George R. Sook bowled his first game on June 5, 1945. The next day, he began working as a pin boy. Four years later, he was assistant manager of the bowling center. He has been actively involved with the sport during his collegiate, military, and professional careers. In 1949, as a freshman at Duke University, he endeavored to establish collegiate competition between numerous universities that eventually became members of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
While serving in the United States Air Force, he participated in military tournaments and represented his command on three occasions. On the last of these occasions, he was a member of the Air Force team at the Inter-Service competition at McQuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. In 1959, he and his partner finished second in doubles competition at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. While stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, George actually aided in the construction of the first bowling center in Valdosta and subsequently assisted in the organization of the Valdosta Bowling Association and served as its first vice president.
George was transferred to Bolling Air Force Base and moved his family to Bowie in August 1969. He bowled at Fair Lanes Bowie and participated as a youth coach, continuing a service he began during his previous assignment in St. Louis.
George became a member of the NCABA board in 1986. He has served on several committees and has been chairman of the Audit, Budget, Lane Inspection, Nominating, Workshop, and BVL committees. He also has served as lane director for Crofton Bowling Centre since 1988 and as assistant director of the NCABA Championship Tournament for five years. He is a qualified lane inspector for annual center certification and leads a team of six inspectors each season.
In 1992, George was elected fifth vice president and moved through the chairs to ultimately serve as NCABA president for the 1997-1998 season.
Over the years, George has served in every league officer position and currently serves as secretary-treasurer of two leaguesone for the past 23 years and the other for the past 14 years. He has averaged over 180 since his college competition, had a high average of 202 in Valdosta, and he currently averages in the mid-190s. His personal highs are numerous 279 games and a 729 series bowled in an NCABA Tournament.
George R. Sook, who continues to serve the association's board in several capacities following his term of office as president, is a valuable addition to the NCABA Hall of Fame.