ARLINGTON, Texas – The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is proud to announce the creation of a new award honoring those who have shown a lifetime of dedication to the IBMHF and has announced five inaugural award recipients.

The IBMHF’s Legacy of Excellence Award has been created in recognition of an individual, institution or organization that has demonstrated a lifetime of dedication and support to the museum and halls of fame.

The inaugural recipients of the award are Bill Chrisman, Pat Ciniello, Daroll Frewing, the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America and the United States Bowling Congress. The recipients will be presented with their awards during the Industry Update Luncheon at the BPAA Bowling Summit in Savannah, Georgia, on Jan. 17, 2023.

“These five are truly worthy of being the inaugural recipients of this award,” said Mike Aulby, President and Chairman of the IBMHF Board of Trustees. “They have dedicated countless hours of their time and have raised, or personally donated, hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of the museum and halls of fame. This organization would not be where it is today without the efforts of these individuals and associations.”

Chrisman, CEO/Owner of Storm Products Inc., has been on the IBMHF Board since 2001. He has made many contributions, including playing a crucial role, for numerous years, in the Salute to Champions annual fundraising event for the museum.

“I believe it’s always nice when anyone receives an award for outstanding service to any organization,” said Chrisman. “I have been on the museum board for more than 20 years, and in that time frame the hall has made many positive decisions to update and become better in housing many bowling halls of fame such as the USBC, PBA, PWBA and other past organizations. Preserving the history of the sport of bowling is extremely important, and I’m very honored to receive this award.”

Ciniello, President and CEO of Bowland and HeadPinz Entertainment Centers, served as IBMHF President from 2007-2011 and helped oversee the move of the museum to its present home in Arlington, Texas. He established Xtravaganza, one of the largest IBMHF annual fundraisers, and served on either the IBMHF’s board or committee from 1998-2016.

“I’m truly humbled with this recognition,” said Ciniello. “I’ve simply always wanted the best for this great sport of bowling. Working to bring the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame to its new home in Texas, from concept to reality, was one of the crowning achievements of my career.”

Frewing, CEO of U.S. Bowling Corporation, has served on the IBMHF Board since 2008. He has played a critical role in raising funds for the IBMHF at the annual tournament Xtravaganza and established the Frewing Scholarship, which provides a $25,000 scholarship for one student each year.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be one of the inaugural recipients of this award,” said Frewing. “Additionally, to be included with two of the current outstanding leaders in our industry, Pat Ciniello and Bill Chrisman, makes this award unbelievably special. As I look back on my 62 years in the bowling industry, there are so many people I could credit, and it would be unfair to single out only a few people. But there is a common thread amongst them all, which is decision making, risk taking, a strong personality and work ethic. I am so honored to be given this prestigious award and only want to be able to continue demonstrating my passion for the sport and continue to do more as we move forward.”

The BPAA and USBC were selected as inaugural recipients of the award based on the years of consistent support, dedication and unwavering enthusiasm each has shown in helping to make the IBMHF a showcase for preserving and displaying the history of the sport. Those efforts were especially noteworthy in support of the move of the IBMHF to its present home as part of the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas.    

Award recipients are selected by a committee for the award as appointed by the IBMHF. There is no limit to the number of people who can be nominated for the award, and the award is scheduled to be presented annually pending qualified candidates.

About the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame
The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, located at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas, collects, preserves and exhibits the 5,000-year history of the worldwide sport of bowling, and features rare photos and vintage film clips to tell the stories of bowling's hall-of-fame members. Visit BowlingMuseum.com to learn more.