JOHN COCCHI

 

Inducted:  2010 - Superior Performance

John was born July 10, 1943 in Newark, NJ. He began a long and illustrious career at a very young age bowling junior leagues and tournaments throughout the New Jersey area. John then headed west to Las Vegas wher he worked in the casino industry. He retired from the casino industry at 50 and decided to persue bowling as a full time job. Since then he has competed in over 50 High Roller events amassing over $250,000 in earnings which has included over 10 sweeper victories. He also has a 3rd place finish in the True Amatuer Challenge. John has been a member of the SNBA for over 35 years. During that time, John has achieved hundreds of 700 series, 20 - 300 games and 10 series of 800 or better. John was the SNBA high average winner in 1977 with an incredible 237, which was also the high average for the state of Nevada. John has a tournament record that most of us would envy. John has 8 West Coast Senior tournament titles and 18 Super Senior Bowling titles. John also has 1 Dick Weber Wrist Master Title and a 3rd place finish in the SNBA Masters. He has finished 2nd twice in the PBA Western Regional tournaments and has 5 Super Senior Tour Title. John joined the Super Senior Tour in California bowling 8 tournaments in 2005. He won 5 times and placed second twice in that same year. John also has a 2nd place finish in the 40 and over High Roller, but most impressive of all is John has won a Senior PBA tournament title. John went out on tour with the PBA in 1980 and 1981 whe he cashed 9 times. His highest finish was in the Miller High Life Open with a very nice 8th place finish. John took advantage of the WIBC/ABC Mixed National Championships held here in Las Vegas by winning 4 titles. They are; ABC Senior Scratch Champion, ABC Senior Mixed Doubles Scratch Champion, ABC Mixed Open Scratch Doubles Champion and ABC Mixed Trio Champions. In 2003, John won a ROTOGRIP/WildDOG Doubles Title. As an action player, John has taken on any and all that have challanged him and most have left with a lot less money than when they challenged him. In the latter part of 2005 and all of 2006, John was unable to bowl due to health problems but came back strong in 2007 with a win in the West Coast Senior tour in April. John has demonstrated stong leadership qualities throughout his career and is always willing to lend advice or give a helping hand to anyone who asks.