ISBPA Honors Television Personalities, Industry Leaders during the Association's Annual Awards Ceremony

MELROSE PARK, IL — The Illinois State Bowling Proprietors' Association (ISBPA) celebrated outstanding contributions to the sport and business of bowling during its 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony, held October 27 at Hotel Arista in Naperville, Illinois, as part of the association's Annual General Membership Meeting.

This year's ceremony featured a unique distinction, as the association recognized two television personalities whose work has helped bring bowling into the homes of viewers across generations.

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The ceremony opened with the presentation of the Award of Recognition to Duane Dow, a former weekend sports anchor for a local ABC television affiliate who spent more than 35 years promoting bowling through local television coverage.

The association also presented its Award of Gratitude to Marcus Leshock and the WGN Morning News, recognizing their ongoing coverage of professional bowling and their efforts to introduce the sport to broader audiences. WGN-TV's affiliation with The CW, which now broadcasts PBA Tour events, further strengthens the connection between Chicago television and professional bowling.

"Honoring broadcasters is something new for us, and frankly, long overdue," said ISBPA Executive Director Keith Hamilton. "Bowling remains a popular sport in Illinois thanks, in no small part, to the exposure it receives through television and other media. Recognizing Duane and Marcus allows us to celebrate two generations of broadcasters who have helped keep our sport in the public eye."

The ceremony also recognized four distinguished individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made lasting contributions to Illinois bowling.

2026 ISBPA Award Recipients

• AWARD OF RECOGNITION — Duane Dow: Honored for more than 35 years of promoting bowling through local television coverage and bringing the sport into the homes of countless viewers.
• AWARD OF GRATITUDE — Marcus Leshock & WGN Morning News: Recognized for their enthusiastic coverage of bowling, particularly the PBA Tour, and their efforts to introduce the sport to mainstream television audiences.
• AWARD OF GRATITUDE — Skip Wolfe: Recognized for decades of dedicated service to bowling centers and his longstanding support of association programs and events.

• PRESIDENT'S AWARD — Robert (Bob) Daman: Honored for his extraordinary commitment to expanding in-school bowling programs and introducing thousands of Illinois students to the sport.
• PATRICK BOSCO AWARD OF MERIT — Mark Neumann: Recognized for exceptional service, craftsmanship, and ingenuity in bowling center maintenance, reflecting a lifetime of contributions to bowling establishments throughout the Midwest.
• LOUIE P. PETERSEN AWARD — Bill Brennan Jr.: The association's highest honor, recognizing exceptional leadership and service to bowling proprietors. Brennan, proprietor of Arena Lanes, was honored for his leadership in helping bowling centers navigate the COVID-19 crisis and his tireless advocacy on behalf of the industry.

Accepting the Louie P. Petersen Award, Brennan expressed his appreciation for the recognition and the industry colleagues with whom he has worked throughout his career. "To be recognized by an organization filled with so many talented, dedicated, and respected people in our industry truly is humbling," Brennan said. "We're surrounded by folks who truly love this game and business, and we just try to keep it profitable and relevant in today's climate. To be awarded the Petersen Award in front of those I consider my bowling family is just the icing on the cake."

View highlights from the 2026 ISBPA Annual Awards Ceremony HERE.

About the ISBPA: The Illinois State Bowling Proprietors' Association is a nonprofit trade association representing bowling establishments throughout Illinois. Its mission is to foster the growth of bowling while supporting the business interests, professional development, and success of its member bowling centers.