Michael J. Manolis began his bowling career as an 11-year-old when he rolled in an adult/youth league with his mother at Bowl America Falls Church. The next year, he bowled in a duckpin league but returned to tenpins the following season when he became a regular in the Saturday morning youth leagues at Falls Church. From the outset, Mike was a “natural” at bowling and had the kind of free-and-easy, yet powerful delivery that would attract a crowd of onlookers when he was on the lanes.
Mike has compiled an impressive list of bowling achievements within the Nation’s Capital Area. As a 16-year-old youth bowler, he won the 1990 Vir-Mar District YABA Invitational A Division title. As an adult, Mike has won our association’s Open Championship Scratch All-Events title on two different occasions—in 2004 and 2014. He also was a member of the Scratch Team champions in the 2014 event. Other local victories include three Falls Church Scratch Tournament titles (1998-2000); two wins of the Falls Church Roger Tarr Scratch Shoot Out (1999, 2001); and the Bowl America Shirley Quick and Cheap Tournament (2003). Mike also has successfully participated in numerous Virginia State tournaments, winning the Scratch All-Events title in 2006 and the Scratch Doubles event with partner Chhoeun To in 2012.
Mike, who has bowled in 16 USBC Open Championships, has a high league average of 237, which he booked for 102 games in the 2012-2013 Falls Church Commercial league. He had a great all-around year that same season, rolling nine perfect games and six 800 series. To date, Mike has a total of 30 certified perfect games, which includes a Sport league 300 game, and 12 certified 800 series.
In addition to bowling in multiple leagues each season, Mike has assisted with coaching the youth league bowlers at Bowl America Falls Church. Whether bowling in leagues, participating in tournaments, or helping his fellow bowlers, Mike possesses the ability to maintain an even-keeled, positive mental outlook. His love for the sport of bowling is readily apparent.
In recognition of the superior bowling achievements that he has accomplished, and in light of the positive image he portrays, Michael J. Manolis is a most worthy addition to the NCAUSBCA Hall of Fame.
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