HISTORY OF DUNBAR BOWLING CENTER

Purchased in 1982 by HD Sturm and son James Sturm, Dunbar Bowling Center grew to become one of the most successful centers in the country. It is home to the largest youth program in the state of West Virginia and the largest number of sanction league bowlers not just in the state but also in the country per lane bed. The elder Sturm stated working in the business in 1944 and continued till 1952. The youngest Sturm attended Vincennes University where he was first Team All American and a member of the 1980 US Team. Jimmy known by his friends and fellow bowlers has been a longtime card carrying member of the PBA with 3 Regional Titles. With his passion for youth bowling and coaching, Jimmy enhanced those areas into the business which has developed the Dunbar Lanes into the learning center for bowling, Jimmy has taken the efforts to a national level by authoring two educational coaching CD’s on bowling that has swept the country. Jimmy makes it a point that the entire staff is certified to teach bowling. The last two years has taken Jimmy away from the center, as he has become a National Officer for the Bowling Proprietor Association of America. From 2002-2004 Jimmy was Secretary Treasures, today he serves as Vice President and Chairman of the board of Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm of the Bowling Industry. There is no worry while Jimmy is away; the center is in capable hands of manager Bill Dougherty, an employee since 1986. Bill has also developed into the centers Master Professional Instructor and has become known as the Birthday Party Specialist. Bill’s dream is to get a ball into every childs hand that enters the center. Bill is anchored by Missy Sturm (Jimmy’s wife) as the League Coordinator and Brad Brannon, Asst. Manager and Pro Shop Operator. The center controls are operated by TJ Shaffer and Andrew Derrick, which has gained the image as the Cleanest Center East of the Mississippi. Last but not least is the centers pride and joy the Pin Deck Restaurant where fun and relaxation meets fine dining. Tara Kelley, Jamie May, and Patty Brannon will make coming to Dunbar Bowling Center a dining enjoyment for the entire family. As our slogan goes…Bowling at Dunbar is entertaining and fun, making sure you're having fun is our job.