CARMAN BOWLERS' ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME

JACK McKAY

One of the most impressive examples of longevity in 5 pin bowling, Mr. Jack McKay began bowling in 1962, and excelled in the sport for over 35 years.  Convinced to visit the newly opened Carman 5 Pin Bowl by his wife Lil, Jack soon decided that he would “rather go bowling than eat”.  Early in his career, Jack bowled 4 leagues a week, including the Men’s League in Portage, along with John Harrison and Emile Collomb.  On Saturdays, the men would meet at the lanes to play pot games on the side to round out their week.

Although he was told it would take years for him to become a 200 average bowler, Jack achieved the feat by his second season, and never looked back.  His numerous League High Average Awards, including 235 in 68-69, 237 in 76-77, and 240 in 1988-1989, cover a 20 year span.  In all three of these seasons, as well as others, Jack won the league “Triple Crown” for High Single, High Triple, as well as High Average.  Perhaps the most impressive feat achieved by Jack, in league play was his Triple Crown award in 1996-1997, when at the age of 74, he won High Single with 380, High Triple with 882, and High Average with 242.  For much of that year, Jack held the highest Club 55+ average in the nation.  Along with high score awards, Jack is also proud of his countless years of perfect attendance, a testament to his love of the sport.

Jack also excelled in tournament play.  He won the Carman Bowlers' Association Open Singles Championship in 88-89 and 89-90, and also qualified to represent Central Manitoba at the Manitoba Open Provincial Championships on many occasions.  In the 1987 Provincial Championship in Portage la Prairie, Jack won 11 out of a possible 12 games on the Men’s team, a feat equaled or exceeded only a very few times in the history of the event.  Another tournament highlight was representing Manitoba at the 1983 C5PBA High/Low Doubles National Championships in Winnipeg.  Although he and teammate Chris Clark failed to capture the title, Jack is said to have done some of his finest bowling on that National stage.

Coaching and mentoring young bowlers was also a big part of the time Jack spent at the lanes.  He coached at numerous Youth Bowling Council Zone, Provincial and National Finals, where Carman youth, including his children, excelled.  Son Barry, and daughters Cyndie-Lynne and Sherri-Lee, all won Provincial titles representing Carman 5 Pin Bowl.

When Jack left the game due to back problems in 1999, he left behind a legacy matched by few, and we are proud to honour him tonight as a Carman Bowlers' Association Hall of Fame Inductee.

Welcome to the Online Home of the Carman Bowlers' Association

The Carman Bowlers' Association Hall of Fame was created in 2007 to honor exceptional achievements in the sport of 5 pin bowling in Carman and area.  Our three inaugural members were inducted during the Carman Bowlers Association 25th Anniversary banquet, in front of over 200 bowlers and dignitaries from across Manitoba.