GRACIE FREEMAN

Gracie Freeman, a native of Edwards, Illinois, has lived in the Washington, D.C. area for 30 years. She started bowling in 1957 in Peoria and believes that bowling is the only sport in which she does well.

After moving to the area and purchasing a car, she found other centers at which to bowl. While at Bowl America Shirley in the early 1970s, she was approached by Washington, D.C. Area Women’s Bowling Association Assistant Secretary Betty Allen, who inquired if she was interested in becoming a director on the association’s board. Gracie's answer was yes, and she has since worked diligently to promote the sport of bowling.

Gracie worked for years in the WDCAWBA office under the leadership of Secretary Dee Carl and Allen. After Dee's death and Betty’s election to WDCAWBA secretary, Gracie became assistant secretary.

Long hours and weekends meant nothing to Gracie if the job had to be done. Thus, after Betty's retirement in 1989, Gracie was elected secretary.

Much experience has been gained and Gracie truly has been an asset to the association. She loves people, enjoys her work thoroughly, and gets along with everyone — characteristics that are vital to the success of the WDCAWBA.

Gracie also has served as secretary ofthe Washington, D.C. Area 600 Club for more than a dozen years. She was the tournament director of the WDCAWBA/NCABA Seniors Tournament for eight years. She has been a delegate to the Virginia State Convention for 15 years, the WIBC Convention for 17 years, and has attended all WDCAWBA meetings. She has served on all WDCAWBA committees, worked behind the scenes with the Vir-Mar District YABA, and continues to serve on any committee she may be called upon for assistance.

Her bowling achievements include a high game of 276, a high series of 687, and a high average of 185. She has won the MWBPA invitational, been ranked in the WDCAWBA’s Top 10 twice, won the City Tournament doubles event, and received the association's President’s Award in 1989.

Gracie scored her biggest bowling thrill in 1982, winning the singles event of the WIBC Tournament in St. Louis. Her 652 series beat out almost 40,000 other entrants.

The character and qualities she possess in her position of WDCAWBA secretary are vital for the success of the association. For this and for her many untiring hours of dedication to the sport of bowling, Gracie Freeman is a most worthy addition to the WDCAWBA Hall of Fame.