January 5, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kari Smith Williams
IBMHOF
817-385-8230
kari@bowlingmuseum.com
On the Web: bowlingmuseum.com

IBMHOF ANNOUCES TWO NEW LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

ARLINGTON, Texas – The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame has announced this year’s winners of the Legacy of Excellence Award for their lifetime of dedication and support to the museum and halls of fame.

Hans Krol and Bob Gudorf are this year’s recipients, both having provided many years of service to the industry. The award was introduced last year to commemorate those who have dedicated their lives to the sport.

Gudorf served for 20 years on the IBMHOF board as a Trustee from 1997-2016 and held leadership positions within the IBMHOF. He was on the Executive Committee from 2001-2007, before becoming Secretary between 2007-2015 and then President from 2014-2017.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award after spending so many years in the bowling industry,” Gudorf said. “It’s full of great people that I’ve encountered who made an impression not only on me, but everyone else on the Board.

“I believe that for all the things I helped with, the best thing I did was name Mike Aulby as my successor. He represents everything that we want in the Museum.”

Beyond financial support, Gudorf also engaged in fundraising efforts such as establishing the annual Hall of Fame Raffle and Hometown Heroics.

Krol also has been a Trustee on the IBMHOF board, serving multiple terms, from 2009-2019 and since 2022. He has been an active participant in the Museum fundraising initiatives, including the long running Salute to Bowling auction program.

“To receive such an award is not only a great honor, but also is an enormous stimulus,” Krol said. “I am proud that I am sharing the honor with my old friend Bob. We go back a long, long time, and I learned a great deal from him.

“Serving on the Board is one of the great honors in my career and I hope to be able to serve for many more years.”

Award recipients are selected by a committee for the award as appointed by the IBMHOF. 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.