CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Inducted 1997

During his career in journalism, Gene Telpner has been a lecturer, world traveler, note columnist, author, news analyst, television and radio personality.

Gene was born in Omaha, Nebraska where he worked as a sports columnist for the Omaha World Herald after serving as a captain in U.S. Air Force in World War II. Gene Telpner moved to Winnipeg in 1950 and soon after became a Tenpin Bowling Co-proprietor of the Bowl-Arena Alleys at 309 Edmonton Street, with Dave Shuckett. The Bowl-Arena held several promotions such as the "Strike It Rich" and "Bowl-A-Car". In the early 1950's Gene began writing a weekly bowling column for the Winnipeg Free Press called "It Strikes Me".

From the late 1950's to the early 1960's he also had a weekly radio bowling program on which he hosted from his own home. Gene also hosted the "Bowling For Dollars" show and was guest speaker/announcer at many tournaments both in Canada and the United States. He even organized train trips to bring groups of bowlers to out of province tournaments.

In 1968, Gene became founding President of the Canadian Bowling Press Association. He also held the position of President with the Winnipeg Press Club and the Canadian Bowling Sports Writers Association. In addition, Gene was a daily columnist with both the Winnipeg Tribune and Winnipeg Sun.

Gene Telpner's contribution to the promotion and betterment of tenpin bowling over more than 30 years through the mediums of print, radio and TV is immeasurable. His dedication and support to our sport as an influential leader in sports journalism is recognized as playing a major role in its growth in the late 1950's to early 1970's.

Gene is best known to Manitoba's bowling community for his Winnipeg Free Press column "It Strikes Me", although he has also been recognized for his contribution to various charities, humanitarian and community services especially the Variety Club of which he was the President and Founder of the Manitoba Chapter. His years of journalism also allowed him an opportunity to meet many celebrities and world figures such as Chaing Kai-Shek, Golda Meir, John Wayne, Princess Grace, John Deifenbaker, Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda, Bing Crosby and Lucille Ball to name a very select few.

Gene and his wife Fitzi, currently reside in Winnipeg, where he freelances for the Jewish Post and News.