HALL OF FAME Greater Youngstown Bowling Association

YOUNGSTOWN — Thomas E. Smith, Michael Dworak and Jake Millerleile will be inducted into the Greater Youngstown Bowling Association Hall of Fame on June 1 at the ITAM Center on Meridian Road. Tickets for the 2008 class may be purchased from any G.Y.B.A. director or by calling (330) 758-8367. Following are biographies of the inductees:

Thomas E. Smith — The Woodrow Wilson High graduate bowled in the area for 36 years, reaching high average of 241, high series of 843 and high game of 300. He started bowling in 1972 after returning from military service in Vietnam. He bowled in five ABC nationals, 10 Ohio state tournaments and 30 Youngstown city tournaments. He bowled in the Pyramid and Max Belchyk leagues at Holiday Bowl. Tom was the first person to bowl an 800 series at Holiday. He won two city singles titles (one scratch, one handicap), one all-events and four team events.

Michael Dworak —The Struthers High graduate has been employed at Wedgewood Lanes for 23 years. His high average is 223, high series 774 and high game 300. Mike bowled in 20 Ohio state and 22 city tournaments. Leagues in which he participated included: in Evan Carpet, Pyramid, Vindicator All-Stars, Tuesday Nite Men’s, Pioneer Men, Austintown Township and St. Christine Men. Finished 24th in 1988 OSBA when he was on the winning men’s actual team. Member of the Ohio Traveling Bowling Association from 1972-76. Helped establish the Tod Benefit Moonlight event that raised more than $100,000 over 18 years and Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon that raised more than $850,000. Was proprietor for the Ohio state men’s tournament in 1986 and 1990 and hosted the 2007 Ohio women’s bowling tournament. Was Mahoning Valley Proprietors Association secretary and also served on the YMBA Hall of Fame Committee and Youngstown Bowling Council.

Jake Millerleile — Millerleile passed away in 2002. An area bowler for 46 years, Jake participated in 17 ABC nationals, 30 state and 35 city tournaments. Bowled in the Truscon League at Champion Lanes and GF League at Northside Lanes where he won his first trophy in 1957. Was also a member of the City League at the old Hubbard Lanes, Kelley-Robb League for 40 years, Spiech Classic for 34 years, Friday Nite League for 20 years and Saturday and Sunday mixed leagues at Bell-Wick Bowl. Was captain of various teams at league, city, state and ABC levels. Received the Frank “Bud” Zitnik Thursday Nite Sportsman Award in 2000. Bowled with his four sons in ABC national events.