Norbert O. Taylor Jr. has participated in the sport of tenpin bowling for almost 50 years. He has been one the fiercest competitors on the lanes, and his competitive nature brings out the best of those who compete against him.
As a competitive bowler, he has been very successful, having tallied 14 perfect games, along with 12 800 series during his bowling career. His highest sanctioned average is 229. While his prowess as a bowler is distinguished, his service to the game and his willingness to further the education of fellow bowlers is what sets him apart from others.
In service to the game of bowling, Norbert excels in his commitment and conversance.
His commitment: Norbert has a passion for the game, not just as a bowler, but also as an ambassador to the sport of bowling. Through his Crofton Classic Pro Shop, he and his team have sponsored a number of local tournaments to foster the competitive bowling environment. He is a great teacher and mentor, spending time with bowlers of all skill sets, teaching them the finer points of the game. Many bowlers owe a debt of gratitude to the fine coaching he has provided.
Norbert has been instrumental in the growth of several youth programs, helping the next generation learn and understanding the art of bowling. He has also assisted a number of college-bound bowlers prepare for competitive bowling at the next level, through lectures and expert ball-fitting. Many of his students, both young and old, have found success in league, tournament, and collegiate competition.
Bowling as we know is at a crossroads due to decreasing numbers of sanctioned bowlers and the effects of COVID-19. Norbert has done a lot to help grow the game of bowling during these tough times by reaching out to the next generation of bowlers, our youth and young adults, and providing them a safe haven to be able to discuss and learn about the art of bowling. Through his pro shop, he has brought industry leaders and experts to help further the knowledge flow of bowling. Norbert currently passes his knowledge to the next generation of drillers by using his pro shop as a lab to teach the finer points of pro shop operations.
His conversance: Norbert currently is a co-owner of one of the most successful pro shops in the area. He has been involved with bowling pro shops since 1982, working in shops located in AMF Capital Plaza and the former AMF Clinton. Norbert is International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association-certified and attends numerous workshops yearly to stay up on the most up-to-date information regarding bowling, equipment, and technology. This knowledge and attention to detail have allowed him to be able to provide world-class service to his customers and students. His knowledge and expertise has enabled numerous bowlers to reach personal accomplishments regarding scores and tournament victories. But more specifically, he helped generations of bowlers fall in love and continue to love the game of bowling.
Without Norbert's desire and willingness to aid the bowling community, there would be many individuals who may not have had the opportunity to reach their bowling summit regarding knowledge and training, compete with the confidence that they had the best equipment and fit for their game, or simply know that they had someone in their corner who did the best he could to help them be all they could be as a bowler.
Norbert O. Taylor Jr. has been one of the best bowling ambassadors in this area who has made a difference in many bowlers' lives and careers. A special spot has been reserved for him in the NCAUSBCA Hall of Fame.
Back to Hall of Fame