HOF enshrinement caps lifetime of bowling achievement
Debbie Juniewicz
The numbers speak for themselves.
George Gohagan III has 216 perfect games and 157 800 series, with an 899 career high series. He has won city, state, regional and national titles — including a PBA crown.
His accomplishments earned Gohagan, 37, a Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame induction this year — one of only a handful of bowlers to be recognized for superior performance while still in their 30s. He will be joined by Andrea Behr and Rick Borns in the 2020 class.
“It means a lot because I grew up bowling,” Gohagan said. “I spent a lot of time trying to be the best bowler in Dayton.”
Gohagan — who started bowling when he was 3 — set the tone early as he posted his first 300 game by the time he was 13. He posted his first Junior Tournament Bowlers Association win in 1999 and never looked back.
In the decades that followed, he continued to rack up the honor scores and tournament titles. He won 13 city titles, 12 TNBA regional or national titles and three state titles.
But his success wasn’t limited to the area or even the region, as Gohagan won two United States Bowling Congress Eagles, in 2006 and 2007, and a PBA title in 2012 at a Super Regional event in Las Vegas.
“I never expect anything, I just work hard and when an accomplishment comes, I’m always appreciative,” he said.
He bowled his way onto the Greater Dayton USBC All-City Team nine times, earning the Bowler of the Year title four times between 2005-13.
He was inducted into The National Bowling Association (TNBA) Central Region Hall of Fame last year, also for superior performance.
And even with hundreds of honor scores to his credit, every time he rolls one, it’s still a thrill.
“I don’t take it for granted — ever,” Gohagan said. “Shooting one is still fun.”
Despite his numerous accomplishments, there is an item missing from Gohagan’s bowling bucket list.
“I’ve always wanted to win a PBA national title but, right now, I don’t have the time to practice and dedicate to it,” he said. “But, I never say never.”
The Hall of Fame honor is somewhat bittersweet for Gohagan as he can’t share it with his dad who passed away a few years ago.
“I’m sure, with his coffee cup in hand, he’s smiling down on me,” he said.
Bowling