Dave, who was involved in high school sports, did not realize that a youth bowling program existed. However, his parents were bowlers and at one time, they bowled in a center operated by Gene Tinman. At one time his mother bowled in a league downstairs while his dad was bowling in his league upstairs. Dave’s first sanctioned play was while he was serving in the military at Fort Hood, Texas in 1970 where he earned his first emblem – a triplicate emblem for three 161 games. The cost of bowling was $.30 a line.
After leaving active service in July 1971, Dave returned to Columbia and started work at the South Carolina Department of Highways and Public Transportation (now called South Carolina Department of Transportation). He also returned to his home church (The Lutheran Church of the Transfiguration) where Gene Tinman was also a member. Gene was instrumental in getting us (my wife, Sheron and me) to join a mixed league at Park Triangle Lanes and one of the first people we met was Edward J. “Boots” Bellamah. It was from the enthusiasm of these two people, Gene and Boots that started Dave’s adventures in the game of bowling and still exist today. The loss of Boots in February 1987 has left a void but has not dulled Dave’s enthusiasm. With the support of Gene, Boots, Sheron and daughters, Dava and Allyn, and many others in bowling, Dave has experienced many enjoyable times and the following is a recap of his experiences.
Greater Columbia area:
Dave served on the Greater Columbia Bowling Association board of directors from 1976-1984 and the highlight was serving as the Chair of the Awards Committee He has been a league member since 1970 and has served as Secretary/Treasurer for many of these leagues. He continues to serve on the Greater Columbia Association of YABA board of directors and has since 1973. The highlight was serving eight years as Secretary/Treasurer and being connected with the scholarship program since it began in the 1974-75 season. Dave was a youth coach from 1973 to 2000.
South Carolina State Junior Bowling Association:
Dave has served on the Nominating Committee, Secretary/Treasurer since 1976, served as tournament director for the Annual State Tournament, Coca Cola YBC, the NFL Alumni Super Bowling Championship (held only one time in 1988) and 14 years as an In-State Instructor.
National Committee – August 1980 through July1982 – Dave served as a member of the YABA Rules and Regulations – Awards and Funding Committee. This committee was a sub-committee of the Unification Committee, which was organized to unite the American Junior Bowling Congress and the Bowling Proprietor’s Youth Bowling Association into one organization (YABA). During this time period his committee had four meetings at ABC Headquarters in Greendale, Wisconsin.
Hall of Fame Inductions
May 1989 – Greater Columbia Bowling Association
October 10, 1995 – South Carolina State Bowling Association
October 3, 2003 – South Carolina State Young American Bowling Alliance
As a member of the Lutheran Church of the Transfiguration:
Dave has served as youth advisor, Church Council, Financial Secretary and Treasurer for 19 years.
Dave’s Favorite Quote:
From QB VII by Leon Uris Page 161: “The only thing that is going to save mankind is if enough people live their lives for something or someone other than themselves”.
