SCHOOL BOWLING LEADER KUNKEL PASSES AWAY

Steve Kunkel, former Indiana High School Bowling and Indiana Middle School Bowling commissioner, has passed away.

Kunkel was a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for the sport, leaving a lasting impact on high school and middle school bowling across the Hoosier State.

In his role as commissioner, he helped shape and grow youth bowling throughout the state, serving the high school program for more than two decades and leading the charge to create and implement the middle school program.

Kunkel also was a former proprietor, having operated a center in Bluffton, Indiana, now known as EZ Bowl. There, he built strong relationships and fostered a love for the game at the local level.

Upon his retirement five years ago, the Indiana Bowling Centers Association created the Steve Kunkel Sportsmanship Scholarship. Each year, six high school bowling students are honored for their sportsmanship on and off the lanes, and each receives a $500 SMART scholarship.

— SCOTT DEVERS