MCBA will induct 5 bowlers into HOF


February 22, 2010 at 12:01a.m.

WEST MIDDLESEX — The Mercer County Bowling Hall of Fame will induct five individuals at the Radisson Hotel in West Middlesex on Feb. 27.

It will mark the MCBHF’s 23rd anniversary induction dinner. Cocktails will be at 5 p.m., with dinner to follow.

For tickets, call Charlie Knott (724) 342-9782 or Donna Stewart (724) 264-4404.

Inductees to be honored:

RICHARD BUSCH

  • Has been bowling for over 30 years, including 15 in the Mercer County USBC, formerly the Mercer County Men’s Bowling Association.

  • Has six 300 games. His high average of 227 was attained in the UAW League at Wedgewood Lanes during the 2003-2004 season.

  • Began in 1970 at Reynolds and Hickory Bowl. At his peak, was bowling four nights a week in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

  • Twice qualified for Senior High Rollers tournament in Las Vegas and won the 700 tournament senior singles title at Celebrity Bowl, edging out a friend and rival, Pie Rossi by a pin.

RICHARD COON

  • Thirty-six of his bowling-career years were as a 20-year member of the MCBA. Has high average of 233, high series of 848 and sixteen 300 games. Started at the age of 4 at Vengolf Lanes in Sandy Lake, Pa. By 16, was Pot bowling with some of the premier bowlers in the county, including William Coon, George Wright, Norm Anthony, John Hrscina and Bryan Bailey.

  • Has been associated with over 10 leagues, serving as president or vice-president.

  • Won the 2008 March Madness tournament at Sunset Lanes. Was a member of the 2000-2001 MCBA team scratch and handicap champions. Was also on the 2002 MCBA scratch all-events title team. Has compete in many Pennsylvania state tournaments as well as the USBC championship tournament.

  • Among his feats was 30 clean frames in a series during the USBC tournament (doubles) in Corpus Christi, Texas. For 2003-2004, bowled in four leagues — in two different centers — and completed the season with averages of 233, 232, 231 and 216.

KEITH HARKLESS

  • A 30-year MCBA member with several high-average awards, six 300s and countless 700s. His most memorable 800 was an 847 in 1995 while bowling head-to-head with Jack Flack at Sunset Lanes. At one point, Harkless rolled 23 strikes in the series, which comprised games of 268, 300 and 279. At that time, it was one of the highest sets in Mercer County.

  • At age 13, began bowling in his first men’s league at Mercer Bowl with his brother, Ralph.

  • Was a member of the winning team in the Warrant City Tournament in 1982. Then won the 1991 singles, doubles and all-events in the New Castle city tournament.

  • Former PBA member.

FREDERICK LEUNIS

  • Has been bowling for over 37 years, 25 of which in the MCBA.

  • Started at age 7 in juniors at Thornton Hall. Was also in the CCU junior league at Hickory Bowl, then started his adult league career in 1984 as a member of the Thornton Hall Classic.

  • Bowled eight 300s, numerous 700s and three 800s, including 826.

  • Most memorable victory was in the 1995 700 Club tournament. Also finished runnerup in all-events actual in the 2000 Pennsylvania state tournament.

Highest average was 230, but has held a 220 average for 10 years and a composite 200 average for 20 years.

Was on TV for the “Pittsburgh’s Bowling Best” show in 1988, when he qualified as the No. 1 seed and bowled against another Mercer County Hall of Famer, Don Landfried.

ROBERT SAYERS

  • Has been bowling for 37 years and for 30 in the Mercer County USBC, formerly the local men’s association.

  • High three-game series is 813, has five 300s and a high league season average of 227.

  • To give Sayers “something to do,” began at age 20 in the Commercial office league at McGuffey Lanes. By the end of the season, was in three leagues, averaging 175.

  • Most memorable achievement was 42 strikes out of a possible 48 in a four-game set while at Celebrity Bowl. Despite the output, did not score a 300 or 800.

  • To improve his coaching abilities, has taken USBC coaching classes and is a current Bronze Level instructor.