BOWLERS JOURNAL WINS 7 OF 9 WRITING AWARDS

Bowlers Journal International — Bowling Center Management’s sister publication — dominated the annual writing competition conducted by the International Bowling Media Association for the calendar year 2017.

The magazine picked up seven of the nine available awards, including two of the three first-place awards.

BJI Senior Editor (and BCM Editor) Bob Johnson earned the 74th and 75th national writing awards of his career, more than any other bowling writer. His story on Mark Baker’s recovery from addiction earned first place in the Feature Division, while his report on E.J. Tackett’s victory in the 2016 PBA World Championship — and the subsequent hug with his father “seen around the world” — garnered second place in the News Division.

The winning story in the News Division, “Norm Duke Gets a Mulligan,” was penned by BJI correspondent and “The One Board” columnist Jef Goodger, while honorable mention in that category went to Pamela Thompson of International Bowling Industry.

BJI swept the prizes in the Feature Division, as second place went to BJI Editor (and BCM Senior Editor) Gianmarc Manzione for his “Sleepless in Reno” story, and honorable mention went to long-time correspondent and “Pro Bowling Insider” columnist Lyle Zikes for his piece, “Growing Future for Pro Bowlers.”

The Editorial Division was won by Lucas Wiseman for his piece on the late John Davis, which appeared on the Bowling Digital website. Goodger claimed second place in that division for his “If Only People Knew” column, and Manzione got honorable mention for his remembrance of Tony Reyes.

“We were fortunate to have an exemplary panel of judges comprised of two published authors, two teaching professionals and two USBC Hall of Fame members,” IBMA Committee Chairperson, Frenchy Letourneau, said. “Congratulations to all the winners, and a heartfelt thank you to all who participated.”

The awards will be presented at the IBMA awards breakfast during the USBC Convention at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno on April 26.