Fund established to support PBA legend Mark Roth

Bowlers in Prince William County have always been supportive of others by participating in charities such as Bowlers to Veterans Link through which bowlers contribute to the support of hospitalized veterans. Rarely are bowlers asked to contribute to the support of one single individual. However, one of the greatest bowlers that ever played the game needs your help. The Bowling Foundation has asked bowling writers to inform bowlers of the existence of the Mark Roth Support Fund by reprinting the message that follows:

"Legendary professional bowler Mark Roth recently suffered a severe stroke and is just beginning the long journey of rehabilitation. The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and United States Bowling Congress Hall of Famer changed the sport of bowling forever during the 70s and 80s with his unique style, powerful approach and frequent domination on the PBA tour.

The massive stroke caused major complications to Mark's health, and the costs involved with the hospitalization, care and now rehabilitation are enormous. The Bowling Foundation, as the central charitable arm of bowling, is coordinating efforts to rally the industry, bowlers and fans of the sport and Roth in particular, to provide some relief to the Roth family during this difficult time.

The transition from the tour to retirement has been a struggle for Mark. The Roth family needs your help. The bowling industry is coming together to take care of one of its own. Your tax-deductible donation to the Mark Roth Support Fund will go directly to the family to help defray costs involved with this tragedy.

Donations can be made as follows:

Mark Roth Support Fund

c/o The Bowling Foundatio

621 Six Flags Drive

Arlington, TX 76011

Donations can be made via check, Visa and Mastercard, and by contacting The Bowling Foundation at bowlingfoundation.org, or 888-302-8122."

About Mark Roth

Mark was born in 1951 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His 34 PBA titles are tied for third (with Pete Weber) on the all-time tournament winners list, behind Walter Ray Williams and Earl Anthony. His eight titles won in 1978 are still the PBA record for a single season and he tacked on another seven titles in the 1979 season. He is ranked 5th on the list of the 50 Greatest Players of the last 50 years.

He won the PBA Player of the Year award four times and the Senior PBA Rookie of the year one time. He won the U.S. Open in 1984 was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1987 and the USBC Hall of Fame in May of this year.

Mark was well known for his high-powered "cranker" style that has been copied by many bowlers since.  Despite the power he generated, Mark was also one of the best spare shooters of all time, as he is notable for being the first bowler to pick up the 7-10 split on television. In addition, he utilized a seven-step delivery that is unique.  Most bowlers regard a four-step or five-step delivery to be the classic form and the most effective way to throw a bowling ball.

In 2006, Mark won the very first Seniors Generations Bowling Tour event. Since then, Mark has been a regular on the PBA Senior Tour.

About The Bowling Foundatio

"The mission of the foundation is to enhance the lives of others through the sport of bowling, particularly reaching out toward youth, those less fortunate, underprivileged or in need, giving them increased chance for success, health, fitness and the joy of sport while fostering bowling across all sectors of society and the world.

As the "charitable arm of bowling," the foundation is fully supported by the leading entities for the sport including the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), The Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA), the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), the International Bowling Pro Shop & Instructors Association (IBPSIA), the Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) and many others, including manufacturers, media and local bowling entities."

Gil Sanchez is a freelance bowling writer for the News & Messenger. He is a member of the Bowling Writers Association of America and the USBC Advisory Council. Reach him at 703-587-6792 or at .