming a true bowling businessman (as he is now on the verge of graduating with a Degree in Business Administration), he tried his skills on the Pro-Bowlers Tour. He actually led the very first squad that he ever competed in when the Tour was on the West Coast, and ended up getting a check. He was always a consistent casher on Tour, but in a few years he realized that the Tour would not be the life that he wanted. Never regretting his decision to leave the Tour, he settled down, married his long-time sweetheart Chris, and had two wonderful children (Nick 17 and Ryan 10). He proudly states that it is his family that he lives for.

After leaving the Tour, he got involved in the PBA Midwest Regional program working for his Dad, the "living legend", Dick Weber. John worked the locker room, did the lanes and helped run the tournaments. At times, he even bowled some of the events. He won a Regional Doubles event with his brother Pete, and then never bowled another Regional. Always an accurate player, he has amassed 6-300-games and 3-800-series. He was also on the team that holds the ABC record for the highest 5-man team game ever rolled, 1413.

After working the Regional tournaments for about 15-years, he was appointed to be the PBA Midwest Regional Director in 1998. Always taking care of business, John is very popular with all of the players. In 2001, he contacted The Foundation about having a Foundation Games tournament. He said that he had a sponsor and a tournament site that was interested. Almost immediately after that event, he contacted us again, asking if he could do another event in the same year. Both tournaments were extremely successful, and both re-signed for 2002.

A beautiful Trophy was presented that bore the following: "The John Davis Award", presented to Foundation Member John Weber for Outstanding Contributions and Extraordinary Efforts on Behalf of the Advancement of the Sport of Bowling. This one-of-a-kind, hand made trophy was his to keep. A perpetual Plaque , bearing those same words, will be permanently displayed at the home of The Foundation in Sebring , Florida .

Congratulations, John.

2001 The Foundation Establishes The John Davis Award

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:32:17 GMT

The Foundation Establishes The John Davis Award

Joyce Deitch Honored

In a surprise presentation (to both the namesake of the award and the recipient), Joyce Deitch was presented the 1st Annual John Davis Award at the Bowl Expo convention in Las Vegas.

"I was beyond shocked", she stated after the presentation. "I've always been fascinated by everything that happens on that side of the foul line, but I've never been particularly public about it. It was really a surprise to learn that there was an awareness of my concern and a known dedication to that part of the sport. Thank you so much for the recognition of a much ignored and critical piece of the future of bowling. The concept of honoring those who contribute to that (area) is needed, and John Davis (along with The Foundation) is the ideal person to be associated with that recognition". Jim Dressel, Editor of Bowlers Journal and Foundation Member (who took the pictures of the presentation), told The Foundation; "you couldn't have made a better choice".

Joyce was presented with a beautiful hand made, two-piece, diamond shaped, Lucite trophy. It had The Foundation Logo - "One World, One Game" on it, along with the following inscription: Presented to Joyce Deitch - 2001 "The John Davis Award" Presented by The Foundation to a Member for Outstanding Contributions and Extraordinary Efforts on Behalf of the Advancement of the Sport of Bowling. That (trophy) was hers to keep. A perpetual Plaque, bearing those same words, will be permanently displayed at the home of The Foundation in Sebring, Florida.

When Davis was asked his thoughts on the honor, he replied; "That was quite a deal. I was looking for a place to hide during the presentation". He added, "Had I known about this, she would have been my first choice, too".

A Little Background

Originally from International Falls, Minnesota, Joyce moved to Walla Walla, Washington to attend Whitman College. In 1952, she moved to Boulder City where she got started in bowling when a friend asked her to sub on a team. She now resides in Las Vegas. She is a Charter Member of The Foundation. After falling in love with the sport, she got involved with the City Association and then the State Association. Some of the highlights of her career were being involved with the I.O.C. in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics; the 1988 WIBC Olympics in Korea, and naturally being elected President of the WIBC. She has many fond memories; including working the PBA Tournaments at the Showboat in Las Vegas (for years) under famed PBA Tournament Director Harry Golden. She proudly recalls, being one of "Goose's Girl's". She has also served on perhaps every committee that has had any importance in this great sport, not only in this country, but in all parts of the world. She feels that her main contributions have been as a " problem solver" and her ability to " put people together" has been very rewarding.

She plans on retiring July 31, 2002. That will be a sorry day for bowling. But, I have a feeling that Joyce Deitch will be forced (by ALL of her peers), to stay active in some important capacity. I hope so.

John Davis Award

Bruce — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:30:31 GMT

John Davis Award

John Davis "AWARD" Established

John Davis, CEO of 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 has been unselfish and unmatched.
We could probably fill an entire newsletter with his innovations, inventions, contributions, etc., but they 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, an Award has been established in his name. Aptly called: "The John Davis Award", this prestigious honor will be presented to a deserving Foundation member each year. A "perpetual" plaque, bearing each recipients name, will be permanently displayed at the "home" of The Foundation, in The Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales, Florida.
That plaque is pictured above.