The 1976, and SCWBA’s first inductee into the Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service is Virginia (Ginny) T. McCraw. Ginny is a resident of 1822 Windover Road, Columbia, SC. She is a member of the Columbia Women’s Bowling Association and is currently bowling in 2 leagues.
Ginny came to South Carolina from our neighboring state of North Carolina and we thank them for letting her cross that line, because she has certainly been a valuable asset to South Carolina and to the game of ten pins.
Ginny has bowled in sanctioned leagues for 30 years and during that time her interest was not in bowling alone, because she has proven herself as an organizer, as well. For a moment, for Ginny’s great moment, let us look at some of her accomplishments.
While in North Carolina, Ginnie was president of the Ashville WBA, Secretary of the Ashville WBA, and she placed herself on the rolls of the winners. In Ashville she was all events champion, doubles champion, and singles champion. She also won several team championships.
In coming to Columbia, Ginnie showed her talents as an organizer. She helped organize the Columbia WBA in 1955 and is a charter member. She organized the Capitol Women’s League in 1955, was secretary of that league, which still exists today. Ginny organized the Women’s Classic League, it too still being in existence, and served as it’s President in 1961. She organized the Petersen Point Classic in 1961 and was secretary in 1963. She organized the Richland Singles Classic in 1963 and was Secretary in that year. She organized the Columbia Scratch League in 1964. In her home town she served as chairman of the Bowlers Victory Legion Tournament for the Columbia WBA in 1971 and 1972.
Ginny has served as Columbia WBA President, Secretary, and she has served on the Columbia WBA Board of Directors for several years.
Her interest has been quite evident in both the Women’s State Association and the Junior State Association. Ginny attended the organizational meeting of the SCWBA in 1961 and is a charter member. She served as SCWBA’s representative to the SCJBA (South Carolina Junior Bowling Association) Board of Directors. She was Treasurer of SCWBA from 1961 until 1972. Ginny served on the Columbia JBA Board of Directors in 1963. With all of the organizing talent and the involvement as an officer and director, one would wonder when Ginny had the time to bowl. Bust she has shown her talent there as well. Her career highs in bowling are: a 269 game, a 632 three game series, and a 173 league average.
Ginny has bowled in 30 local tournaments, 15 state tournaments, and 2 national tournaments. She has bowled in some 12 others.
Ginny, we are more than pleased to recognize you at this time on your selection into the Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service. We, in the SCWBA, your family and friends, city and state, are proud to have you as the first Hall of Fame inductee for Meritorious Service. Your exceptional and outstanding service and contributions have been and continue to be a merit to SCWBA.
