*Meritorious Service.
Randy first started bowling in Newton in 1953 at the age of 4 in junior leagues. Growing up with bowling has influenced Randy to help others learn and enjoy the game of bowling. After graduating from the junior ranks Randy remained involved as an adult by coaching youth bowlers for 12 different seasons. This includes coaching his two sons Eric and Brad. Eric turned into one of the best junior bowlers ever in Newton, recording a few 700 series while still in junior league and he continued bowling for 4 years on the Iowa State University Bowling Team. Randy was one of the founding members of the Jasper County Junior Bowling Association along with Joan Huggins and Lee Troen. Randy served on the JCBA Board of Directors for about 10 years including a term as President in 1997. Randy was one of the board members who helped bring the 1997 Men’s State Tournament to Newton. Randy was the Maytag league secretary for 5 years, and the league President for 4 years. He was also the President of the Sunday Nite Mixed league for 5 years. For 10 years Randy organized the Redneck tournament (now renamed the Terry Ellenwood Memorial). This tournament was designed for everyone to have a good time first, and the bowling was secondary.
Randy also has several bowling accomplishments. His high game is a 279, his high series is a 698, and his high average is a 195. He has 16 league team titles. He was a Maytag tournament team champion 4 times. In 1972 Randy was the State Moose Tournament Champion in both Team and All Events. He was a member of the 1984 JCBA Tournament Championship team, and in 2002 was the JCBA Tournament Doubles champion with Jerry Fortune. Randy has also competed in 35 consecutive Iowa Men’s State Bowling Tournaments.
Randy has been a positive influence for the sport of bowling in Jasper County all of his life. His performance on the lanes has been modest over his career, but his ability to encourage people to bowl, and to learn how to have a good time bowling have been his brightest areas as a member of the bowling community.
