02/24/06
Bowling Writers Association of America
Baker and Levens earn BWAA Senior Bowler of the Year honors
By unanimous decision, Tom Baker, Buffalo, N.Y., and Shirley Levens, Titusville, Fla., have been selected as the 2005 Bowling Writers Association of America Senior Bowlers of the Year.
The BWAA Senior Bowlers of the Year are selected by a panel of veteran members of BWAA, and this year, both Baker and Levens were unanimous choices for the award. Using an established system of awarding 5 points for each first place vote, 2 points for second and 1 point for third, both Baker and Levens garnered the maximum 65 points for first place.
Baker's selection broke a string of five consecutive BWAA Senior Bowler of the Year titles for fellow pro Bob Glass, Lawrence, Kan., who won the award in 2000 through 2004. Glass finished second on the 2005 ballot. Other candidates included USBC Senior Masters champion Vince Mazzanti, Jr., and two-time PBA Senior Tour titlist Dale Eagle.
Levens, on the other hand, continues to dominate women's senior bowling in capturing her third consecutive Senior Bowler of the Year title. She was an easy choice for the panel because of her victories in both major 2005 women's senior events - the final Senior Queens (pictured) under the mantle of the Women's International Bowling Congress, and the National Golden Ladies Classic.
Baker's victory in the 2005 Senior U.S. Open, one of the most prestigious titles for seniors, was the deciding factor. He also finished first in PBA Senior Tour average (226.4 for 375 games) and prize money ($40,050), finished second in match play appearances (10 of 10, second to Glass' 11 of 11), and third in championship round appearances (three). Baker, a Senior Tour "rookie," also bowled the complete PBA Tour schedule as an exempt player.
The BWAA Senior Bowlers of the Year are selected by a panel of veteran members of BWAA, and this year, both Baker and Levens were unanimous choices for the award. Using an established system of awarding 5 points for each first place vote, 2 points for second and 1 point for third, both Baker and Levens garnered the maximum 65 points for first place.
Baker's selection broke a string of five consecutive BWAA Senior Bowler of the Year titles for fellow pro Bob Glass, Lawrence, Kan., who won the award in 2000 through 2004. Glass finished second on the 2005 ballot. Other candidates included USBC Senior Masters champion Vince Mazzanti, Jr., and two-time PBA Senior Tour titlist Dale Eagle. Levens, on the other hand, continues to dominate women's senior bowling in capturing her third consecutive Senior Bowler of the Year title. She was an easy choice for the panel because of her victories in both major 2005 women's senior events - the final Senior Queens (pictured) under the mantle of the Women's International Bowling Congress, and the National Golden Ladies Classic. Baker's victory in the 2005 Senior U.S. Open, one of the most prestigious titles for seniors, was the deciding factor. He also finished first in PBA Senior Tour average (226.4 for 375 games) and prize money ($40,050), finished second in match play appearances (10 of 10, second to Glass' 11 of 11), and third in championship round appearances (three). Baker, a Senior Tour "rookie," also bowled the complete PBA Tour schedule as an exempt player.
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