2022 - Victor Lerner Memorial Medal and Induction into BPAA Hall of Fame
ARLINGTON, Texas - (January 13, 2022) - The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Bowling Industry Service Awards, the most prestigious awards presented by the association.
Nancy Schenk (B & B Bowling Lanes, Fayetteville, North Carolina) has been selected as the 2022 BPAA Hall of Fame Inductee and recipient of the Victor Lerner Memorial Medal. The Lerner Medal is the highest honor awarded by the BPAA and recognizes an individual for a lifetime of service to the bowling industry and represents the recipient's induction into BPAA's Hall of Fame located at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in Arlington, Texas.
Schenk follows in her father, Howard Baum’s, footsteps and will join him in the BPAA Hall of Fame. She is a past president of the BPAA and has served on countless BPAA committees and special projects. Currently she is chair of the BPAA Nominating committee and she is always seeking more opportunities to give back to the industry.
Hiroshi Funaki of Japan will receive the coveted V. A. Wapensky Award, named after BPAA's long-time chief executive officer, "Chief" Wapensky. Funaki is being recognized for years of service to the industry and bringing BPAA programs to centers in Japan.
Don MacBrayne (Centennial, Colorado) was named Proprietor of the Year. As an Awards Committee member stated, “The Proprietor of the Year operates a center anyone of us would be proud to own.” The Summit center operations are above and beyond and a bowler’s dream to bowl in. MacBrayne is one of the most respected men in the industry and willingly shares his knowledge with fellow proprietors to make the industry stronger.
Roger Nyquist (Albany, Oregon) was selected by BPAA President, Jim Decker, for the President’s Award. Decked recognized Nyquist for his exceptional guidance as Chairman of the BPAA Government Affairs committee during the pandemic and his expert assistance with navigating government programs benefiting bowling proprietors.
Kyle Troup (Taylorsville, North Carolina) will be recognized with the Dick Weber Bowling Ambassador Award, named after the legendary bowling icon, recognizing his many contributions to the game and sport of bowling, both on and off the lanes. Troup’s unique bowling style and look have endeared a huge fan base which was evident to many when Troup made appearances at a NASCAR race and at last year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He spends time with fans posing for photos and is a great ambassador for bowling.
Classic Products (Fort Wayne, Indiana) will be recognized with the Special Project award for stepping up and helping to facilitate Strike Ten Entertainment’s Go Bowling America league program which was beneficial to bowling centers who were reopening and re-establishing their league business after pandemic shutdowns.
Bryce Smith (Adel, Iowa) will be awarded the Ruben A. Dankoff Award for Public Policy & Legislative Service for his tireless advocacy work throughout the pandemic to help bowling proprietors in Iowa and the Midwest.
Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports (New York City, New York) will receive the 2022 Media Award. Portnoy helped keep small businesses alive during the pandemic with a $41 million fund helping over 420 small businesses survive government-enforced restrictions. This included many bowling centers.
The North Central Texas USBC Association will be recognized at the USBC Convention with the BPAA USBC Association Award which is presented to a local USBC association who has demonstrated a high degree of cooperation with their local BPAA proprietor group as well as support.
Jim Decker, BPAA President and Awards Committee Chairman, said, "The BPAA is pleased to honor these award recipients for their outstanding service to the industry. The passion for bowling these individuals and groups depict is inspirational and makes be proud of our industry."
The Bowling Industry Service Awards will be presented at the Annual Awards Luncheon during International Bowl Expo 2022 at the Westgate Las Vegas Report. The Victor Lerner Medal presentation will take place during the general session on Wednesday morning.
About BPAA
Founded in 1932 and celebrating its 90th year this year, the mission of Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) is to enhance the profitability of its members. Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, at the International Bowling Campus, the BPAA offers it's over 3,100 member centers group purchasing programs, business and educational seminars, legislative representation and proactively promotes the association and bowling industry. For additional information please visit www.bpaa.com or call 1-800-343-1329.