USBC Hall of Famer reaches 50 years at 2015 WC
June 25, 2015
By Aaron Smith and Wishelle Banks
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Even while celebrating a personal achievement at the 2015 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, USBC Hall of Fame Sylvia Broyles of Spring Branch, Texas, remained focused on the fellowship and friendships she credits for carrying her to the milestone.
After the 79-year-old right-hander marched down Center Aisle at the National Bowling Stadium on Monday, she made sure to recognize those who had helped her make the journey. Her tournament debut came at the 1965 event in Portland, Oregon.
"As I expressed when I received my plaque, the people I have to thank are the people who have supported me all these years," said Broyles, who received a plaque and pendant to commemorate the milestone. "No one accomplishes anything alone. It takes the support of family, friends and the team captains that have put up with me for 50 years."
Off the lanes, Broyles has held leadership positions within the bowling industry at the local, state and national levels. She served as the final president of the Women's International Bowling Congress from 2002-2004 and was a member of the first USBC Board of Directors in 2005.
"When I first started in the administrative world, (USBC Hall of Famer) Helen Baetz was, at that time, the fifth vice president of WIBC, a member of our local association, very active and just a perfect lady," said Broyles, who was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame in 2005 for meritorious service. "She told my husband, when I had only been involved for maybe three or four years, that I would be on the WIBC board one day. She encouraged me all along, though she wasn't really a mentor, because I never had the opportunity to work with her personally, as I did some of the other people. There are so many along the road that have given me the opportunity. You can have the talent, but if you don't get the opportunity to show that talent, you can be in one place all along."
Broyles also recognized her husband of 62 years, George, as one of her biggest supporters.
"George is a beautiful man," Broyles said. "There's never, never been a stronger supporter for me than my husband. He's it. He's wonderful, and he's a better bowler!"
As Broyles prepares to celebrate another milestone next month - her 80th birthday - she looks forward to spending it at the Professional Women's Bowling Association Lubbock Sports Open in Lubbock, Texas.
The tournament is the third event on the 2015 PWBA schedule. This is the organization's first season since 2003.
"I love watching the pros," Broyles said. "I'm going to Lubbock because it's the only pro tour stop in Texas. I'm going to celebrate my 80th birthday there. I've always loved seeing good bowlers, and I aspired, at one time, to be a good bowler. Maybe not a professional, but a much better bowler. Then, I got involved in the administrative world. It was what I loved. It's what I love doing."
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Even while celebrating a personal achievement at the 2015 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, USBC Hall of Fame Sylvia Broyles of Spring Branch, Texas, remained focused on the fellowship and friendships she credits for carrying her to the milestone.
After the 79-year-old right-hander marched down Center Aisle at the National Bowling Stadium on Monday, she made sure to recognize those who had helped her make the journey. Her tournament debut came at the 1965 event in Portland, Oregon.
"As I expressed when I received my plaque, the people I have to thank are the people who have supported me all these years," said Broyles, who received a plaque and pendant to commemorate the milestone. "No one accomplishes anything alone. It takes the support of family, friends and the team captains that have put up with me for 50 years."
Off the lanes, Broyles has held leadership positions within the bowling industry at the local, state and national levels. She served as the final president of the Women's International Bowling Congress from 2002-2004 and was a member of the first USBC Board of Directors in 2005.
"When I first started in the administrative world, (USBC Hall of Famer) Helen Baetz was, at that time, the fifth vice president of WIBC, a member of our local association, very active and just a perfect lady," said Broyles, who was inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame in 2005 for meritorious service. "She told my husband, when I had only been involved for maybe three or four years, that I would be on the WIBC board one day. She encouraged me all along, though she wasn't really a mentor, because I never had the opportunity to work with her personally, as I did some of the other people. There are so many along the road that have given me the opportunity. You can have the talent, but if you don't get the opportunity to show that talent, you can be in one place all along."
Broyles also recognized her husband of 62 years, George, as one of her biggest supporters.
"George is a beautiful man," Broyles said. "There's never, never been a stronger supporter for me than my husband. He's it. He's wonderful, and he's a better bowler!"
As Broyles prepares to celebrate another milestone next month - her 80th birthday - she looks forward to spending it at the Professional Women's Bowling Association Lubbock Sports Open in Lubbock, Texas.
The tournament is the third event on the 2015 PWBA schedule. This is the organization's first season since 2003.
"I love watching the pros," Broyles said. "I'm going to Lubbock because it's the only pro tour stop in Texas. I'm going to celebrate my 80th birthday there. I've always loved seeing good bowlers, and I aspired, at one time, to be a good bowler. Maybe not a professional, but a much better bowler. Then, I got involved in the administrative world. It was what I loved. It's what I love doing."
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.