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.

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2007 Seventh Annual John Davis Award