The Foundation Lane-Man of the Year

First Annual Honors Go To Randy Hart

Lake Wales , Florida.

 In the Fall of 1996, Kegel President John Davis called together a group of highly experienced people that had been working professionally with the "art" of: lane conditioning . The sole purpose of that initial meeting was to exchange ideas and develop scientific solutions for the ever increasing problems that were afflicting the sport of bowling. It had become apparent that (over a period of time), the entire bowling environment of: balls, lane cleaners and oils, lane surfaces and bowlers styles had changed. It was evident that the lane-man's job had become more difficult, if not impossible.

The group met for almost an entire week. It was decided that the only way to solve the problem was to do some extensive scientific research and collect that data. In order to do this, Davis vowed to have a professional lane-man at every major bowling tournament in the world. At first, the group started out as a "Guild of Lane-Men". Davis promised to share this research and post all of the results on The Foundation web site for the whole world to see.

This venture was going to be an expensive one. Others, who truly cared about the sport, wanted to help. With that, The Foundation was formed. As of this date (2007), there are almost 1400 in the group, and a total of 46 Countries are represented. The time has come to identify those who have been instrumental in the advancement of lane conditioning. The Foundation "Lane-Man of the Year" Award will be given out annually to a deserving Member.

And the Winner is:

Randy Hart is the first winner of this prestigious Award. Randy is a devout family man who has all of his his priorities in order. Humble, unassuming, dependable, loyal, knowledgeable, are just a few of this man's assets. Besides running his trophy business in Ohio , he serves as Lane Maintenance Director and Player Services Director for the PBA Regional Program in the Central Region. Long-time Regional Director and Foundation Member Dan Ottman, stated: "Randy's value to that Program is immeasurable. If Randy wasn't here, I really don't know what I would do." (Unfortunately, Dan passed away and is missed in all of bowling).

Randy was at the very first meeting held by Davis , and his input was welcomed. He received the beautiful Award with the following inscription: Randy Hart: "Lane-Man of the Year Award". Presented by: The Foundation to the Member Who Exemplifies The Highest Degree of Integrity, Knowledge, Dedication, and Meritorious Service to The Sport of Bowling.

That was his trophy to keep. A perpetual plaque will be on display forever at the Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales, Florida and the home of The Foundation.

Congratulations, Randy.