Fred L. Trace began bowling in league competition during his tenure in the military while stationed in Belgium in 1972. His service to the bowling community began when he coached youth bowlers and organized a high school seniors league certified by the AJBC (American Junior Bowling Congress). Fred earned his AJBC coach certification in 1973.
Following his reassignment to the United States, Fred became an adult league member at then-Fair Lanes Dale City and began coaching youth bowlers in the Preps Division in 1978. Two years later, he became a certified YABA coach and subsequently coached juniors and majors youth league bowlers. In 1990, he was recertified as a Coach Instructor.
From 1991-1995, Fred was the Fair Lanes Dale City youth league coordinator.
In 1993, Fred became a board member of the Vir-Mar District YABA and served as the organization’s third vice president. He also served as tournament director of the association’s Youth City Tournament from 1994-2005 and chaired the Youth Awards Committee from 1996-2006. He was an NCAUSBCA youth director in 2006-2007.
At AMF Dale City, Fred served as secretary-treasurer for the Woodchoppers Adult Mixed League for 10 years, for the Men’s Commercial League from 1995-1999, and for the Original Thursday Mixed League from 2001-2006.
Fred always fulfilled the duties of his elected office in an exemplary manner, ensuring his league members’ achievement awards were expeditiously processed.
He also insured that his adult and youth league members’ weekly achievement scores and end-of-season league awards were published throughout the bowling season in the Potomac News, a community newspaper.
An ardent supporter of the association’s annual BVL Fund Drive, he made announcements over the center’s public address system, encouraging adult league members to contribute to this worthy cause. Additionally, he ensured youth bowlers competing in the Youth City Tournament also participated in the BVL Fund Drive.
For his service to both his league bowlers and this association, Fred was a recipient of NCAUSBCA’s “Secretary of the Year” award. Fred completed training in the following: Registered Coach Instructor (1993); Dick Ritger Bowling Academy (1993); Programs for Success (1994); In-State Instructor Course (1996); Dick Ritger Bowling Academy (1997); Dick Ritger Level II Instructor (1997); YABA Master Instructor (1998); and USA Bronze Level Instructor (2000).
On the lanes, he has rolled a perfect game and has a top series of 780.
Fred L. Trace always has set the example throughout his bowling career for other league officers and association board members to emulate. His excellent service is rewarded with a special spot in the NCAUSBCA Hall of Fame.