John O. Martino, the first individual from Central New York to be elected into American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame, worked diligently to promote and support bowling both locally and nationally.

 

Martino, a 1915 Christian Brothers Academy valedictorian, was instrumental in bringing three ABC tournaments to Syracuse (1935, 1958, 1973). In 1940, he was elected vice-president of the ABC. Martino, who worked in the credit department at The Post-Standard, also wrote a bowling column for the paper. His interest in writing led him to become one of the founders and the first president of the Bowling Writers Association of America.

 

Martino, a charter member of the Syracuse Bowling Association Hall of Fame, was also an accomplished bowler. He carried a 194 average while competing in 31 ABC tournaments. He was the first player to ever bowl a 700 series in the city tournament. In 1929, Martino won the International All-Events in Sweden and he has many tournament titles to his credit, both in Syracuse and at the state level.

 

In 1976, the BWAA created the John O. Martino Award, presented to an individual or organization for their outstanding long-term accomplishments in and for the sport of bowling.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

 

1927: American Bowling Congress, finished fifth individually in Kansas City; Won Syracuse city-wide crown

 

1929: Captain of five-man Syracuse team to the International Bowling Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden, All-events gold medalist

 

1934: One of the founders and first president of the Bowling Writers Association of America

 

1936: Won State Doubles with Bill Shaul

 

1938: Won City Singles, Doubles, Team Championship

 

1940: Elected vice-president of ABC; helped raise over $250,000 for charity through bowling events

 

1954: Charter member of SBA Hall of Fame

 

1967: Awarded Sports Magazine’s Service Award for directing the Solvay-Geddes Youth Center program

 

1969: First Central New Yorker elected into the ABC Hall of Fame

 

1976: BWAA presented first annual John O. Martino Award; Presented the Special Community Service Award of Post 9893 Veterans of Foreign Wars

 

1982: Charter member of the NYS Bowling Hall of Fame

 

1984: Named Boys and Girls Towns of Italy man of the year