BVL Bowling Center of the Month
Fort Lee Bowling Center
Fort Lee, Virginia

For over forty years, the Greater Petersburg (Virginia) USBC Women's Bowling Association (GPUSBCWBA) has been a supporter of the BVL. An annual collection was part of the season's schedule. Having an active Army post within the association, military personnel were familiar sights around town. The Fort Lee Bowling Center was a vital part of the association with many certified leagues.

Following the closing of the bowling center at Fort Monroe, Virginia, Walter "Chip" Wikan was assigned the job of Center Manager at Fort Lee. A former pro bowler, Chip arrived with an enthusiasm for bowling and especially BVL. "Chip knew the good work done by BVL, and showed great interest in promoting the BVL," said Association Manager Mary-Ann Keyes. "His enthusiasm spread to the local board members, sparking a desire to do a little bit more."

Fort Lee Bowling Center

The GPUSBCWBA board of directors decided to sponsor a no-tap tournament one day each month during the summer months. The cool bowling center enticed many of the service men and women stationed at Fort Lee along with local bowlers to have fun and bowl for BVL. American flags on every ball return greeted the bowlers along with BVL posters and information flyers which were given to every tournament bowler. Door prizes and additional donations helped to keep expenses down.

Walter "Chip"; Wikan, Ft. Lee Bowling Center Manager with Mary-Ann Keys, and Ann Harrison GPUSBCWBA Assn. Manager and President

Chip helping soldier with bowling ball prior to tournament

Greater Petersburg USBC WBA Board Members (L to R) Chris Wells, Mary-Ann Keyes, Christy Blankenship, Holly Dzwilefsky, Belinda Lane and Ann Harrison

"It was amazing how the soldiers, whether they bowled in the tournament or not, asked questions and showed sincere interest in the BVL," said Ann Harrison, GPUSBCWBA President.

Chip and the staff of Fort Lee were great to work with and encouraged many of the soldiers and open bowlers to get into the tournament. Chip would greet everyone with a smile and a positive attitude that the tournaments would be great.

Evelyn Anderson, BVL Tournament Winner with Mary-Ann Keys and Ann Harrison

Missouri native Robert Morris won the BVL bowling ball raffle

Neil Wade, BVL Tournament Winner with Ann Harrison

"We worked very hard on publicity with newspaper articles, flyers, announcements on the local BA web site and even a mention on a local radio station. All of which, helped to get the word out about BVL," said President Ann Harrison.

For just three days of fun, the association increased it's annual donation to BVL by 40%. At the last tournament, many of the bowlers asked about having more tournaments which has brought on a winter series of tournaments.

Thanks, Chip, for your support and encouragement of the BVL!

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