Virgil Meares 2007 - 2008 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 - 2009 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.