Former bowling proprietor Bill Spigner, who compiled a record on the lanes that landed him in seven halls of fame, including that of the United States Bowling Congress, has been elected to yet another: the International Bowling Media Hall of Fame.
He will receive the Luby Hall of Fame Award in two weeks — on April 24 at the USBC Convention in Las Vegas.
Spigner, who owned Hawthorn Lanes in Vernon Hills, Illinois, with his wife Barb from 1989 to 2008, also has contributed to the sport as a top-level coach and, perhaps somewhat under the radar, as a prolific writer.
Spigner authored an instructional column for every issue of Bowling Digest magazine, which published from 1983 to 2004. In 2008, he became a senior writer for Bowlers Journal International, penning “The Pro Approach” column as well as occasional feature stories. His writing also appeared in The Chicago Bowler for six years and in the Las Vegas-based TenPin Alley for three years.
All told, he has written more than 400 published instructional columns, helping bowlers of all skill levels improve their games and enjoy the sport more.
“I never considered myself a true journalist,” Spigner said upon learning of the honor. “I never had any education in writing anything or got involved in writing until Bowling Digest. I wasn’t a true writer, but I learned an awful lot not only about bowling but how to structure an article. To be up there with the other guys in there is shocking.”
The IBMA will present three other service awards in Las Vegas:
• Alberta E. Crowe Meritorious Service Award — PBA Commissioner Tom Clark.
• Mike Hennessy Award of Merit — Former IBMA President and Operations Manager Jackie Wyckoff.
• Rip Van Winkle Award — Former Showboat Lanes Manager and National Bowling Stadium Vice President pf Operations Jack Cook.
Bowling Center Management Online 
Leave a comment