Rick started bowling at the age of 16 at the
Circle O in St. Boniface in 1961.
He excelled rapidly and joined the Masters League at All-Star Lanes from 1966 and then at Birchwood Bowl in the early 70’s when the
league changed centres. While in the Masters League, Rick shot a 945 four-game series
(257, 182, 250, 256).
Rick also competed in the Mercantile League at All-Star Lanes (1965-1969) and then continued at Empress Lanes (1969-1972) when the league moved.
He bowled his career high game of 299 in the Mercantile League on December 5, 1968 at age 23. His career high series was 737 which was also bowled in the Mercantile League.
Rick was Empress Lanes Manager and ran the Pro Shop from 1977-1984. During this time, Rick helped coach the youth bowlers at Empress Lanes from the mid 1970’s – early 1980’s.
In late 1970’s Rick had five 700 series, which included two back to back 700 series.
In the 70’s, Rick qualified through league play to compete in the Winnipeg Bowling Association Marinelli Singles and won the event in the early 1980’s.
Rick won many league High Average and High Series in the Winnipeg Senior League – Empress (early 70’s-mid 80’s), the Greater Winnipeg Classic League (1973-1985) and the Masters League (1966- 1970’s).
Rick’s crowning achievement was qualifying to bowl in Montreal and then becoming the youngest bowler to win the BPAC National Championship in 1965 at the age of 19. He competed in both the Singles and the Team events with his league squad the O’K’s.
Rick also represented Manitoba at the Canadian Nationals in 1981 in Vancouver (7th) and in 1983 in Montreal.
Based on his performance at several events, Rick was selected to be a member of the Canadian contingent to represent Canada in the first World Games in Santa Clara, California, where he finished a respectful 10th in 1981.
Rick served 2 years on the Winnipeg Bowling Association Board of Director’s in the 1980’s.
He held an average over 180 for all the years that he bowled with a Career High Average 194.
Very few records remain depicting Rick many bowling accomplishments, although it is well known that locally, nationally and internationally Rick represented our province with distinction, coupled with consistent levels of success throughout his entire bowling career, excelling in tournament play and capturing countless league championships & awards him a worthy member of the Bowling Hall of Fame of Manitoba.
