BOWMAN AND NEFF TO ENTER BOWLING HALL OF FAME

By Barry Sparks

Gary "Bo" Bowman of Spring Grove and Jerry Neff of York will be inducted into the York-Adams USBC Hall of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 17, at Porters Sideling Fire Company, Spring Grove.

Gary "Bo" Bowman

"I couldn't believe it when I got the phone call that I had made the Hall of Fame," said Bowman, who admits the news brought tears to his eyes.  "I had never seriously thought about it.  I am very humble and grateful to receive such recognition."

Bowman has earned a reputation as one of the hardest working bowlers in the area.  In addition to competing in three leagues, he typically practices two days a week.

Bowman has a long list of accomplishments, many of them earned since he started competing in senior leagues and tournaments.

He earned his first state senior scratch singles title in 1999-2000 and added another scratch singles title in 2013.  He rolled a scratch 847 series, his personal best, in the state team event in 2013.  That was the highest score registered among the 6,600 participants and one of only two 800 series.

In addition to a number of county titles, Bowman has recorded 14 perfect games, five 800 series and a high average of 232.

Jerry Neff

Neff has fashioned a bowling career that includes 15 perfect games, an 825 series and a high average of 225. 

"I was surprised when I received word I had been voted in the Hall of Fame," he said.  "I never thought I would be worthy."

Although Neff is a well-known senior bowler, he earned many of his bowling accolades while in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1991.  He was very active with his base's bowling team when he was stationed in Germany.

Neff has the distinction of rolling perfect games in three countries--the United States, Germany and Denmark.

Neff was named to the All-Air Force team in 1978; captured the Worldwide Military Championships in 1982 and 1990; won the European Masters in 1986 and was a member of the winning European All-Stars team in 1984 and 1985.

His more recent honors include winning the Pennsylvania State seniors scratch doubles title with Dane Slenker in 2014 and the York County Bowling Association's all-events scratch championship in 2000-2001.