Area bowling professional inducted into Hall of Fame

The Rochester Bowling Association recognizes Chili resident and professional bowler Mark McClain for his career achievements at their Hall of Fame dinner on May 11.

McClain, editor of the Greater Rochester Bowler and the Buffalo area bowling publication Spares & Strikes, both published by Westside News Inc., and Ange Cutaia were selected in the Outstanding Achievement Category.

McClain began his career in youth leagues at Gates Bowl in the mid 1970s and continues his bowling achievements in league and tournament play today. McClain has 32 perfect games, four which were rolled in PBA regional competition. He owns eleven 800 series with 837 as a career high. In addition, McClain has tallied 72 honor scores and over 75 tournament victories.

At one point, McClain owned the house record at four different area centers and once held the four-game record for both the Rochester (1091) and Perry (1072) Bowling Associations.

Also to be honored at the banquet are Ken Freudenvol for Outstanding Achievement-Veteran and Ray Dassero for Meritorious Service. Ed Lenhard, Jr. will receive the Dedicated League Service Award. He's been a league bowler for 52 years and has served as the secretary/treasurer of the Friday OK Men's League at Gates Bowl for 25 years.

The Rochester Bowlers Association will also recognize the Gates Lions Club which sponsors special education students in the Gates Chili School District.

The Rochester Women's Bowling Association inductees are Kathy O'Neill for Outstanding Achievement and Linda Swaney for Meritorious Service. Barbara Nagle will receive the League Leadership Award.

The awards will be presented at a dinner at The Party House on Beahan Road in Chili on Wednesday, May 11.