Joe Drkula
(Deceased)

Pioneers of Yesterday
1989

Involvement with bowling began nearly sixty years ago. In that time has distinguished himself as a bowler, bowling sponsor and proprietor. As a bowler, averaged between 190 and 200, won the St. Paul City Handicap All Events title during the 1967-68 season with 1991 (actual score was 1887), was a member of 1968 league championship teams and rolled 33 - 700 or more series with his first coming at age 17. Won the high average in various leagues 53 times. Personal bests are a 299 game and 758 series. Was a member of the Drkula's team which, in 1959 reeled off 48 consecutive wins during league play for the (still stands) state record. Has also competed in several State and National tournaments. As a sponsor, has been a sponsor for 53 consecutive years and over that period sponsored many bowling teams. As a proprietor, is proprietor of four bowling centers in the St. Paul area. He has been a member of the St. Paul City and Minnesota State BPA's for 31 years (as of 1988). Started the junior bowling program in South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights and West St. Paul in 1963. Hosted the first US Open in 1971, hosted junior boy's and girl's State Association tournaments for many years, the men's and women's St. Paul City tournaments, the boy's and girl's State Jamboree 17 times(as of 1988), the women's St. Paul 600 Club tournament and the women's WIBC at his New Hope Lanes.