AKRON — The Tri-County Bowling Hall of Fame (Summit, Portage and Medina counties) will be inducting three new members and honoring two others during its annual induction dinner June 6.
The ceremonies will be held at Guy’s Party Center, with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 and the ceremonies at 8. Former PBA national champion Ron Bell will be the guest speaker.
Being honored with the Bill White Pioneer Award will be Bettie Blasdale and Jim A. Mitchell.
Tickets are $50 ($45.00 for past inductees). For information, contact either Jim Mitchell (jimmitchell324@gmail.com) or Julie Molenaur (jlmolenaur1956@gmail.com)
Here is a look at the 2025 inductees as provided by the committee:
ERIC HARTLINE
Hartline was selected in the outstanding service category. Some of Hartline’s accomplishments are: (2010-present) Ohio State USBC Senior Tournament Assistant; Ohio State USBC Open Champion Team Manager; (2011) Won the “Most for Bowling Award” from SCUSBC; (2018-present) Ohio State USBC Publicity & Promotions Director; (1999-2009) Director Greater Summit County USBC; past president of Greater Summit County USBC YA; (2020) Inducted into the Ohio State Bowling Hall of Fame (meritorious service)
He also is a solid player, with two 300 games and high series of 775 and a high average of 215.
JOHN KERTIS
Kertis was selected in the bowling ability category. Some of Kertis’ accomplishments are: (1998) PCUSBC men’s all events champion;(1999) PCUSBC singles champion; (1999) PCUSBC all events champion. (2016-17-18); SCUSBC Men’s All-Star Team; (2019-20) TNBA Akron Senate “Bowler of the Year;” (2022) PBA50 Central Region Ohio Lottery Open second Place; (2024) PBA50 Central Region Ohio Lottery Open champion; (2023) inducted into the Portage County Bowling Hall of Fame. He owns 73 300 games and 35 800 series, with a high of 868. He has a high career average of 240.
JOE BAILEY
Bailey is being inducted in the bowling ability category. Some of Bailey’s accomplishments include: (2000-01) State amateur champion; (2016) USBC Open Championship, team all-events champion; PBA Regional Kokomo Classic champion; Gobbler Scratch Classic Champion; Bud Light Challenge Doubles Champion with Dan Higgins (also won it again in 2018: (2024) USBC Open Championship, team all-events Champion. He owns 95 300 games to go along with 30 800 series, including a high of 835, to go along with a high average of 238.