JOSEPH CLARK JR.

Joseph Clark Jr. was introduced to the world of bowling at an early age. In 1928, Joe's family purchased the Elmwood Bowling Academy in southwest Philadelphia, and Joe has been involved with bowling ever since.

After moving to Virginia in 1956, Joe bowled on three state championship teams. His high average was 201 in 1961. He has a 300 game and three 299s to his credit. Joe still bowls at Bowl America Manassas, where last season he averaged 192.

In 1960, Joe went to work for Community Bowling, Inc., when Joe Miseli hired him as assistant manager at Ten Pin Coliseum in Alexandria. The following year, Joe briefly managed Pentagon City Bowling Center, and soon after returned to Ten Pin Coliseum as general manager. During this period, Joe assisted with the formation of both the AJBC Travel League and the Virginia Masters.

Joe moved on to Bowl America Shirley in 1965. The next year, he was named general manager at Colony Lanes, which became Bowl America Woodbridge in 1970.

As Woodbridge became one of the busiest and most popular area centers, Joe continued his extensive involvement in bowler development in part by establishing a youth program that emphasized instruction and sportsmanship. Though semi-retired since 1986, Joe is still employed by Bowl America, Inc., as an instructor and teacher of outside sales.

Although Joe excelled as a bowler and administrator, his forte has been as an instructor. He has taught bowling for over 60 years and believes that bowling, like any other sport, has certain basic fundamentals that need to be learned. Once people understand these fundamentals, their skill level improves and bowling becomes more enjoyable. Joe is always willing to give assistance to bowlers of any average, and he is directly responsible for introducing thousands of people to bowling, and his influence has touched thousands more.

Joseph Clark Jr. is a true advocate of the sport he loves and is a credit to his profession. He is a worthy addition to the Nation's Capital Area Bowling Association Hall of Fame.