On 13th try, Hall of Famer earns share of coveted city honor
Debbie Juniewicz
It was worth the wait for Eddie Graham.
The 54-year-old — who spent close to two decades competing on the PBA Tour — had made 12 previous appearances on the Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress All-City Team but had never earned the coveted bowler of the year honor. Graham learned to never say never as No. 13 was the charm. He and Curtiss Rasnic Jr. share the honor for the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season.
“I think it means a little more, being 54 and all,” Graham said. “I’m in the Hall of Fame and I had lots of other accolades but never bowler of the year.”
All-City bowlers earn points based on tournament finishes, high averages and honor scores. While the open city tournaments were completed before statewide closures occurred, the open state tournament as well as the USBC national tournaments were canceled, meaning fewer opportunities to accumulate points.
While the season was cut short, the GDUSBC decided to continue its longstanding tradition of recognizing its All-City teams and bowler of the year recipients even without an annual banquet. Graham and Rasnic each tallied 57 points to share the top honor.
“I knew there was a chance, but I also know how good the bowlers are in the city,” Graham said.
The five members of the All-City team, in fact, have made a combined 44 appearances on the competitive allstar squad. Graham’s season accomplishments were impressive as he tallied six perfect games — including one each in the city singles, doubles and team tournaments. He rolled an 811 high series and averaged 230.
Graham had solid performances in all of the GDUSBC city events as he and Jim Hilligas, Jeremy Fleck and Dean Reynolds won the team title and he and Brian Hatcher placed second in doubles. The Kettering bowler also placed in the top five in singles and was second in allevents.
“I’m in a better place right now,” Graham said. “My mental game was always strong as far as knowledge but I’ve learned if I don’t strike, I still go home to a happy life and that has really helped me.”
That happy life includes wife Kari Graham, a twotime bowler of the year, who was second on the women’s 2019-20 All-City Team.
While Graham enjoyed his time on the PBA Tour — especially his 27 PBA 300 games — he is happy to have made the transition to the PBA50 ranks. The 2016 PBA50 rookie of the year finished in the top eight in his five most recent PBA50 Regional tournaments and is back on the lanes this weekend in the PBA50 Progressive/Gerdeman Insurance Agency Central/Midwest Classic in Bowling Green, Ohio.
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