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FD’s Bacon goes into Hall of Fame

Submitted photo: Art Bacon of Fort Dodge poses in Johnston with his Iowa State USBC BA Hall of Fame plaque.

JOHNSTON — Art Bacon attained prestigious individual recognition last Saturday, as the Iowa State USBC Bowling Association placed the long-time Fort Dodge resident in its Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Stoney Creek Convention Center.

Bacon didn’t treat the honor as an ode to himself, though. The 76-year-old viewed the recognition as a tribute to the entire Fort Dodge bowling community.

“Bowling in our town has always been about just being one big family,” Bacon said. “When I started out (in 1973), it was the social thing to do for a lot of people. I quickly learned how much of a family activity it can be. Plus, it’s a lifelong sport.

“I was really shocked when I found out (about the Hall of Fame) — obviously it means a great deal to me personally, but it made me stop and think about all of the friendships and relationships I’ve been lucky enough to develop through the years (because of bowling). And for that, I’m grateful.”

Bacon became just the 10th Fort Dodger in state history to be inducted, joining Betty Meyer (1972), George Bellingtier (1973), T.W. Clarken (1980), Ronnie Hinds (1981), Richard Stoner (1993), Dr. John Caliesi (1994), Tom Scott (2012), Charla (Green) Wilke (2012) and Dub Cory (2015). The 2022 class included Bacon, Sharon Parrish of Burlington, Shellie Kutsch of Dubuque and Rich Eighme of Waterloo.

Chris Birnbaum of Fort Dodge, the current Iowa State USBC president, was on hand to officiate the banquet.

Bacon was tapped in the Meritorious Category for his decades of service to the sport. Not only was he an active competitor for nearly five full decades, but he served as league president and secretary while filling official roles at the local and state levels.

“The plan wasn’t really to get into the operations side of things originally, but I first got involved in 1982,” Bacon said. “All of the sudden, you hear a train whistle, and you have two choices: either jump on board or get run over. I thought to myself, ‘maybe I’ll enjoy this.’ Work always needed to be done, and I wanted to help grow the sport as best I could.”

Bacon was first elected by the Fort Dodge Area Bowling Association in 1985. He had stints as both the director and vice president. In 1992, he took over as secretary — a position he held for 14 years.

Bacon also got involved in coaching, holding a position for over decade on the board while directing youth on Saturday mornings for 12 years.

“I always enjoyed working with kids,” Bacon said. “To be there for the look on their faces when something you were teaching them clicked…there was really nothing like it, seeing them grin from ear to ear.

“You don’t necessarily realize what kind of an impact you have on them while they’re doing it. But about 10 years ago, I had a former junior bowler get inducted into the Mason City Bowling Hall of Fame. She asked for me to be there. That was pretty heartwarming, knowing you helped make a difference.”

Bacon was a charter member and the first president of the Fort Dodge Bowling Council. At the state level, he was a local delegate for over 20 years, and eventually landed on the state board in 2006. He became director, vice president and then president in 2014-15.

Bacon bowled in over 40 city tournaments, 36 state and 15 national events. He has one career perfect game, and over 25 series totals of 700 or more, with a high of 752.

Bacon and his wife, Anna, have daughters Yvonne and Kristi, and stepsons Pat and Richie.

While local bowling leagues aren’t as prevalent today as they once were, Bacon added, “I’d like to see families get more involved again, because it’s a great place to spend time and enjoy each other’s company.

“It takes a level of time and commitment, of course, like all sports. When I first started out, there were two shifts going at both (bowling alleys in Fort Dodge) with a waiting list. Of course new things come along, and trends come and go. But it would great to see bowling make a comeback for families, younger people and kids.”

Bacon admitted the Hall of Fame night “really meant a lot.”

“I never did any of this for awards or recognition, but it was nice, absolutely,” Bacon said. “Very emotional. I didn’t expect it.

“I didn’t cry…but I was close.”

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