Earl P. Hickerson, a native of Tullahoma, Tenn., began bowling in Richmond, Va., in February 1963. With the opening of the first black bowling lanes in Richmond, Earl immediately began investigating the procedures of organizing a league. He served as president, secretary, and treasurer of several leagues and representative to the Richmond board.In 1963, he also distinguished himself in the achievement category by rolling a 749 series and establishing a new high series for the Richmond association. He was a member of the 700 Club and continues to participate in the tournaments. He was a member of the first black team to participate in the Richmond City Tournament.
In 1964, Earl moved to the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Area and immediately jointed a team. His leadership ability was quickly detected and he was very soon elected as president, secretary and treasurer, of various leagues in this area. Earl has served the NCABA since 1971, when he was elected as director. He continues his untiring service to assist leagues in organizing. In 1973-74 season, for his dedicated service, he was given the Outstanding Director Award. He has chaired the following committees: Ranking and Evaluation; BVL; and Hall of Fame. He has worked with the NCABA, Virginia State, and BOWL Magazine tournaments. He was the chairman of the first joint installation of officers with the WDCAWBA.
In 1974-75, he was elected fifth vice president of NCABA. Under his direction, NCABA had a very successful BVL Tournament. In 1975-76, he was elected fourth vice president and continued to move up. In 1980-81, he was elected president, and he took office four months early. His term theme was "Getting Involved." In fulfilling his theme, he visited each bowling establishment and many leagues, offering his services and assistance, which he continues to do. It was during his tenure that the building fund was established, and he was also instrumental in the association acquiring a computer. Earl continues to serve the bowlers untiringly helping with lane inspections and chaperoning of the Junior Coca-Cola Tournament and assisting the Collegiate Tournament.
Earl has bowled in 15 ABC Tournaments and has been a delegate for 10 years. His highest average was 197; high game of 297; and high series of 749. This dedicated man is a deserving addition to the Nation's Capital Area Bowling Association Hall of Fame.