The Batesville Bowling Association (BBA) introduced three new members to the Batesville Bowling Association Hall of Fame, which honors the outstanding achievement of local bowlers.
The purpose of the hall of fame is to recognize former and current BBA members who have distinguished themselves by accomplishments and/or their contributions to the game of bowling.
This year’s class – Pattie Walke, Ray “Boz” Bloemer and Dave Wallpe – were honored at the association’s annual banquet and each were presented a plaque. There is also be a permanent plaque kept at East Bowl bowling center.
Pattie Walke
Walke began working at East Bowl at the snack bar when she around 16 years old. She began bowling in the Friday Night Mixed League and was secretary. Walke also bowled approximately five years Ladies Breakfast League and was secretary around 15 years.
Walke has worked all jobs at East Bowl, including managing the bar for approximately six years and has been their bookkeeper over 20 years. She is also the bookkeeper for Durbin Bowl. Her high game was approximately 245 and high series was 610.
“Bowling is a good way to share your time with your family and friends. Don’t worry about how good you are,” Walke advised.
Ray “Boz” Bloemer
After returning from the Navy during WWII, Bloemer bought the Triangle B bowling lanes, bar and restaurant from his dad and uncle. Bloemer also bowled at Huser’s and at Harrison.
His sister, Alma Miller, has a 1941 league bowling sheet from Harrison where Boz and his dad bowled in a league. Bloemer’s score sheet had scores of 190-191-169 for a total of 550 series at age 19.
Bloemer was never able to reach the 300 mark in a game, but managed a 299. He bowled three times a week and quit bowling at approximately age 75 due to back problems.
Dave Wallpe
Wallpe began bowling when he was 12 years old. His dad, Ray Wallpe, Herb Mollaun, and Jerry Heppner all were mentors in his becoming a good bowler.
He started bowling at Triangle B and Huser’s and now at East Bowl. Wallpe has achieved an 806 series (279-237-290) in 1997, while bowling in the National “B” League and has three ABC sanctioned 300 games in the National “B” League, and another 300 game bowled in the Batesville Bowling Association Head Pin Tournament in 2006..
“Enjoy bowling, have fun with your competitors,” Wallpe advises.
Eligibility into
the hall of fame
To be eligible for induction, a bowler must have been a member of the BBA for at least 10 years; be at least 40 years of age; have demonstrated leadership and sportsmanship; and one must have distinguished service in promotion of the game.
The selection process starts with nominations, which must be signed by at least two people, and addressed to the chairperson of the committee. Along with the nomination, valid documents and materials must be included. The letters of nomination must be received by the BBA prior to Jan. 31 of the current award year. Voting then takes place, and the committee makes a recommendation to the board.
