New York State USBC Honors Eight at Annual Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner
Class of 2026 seated Jennifer Close (Creno), Charles "Chuck" Radick Service to Bowing, Tom Sullivan Sullivan , Dennis "Butch" Van Gorden, Roger Buckman. Past H Waite, R Moro, J Adams, A Melnyk, B Appleby, A Alexander III, M Callan, B Vee and M Chetney
HOF Award Chair Doug Bohannon, 2026 Service to Youth Awards Winner Stephanie Keller and NYSUSBC President Frank Wilkinson.
Date Posted: June 25th, 2026
The New York State USBC honored eight outstanding individuals during its annual Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner, held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Binghamton. The evening celebrated exceptional achievement, dedicated service, youth leadership, and outstanding proprietor support within the bowling community.
Dennis “Butch” Van Gorden, Tom Sullivan, and Jennifer Close (Creno) were inducted into the Hall of Fame for Superior Performance. Roger Buckman was inducted for Meritorious Service. Stephanie Keller received the Service to Youth Award, Charles “Chuck” Radick received the Service to Bowling Award, and Kelvin Parker and Russ Vallone of ABC Gates Bowl were named Proprietors of the Year.
Superior Performance
Dennis “Butch” Van Gorden, Jordan, NY — Dennis “Butch” Van Gorden is widely respected as a standard-bearer of excellence in Central New York bowling. His remarkable career has earned him a place among the sport’s most accomplished and admired competitors.
Over 39 years as a devoted member of CNY USBC, Van Gorden has built an impressive record distinguished by numerous 800 series, multiple 300 games, and exceptional success in local, state, and national competition. His achievements include an 825 series in 2024, Florida Senior States All-Events Champion honors in 2024, and induction into the CNY USBC Hall of Fame in 2019.
Beyond his accomplishments on the lanes, Van Gorden has enriched the game through his stewardship of Hooks Pro Shop and his longtime participation in the USBC National Tournament. His legacy reflects excellence, sportsmanship, dignity, and meaningful service to bowling.
Tom Sullivan, Ithaca, NY — Tom Sullivan is a true bowling standout whose career has made a lasting impact at the local, state, and national levels. For more than 30 years, he has represented Seven Valley USBC and Ithaca USBC with distinction.
Sullivan’s extraordinary resume includes 12 perfect 300 games, three 800 series, multiple 299 and 298 games, and numerous league and tournament championships. His accomplishments include standout performances in the Hoinke Classic, Ithaca BA championships, and PBA Regional competition, along with induction into the Ithaca USBC Hall of Fame.
Admired for his talent, determination, and longevity, Sullivan continues to inspire fellow bowlers and exemplifies the excellence, passion, and sportsmanship worthy of Hall of Fame recognition.
Jennifer Close (Creno), Syracuse, NY — Jennifer Close (Creno) is a distinguished bowler whose career reflects decades of excellence and achievement at the local, state, and national levels. A member of NYS USBC for more than 15 years, she has competed in more than ten NYS USBC Championship Tournaments while consistently demonstrating superior performance.
Her impressive record includes multiple 300 games, high series scores, and numerous league and tournament championships. Close has also been recognized as Bowler of the Year, inducted into the Syracuse Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame, and honored with high average awards across several leagues.
She has claimed titles in prestigious events including the NYS USBC Queens Tournament, Post Standard Women’s Masters, and Wild Irish Rose Open. Her dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership have made her a role model throughout the bowling community.
Meritorious Service
Roger Buckman, Victor, NY — Roger Buckman’s remarkable record of service reflects more than five decades of distinguished leadership and unwavering dedication to bowling. At the local, state, and national levels, he has given generously of his time, talent, and expertise to strengthen the sport and the organizations that support it.
A longtime delegate to New York State and national ABC/USBC annual meetings and conventions, Buckman has represented bowlers with integrity and purpose while contributing to the governance and growth of the sport. His state service includes leadership as Director, Vice President, and President of the New York State USBC, as well as extensive committee work and support for Hall of Fame initiatives.
Buckman’s influence has also been deeply felt in local bowling. He has served in numerous leadership roles, including Director, Vice President, and President within Rochester bowling associations and President of Rochester NY USBC. His work across transition, governance, public relations, Hall of Fame committees, and association events has advanced the sport with distinction. Inducted into the Rochester NY USBC Hall of Fame in 2009, Buckman remains a respected ambassador whose legacy has enriched bowling throughout New York State.
Service to Youth
Stephanie Keller, Troy, NY — Stephanie Keller has devoted more than two decades to supporting youth bowling and helping young athletes grow both on and off the lanes. A member of Troy USBC and an active leader in New York State youth bowling, she is known for her encouragement, generosity, and commitment to putting young bowlers first.
Her service reflects the values celebrated by the New York State USBC Service to Youth Award and the organization’s commitment to recognizing leaders who strengthen youth bowling programs across the state.
Keller serves as secretary of the New York State Youth Committee and co-chair of the Youth Team Championships, helping create meaningful opportunities for youth bowlers and supporting State Finals as a premier experience. She is also valued as a mentor, listener, and source of support for young people. Through her leadership and kindness, Keller continues to make the bowling community stronger and more welcoming for the next generation.
Service to Bowling
Charles “Chuck” Radick, Preston Hollow, NY — For nearly 60 years, Charles “Chuck” Radick has represented the very best of bowling through service, generosity, and quiet devotion to others.
Since becoming a New York State USBC member in 1968, Radick has given his time and talents wholeheartedly, including more than 55 years as secretary-treasurer of the Del Lanes Classic League. He also played a key role in establishing the Schoharie County YABA monthly youth scholarship tournament and spent years coaching youth bowlers, helping young people build both skill and confidence.
Radick’s commitment extends beyond the lanes through faithful service to his church, his community, and his family. A member of both the Albany BA and Schoharie BA Halls of Fame, he leaves a legacy measured not only by accomplishments, but by the many lives he has touched.
Proprietors of the Year
Kelvin Parker and Russ Vallone, ABC Gates Bowl, Rochester, NY — Kelvin Parker and Russ Vallone, co-owners of ABC Gates Bowl in Gates, New York, have quickly established their center as a premier destination for league and tournament bowling.
In just six years of business, Parker and Vallone have made a significant impact by creating a welcoming environment for bowlers of all ages and skill levels while balancing competitive league play with family-friendly entertainment. Their support of certified bowling and major tournament competition includes hosting and bidding on events at the local, state, and national levels, including Rochester USBC tournaments, scholarship tournaments, youth championships, the Players Championship, and the Elite Youth Tournament. ABC Gates Bowl also hosted the PWBA U.S. Open in its first year of operation and has welcomed the event multiple times since. Beyond bowling, Parker and Vallone have supported their community through local team sponsorships in Gates and Spencerport, making them highly deserving of this recognition.
