CLAUDE  "Lefty"  NEELY Jr.

Inducted:  1988 - Meritorious Service

Lefty has been involved in organized bowling for most of his adult life.  He has been a member of ABC for approximately 40 years.   During his career in the U.S. Air Force, he participated in interservice tournaments throughout the United States and Europe, qualifying in the European Masters five times and finishing second twice.   He participated in the International F.I.Q  tournament for three years.   He served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Eiffel Bowling Association for two years while overseas and was a Director with the Vandenberg A.F.B. Bowling Association for four years.   In 1976, when he moved to Las Vegas, he joined the Southern Nevada B.A. and served on the Board for eleven years; two years as a Director, and nine years as Secretary/Treasurer.   He served as a Director on the Nevada State Board for two years.   When he appointed Secretary/Treasurer of the SNBA, the Association was in dire straits.   Through his efforts and diligence, he succeeded  in getting the Association back on a solid financial footing.  He was one of the primary parties responsible for turning the Board around to receive the first ABC Service Award, which was awarded to the SNBA  in 1982.   He has been a Delegate to the ABC National Convention and participated in the National Tournament for the past twelve years.   He submitted constructive legislation to the ABC which was adopted by the national convention in 1985.  He was  the 1984 Nevada State All Events Champion.  While overseas, he averaged over 200, and has maintained his average in the high 190's since returning stateside.  Lefty has also worked with the juniors through coaching and instruction to introduce them to organized sports.