USBC Hall of Famer Bill Bunetta dies at 90
March 22, 2010
Bill Bunetta, a United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame member, died March 22 in Fresno, Calif., of heart failure. He was 90.
A Professional Bowlers Association charter member, he was asked to be the PBA's first commissioner when the pro tour was formed in 1958. But since he still was competitive as a bowler, he turned down the position.
He won his only PBA Tour title in Fairless Hills, Pa., in 1960, and was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame in 1968.
In addition to being a talented competitor on the lanes, Bunetta was one of bowling's most respected instructors. His inventive coaching techniques included the innovative "3-6-9" spare-shooting system, and he spent many years conducting clinics and exhibitions. He was often sought out by many young professionals for coaching assistance.
He was a member of the E&B and Pfeiffer teams in Detroit, and the Munsingwear team of Chicago that contributed to his five American Bowling Congress Championships (now USBC Open Championships) titles between 1949 and 1955.
In 1995, at age 76, he became the oldest bowler in history to roll back-to-back 300 games.
A Professional Bowlers Association charter member, he was asked to be the PBA's first commissioner when the pro tour was formed in 1958. But since he still was competitive as a bowler, he turned down the position.
He won his only PBA Tour title in Fairless Hills, Pa., in 1960, and was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame in 1968.
In addition to being a talented competitor on the lanes, Bunetta was one of bowling's most respected instructors. His inventive coaching techniques included the innovative "3-6-9" spare-shooting system, and he spent many years conducting clinics and exhibitions. He was often sought out by many young professionals for coaching assistance.
He was a member of the E&B and Pfeiffer teams in Detroit, and the Munsingwear team of Chicago that contributed to his five American Bowling Congress Championships (now USBC Open Championships) titles between 1949 and 1955.
In 1995, at age 76, he became the oldest bowler in history to roll back-to-back 300 games.