Jerry Tessman

Meritorious Service
1991

Bowling career began as a pinsetter at Muggley's Lanes from 1949-1951 and as a member of the Wilson High School bowling team from 1952-1954. Has been a sanctioned member of the ABC since the start of the 1954 season. Is an active member of the Harkins Straightaway League, having completed 33 consecutive years. Served as league President and ten years as league Secretary-Treasurer. Bowls in the Twin City Classic League with 19 years of participation. Helped with the City Tournament for several years while in college and then was elected to Board of Directors of the Greater St. Paul Bowling Association in 1958 at the age of 22. Served as editor of the association year book for eleven years beginning with the third issue. Instrumental in revision of Association Bylaws and in leading process for Incorporation. Initiated Association Newsletter and served as editor for four years. Served as a Vice-President from 1965 to 1968 and was the Association's President during the 1968-1969 season. In 1970 he was elected Treasurer of the Greater St. Paul Bowling Association and served in that capacity for 16 years during which time streamlined the Association's accounting procedures, developed a new budget process, improved financial reporting and initiated new investment strategies. Elected to the Board of Directors of the Minnesota State Bowling Association in 1968 and to Vice-President in 1984. Elected President of the State Association for the 1987-88 season. At the State level, led the effort to modernize the Bylaws, revamped financial systems and reports, fostered development of the Association's Newsletter and initiated a Strategic Planning process to help chart the future direction of the Association. In 1981 elected at the National Convention as a Jurisdiction Director for the American Bowling Congress and was named as the Ninth Vice-President of the ABC in 1988. Currently serves as Sixth Vice-President. In addition to serving and representing 116 local associations in Wisconsin and Minnesota, has been very active at the National level serving on the Finance and Budget, Officers, Education and Marketing Committees. Has chaired the Membership and Legislative Relations Committees and currently serves as Chairman of the Planning Committee and the Joint WIBC/ABC Contingency Planning Task Force. As an ABC Director and Officer has led efforts for financial reform and disclosure and initiated strategic planning as a management practice for the Congress. Has served for 12 years on the Minnesota State Bowling Council and has been active in many local and regional bowling functions and promotions. Has competed in 20 ABC National Tournaments and has consistently average between 185 and 190 in both leagues and tournament play. His lifetime high game is 289 (four times, once in moonlight bowling), high average is 198 and has bowled five 700-or-more series, tops being 728. Has been an active member of the 700 Club and won the B Division Championship in 1988.