By Robin Sweet — Ten local bowlers, the largest group of honorees, were inducted in the fourth class of the Carson Country Bowling Association Hall of Fame at their annual meeting on Saturday, April 26. The meeting was held at HomeGrown Bowl lounge. Carson Country is the local association of the U.S. Bowling Congress.
The bowlers were recognized for their bowling skills, enthusiasm for the game, or their ongoing commitment of service to the association. In addition to these considerations, the youth also had scholastic and related considerations.
Danny Dunbar was honored for Superior Performance. He has five 300 games, one 800 series and six 11-in-a-row honor scores. For 20 years, he has consistently averaged over 200.
Meaghan Rhoades was also honored for Superior Performance. She has carried a 195 average or more for 17 years, with a high of 228. During the 2008 season, Meaghan recorded her first 800 series. She also had a 300 game in the 2016 season.
Jolly Ramsey is being recognized for her Meritorious Service to the association. She has been a volunteer before the merger of the men’s and women’s associations in the 1990s. For more than two decades, she has served Carson Country USBC in a variety of positions, including president, vice-president, director, and association manager. She served as the association manager for 13 years and has helped train others who took the position, occasionally filling in between managers.
Fred Drye is being recognized for his Love of Bowling. He has bowled in Carson Country USBC for almost 40 years. He won the Senior Tournament three times. He participates in the Carson Indian Masters and was an active member of the former Mixed Indian Bowling League. Fred encourages family and friend to join and is dedicated to making the sport enjoyable for others.
Carolyn Kenton is being recognized for her Love of Bowling. She began bowling in Yerington in the early 1960s. She recruited siblings and other family members to join bowling. She was a founding member of the former Mixed Indian Bowling League, now the Roadrunners League.
Rico Pura is the CCUSBC Male Bowler of the Year. During the last year, he has taken first place in the City Open for singles and all events. He was a member of the team that took third place in the Men’s Trios tournaments and first in the 2024 Men’s Invitational. Rico had a high average of 203 at the end of 2023-24 season.
Renee Steele is the CCUSBC Female Bowler of the Year. Renee was a member of the teams that took first place in the 2024 Women’s City and the Women’s Trios tournaments. She was second in singles in the Women’s City as well. She had a high average of 191, which was among the top five women for the 2023-24 season.
Shane Shook is one of three youth honored with the Star of Tomorrow Award. He has been bowling for the past 10 years, consistently displaying outstanding skill, sportsmanship, and passion for the sport. Shane has become a leader among his peers, demonstrating prowess in the sport as well as fostering an atmosphere of growth for his peers. Shane has an impressive average, 210, and offers advice and support to younger bowlers.
Jake Ellis-Cronan is another of the three youth that was honored with the Star of Tomorrow Award. He bowls with the Youth League, Carson High School bowling team, and the Youth King of the Hill. He supports teammates and keeps a positive attitude no matter how his games are going. He a positive influence on and off the lanes as he checks in with others to see how they are doing. Jake is a current member the Carson High ROTC and plans to pursue a military career. Jakes’ sportsmanship extends not only to his team but also his opponents.
Donnita Wass was the third youth to receive the Star of Tomorrow Award. Donnita joined CCUSBC program in 2011 and has been the most improved bowler in her league for the last two seasons, led the league in average for female athletes, and has achieved a high game of 244 and high series of 630. Donnita has also won or placed in many local and state tournaments. In addition to her bowling achievements, she is an excellent student and high school athlete.
All three youth also received $500 each in scholarships.
In the Photo: L to R are: Jake Ellis-Cronan, Shane Shook, Donnita Wass, Meaghan Rhoades, Jolly Ramsey, Danny Dunbar, Carolyn Kenton, Rico Pura, Renee Steele, and Fred Drye.
