Virgil Meares 2007  Hall of Fame Inductee

On December 6, 2007, the Oconee Bowling Association recognized Virgil Meares as the first inductee into the Oconee Bowling Association Hall of Fame. In 2004, Virgil was inducted into the SCYABA (South Carolina Young American Bowling Association) Hall of Fame. Virgil managed Oconee Lanes for 18 years. More importantly, he started the Oconee Junior Bowling Association in 1969.

During his bowling career, Virgil has served as a mentor, coach and team mate to many bowlers. Countless bowlers have benefited from Virgil’s unselfish attitude to coach and share his knowledge. Virgil has served leagues as president and secretary multiple times. Virgil has five 300 games to his credit and a high set of 792. Virgil was presented with a plaque to acknowledge his Hall of Fame status, by long time team mate and member of the state Hall of Fame, Jerry Campbell.

Jerry Campbell 2008 Hall of Fame Inductee

In 2005 Jerry Campbell was inducted into the South Carolina State Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Tonight October 16, 2008, it is with great pleasure that we induct Jerry Campbell into the Oconee Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

Jerry has served the Seneca Bowling Association and the Oconee Bowling Association for over 30 years. During this time, he has served as a director, association executive secretary, and currently as a director/association manager. Not only has he served the Oconee Bowling Association, but he is a registered volunteer with the youth program. Jerry has acquired a great knowledge about bowling and is always willing to help others. Jerry has been a member of the state board of directors and also served as the President of the State Association.

Jerry has been recognized as the Secretary of the Year by the Upstate Bowling Association and the Traveling Championship Bowling Association (TCBA). Jerry served as secretary of the Stars & Stripes League for many years. This year, he served as secretary of the PBA Experience League, Generation Gap and currently the Wednesday Mixed League and the Western Carolina’s Region of the TCBA.

A true testament to a person as a teammate is how long he is able to bowl with a single team. Jerry has bowled in the Queen City for over 30 years. He has bowled in the TCBA with the same team for over 15 years. Take a moment to look at the plaques above the ball room door and you will see Jerry’s name on all of them. You will also see the same names listed with him with very few changes.

On Monday night October 5, 2009 Fud Cater was recognized as the 3rd inductee into the Oconee Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Fud began sanctioned bowling over 40 years ago in the fall of 1965 in the Queen City league for Abney Mills team at 16 years old. He had to sign a release form because he was still in high school. There were only twelve lanes and the establishment was called Timber Lanes and was operated by Dwight (POP) Martin. Fud later worked with youth bowling in the early 1970s and bowled on several leagues and teams until a back injury in the early 1980s. After a couple of years off bowling he started bowling again the Monday Night Industrial for the Oconee Nuclear Station team, after that he joined the Monday Night Church where he still bowls along with substituting on Thursday nights and Friday mornings. Fud is the President of the Oconee Youth Bowling Association and 1st vice-president of the Oconee County Bowling Association. Fud also bowled a 300 game 11/01/04. Fud’s passion is working with the youth and being a part of the bowling family at Oconee Lanes.

Pete Cater 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee

On March 15, 2010 the Oconee Bowling Association proudly inducted Pete Thoma into the Oconee Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Pete began bowling at Oconee lanes during the 1990-1991 season in the Monday Night Church League. The following year he was elected as secretary of the Monday Night Church League and had continued to guide the league. The 2009-2010 season marks the nineteenth year that Pete has served as the secretary of the league. Pete was the first recipient of the Secretary of the Year Award in 2006-2007 as presented by the Oconee Bowling Association. Pete has also been recognized as the 2008-2009 Senior Bowler of the year. At this time, Pete is the only person to be recognized with two annual awards by the Oconee Bowling Association. However, Pete also arranges and organizes the end of the year bowling party for the youth of the churches from the Monday Night Church League. The Church league has continued to grow over the years due largely to the work and efforts of Pete Thoma. It is with great pleasure that the Oconee Bowling Association inducts Pete Thoma as the fourth member of the Oconee Bowling Association Hall of Fame.