AUSTIN W. "BUTCH" LUTHER III

Austin W. "Butch" Luther III has been active in all aspects of bowling since he was five years old. His enthusiasm for the game began when his grandfather drilled three holes in a duckpin ball that launched his bowling career. He steadily bowled in youth leagues and, by the age of 12, had honed his skills to average 182, winning many trophies and awards along the way.

His first 700 series was rolled at age 11.

Four years later, Butch sailed through the competition and became the Ohio State champion, earning a visit here to compete In the BPAA National Youth Bowling Championships at Silver Hill.

Since moving to this area in 1963, he has continuously been ranked among the top bowlers. In the 1983-84 season, he held his highest average of 210 In his only league, the Tuesday Men's Commercial at St. Charles Bowl. He sports a high game of 290 and a top series of 761.

Butch achieved a life-long dream of becoming a member of the Professional Bowlers Association In 1980, and he averaged 202 for 196 games In PBA competition.

When not bowling, Butch served as a color analyst for two years on 'Tenpin Challenge," a cable television bowling program which was filmed at St. Charles Bowl, featuring all classes of competition and drawing a large audience at the center.

For several years, Butch wrote a bowling column for The Maryland Independent, a Southern Maryland newspaper, during which time he was a member of the Bowling Writers Association of America.

While serving as general manager of St. Charles Bowl, Butch was very active in instructing bowlers. He constantly gave advice on proper equipment and bowling etiquette, and many youth bowlers helped by Butch have performed well in adult competition. He also helped organize numerous leagues and assisted in various promotions.

One of his Innovations was the Installation of "on deck" squares In the settee area, which proved to be very effective In saving 20 to 30 minutes per session In league play.

For his success and positive achievements in the sport he loves, on and off the lanes, a deserving spot has been reserved for Austin W. "Butch" Luther III in the NCABA Hall of Fame.