JACK LaBONTE

Jack LaBonte has been active in the promotion of tenpin bowling in the Washington, D.C. area for many years. Although not one of the stars", he always carried a high average and was considered an excellent team bowler.

He was first recognized as a promoter of bowling in helping organize the annual mixed doubles tournament held at the Rosslyn Bowling Center. He later introduced the idea of whole leagues entering the annual City Tournament. A league in which he bowled, the Greater Washington Major, was the first such league to enter, and continues to enter the tournament as a whole.

Jack was elected to the Association's Board of Directors because of his outstanding interest in bowling, and served as a director representing the Rosslyn Lanes. Because of his work and interest in the welfare of bowling, he was promoted to Vice President in the Association, from which he was forced to resign for health reasons.

The rapid growth and success of the annual Rod Thomas - BVL Tournament can be traced directly to his untiring efforts, and under his leadership it reached an all time high in entries, and gave this association high national ranking in contributions to our hospitalized veterans.

Jack's spirit of competition kept him in all local tournaments and many conducted on a national scale, including the ABC Tournament. He captained the Crown Supply team, which was the 1956 City Tournament team champion.