Milton “Pete” Gunn began bowling in the late 1960s because it was too cold to play basketball outside in the winter. He averaged 180 in his first year as a sanctioned league bowler and rolled his first 300 game the next season. Pete is known for his smooth delivery, and he maintained a league average of 200-plus for most of his bowling career. He has been a dependable supporter of the local association by bowling two or more leagues each season since he began.
He attributes his knowledge of the game to local and touring pros as well as to a book by Dick Weber entitled Weber on Bowling. He spent hours practicing to improve his game in the early years and bowled every local tournament he could. He became a PBA member in 1992.
Pete has always been a positive ambassador for the sport, and he spent many years coaching bowlers of all ages, individually and through organized programs. Some of his students include fellow NCAUSBCA Hall of Fame members Rich Wolfe, Terry Wiley, Lisa Rand, and Richard Dodge as well as other outstanding bowlers from the area such as Ken Shaw and Jay Gaskill.
In February 1999, in recognition of Pete’s support for youth bowling, the winner of the Sports Plus Junior Classic Tournament received a $500 “Pete Gunn Youth Bowling Scholarship.” He also served area bowlers while working at Dave’s Pro Shop at Seminary Lanes.
Pete’s bowling accomplishments include 23 perfect games—two of which were bowled on the same night in different leagues at AMF Annandale; numerous games of 290 to 299; 13 800 series, with a high of 838; four association Triple Crown awards; a high league average of 220; and multiple cashes in PBA competition.
Milton “Pete” Gunn’s dedication to the sport of bowling, his accomplishments on and off the lanes, and the fact that he’s always been a stand-up ambassador for the sport make him a worthy addition to the NCAUSBCA Hall of Fame.
Back to Hall of Fame