2026 BOWLING INDUSTRY SERVICE AWARDS
ARLINGTON, Texas - (January 26, 2026) - The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA) announced the recipients of the 2026 Bowling Industry Service Awards during their mid-winter meeting at Bowling Summit in San Antonio last week.
Bill Kuczinski (Fairview Park, Ohio) will receive the coveted V. A. Wapensky Award, named after BPAA's long-time chief executive officer, "Chief" Wapensky. Kuczinski is being honored with the award for his lifetime support of bowling and endless promotion of the sport. He has been known as the “Birthday King” for his bowling birthday party promotion and is a founding partner of the Kids Bowl Free program.
Erik Gialdella (Oshkosh, Wisconsin) is BPAA’s 2026 Proprietor of the Year. He owns and operates three centers in Wisconsin under the Revs Brand. Gialdella was nominated by his management team, which told the BPAA Awards Committee that Gialdella works hard to build a solid foundation for all staff, incorporating team-building and fun activities. He also continually improves the centers to elevate guest experiences. Gialdella also ensures that all his centers support their communities by donating to fundraisers and benefits.
Frank J. Wilkinson (Staten Island, New York) was selected by BPAA President Tyler Herreman for the President’s Award for his role in starting a new “Young Guns” group, proprietors under 40 years of age. An integral part of the new group is the original Young Gun proprietors, who serve as mentors. The original group started in 2005 and was incredibly successful. The original Young Guns consisted of approximately 20 young proprietors, and all of them either became BPAA committee members and/or served as BPAA board members.
Michael Hall (Annapolis, Maryland) was chosen for the Special Project award for his work helping coordinate a variety of activities at the Go Bowling Military Bowl over the last two years.
Stefanie Johnson (McKinney, Texas) was chosen as the Dick Weber Bowling Ambassador award recipient for her promotion of the sport and grace with bowlers both on and off the lanes.
Jay Burnett (South Boston, Virginia) is being recognized with the Ruben A. Dankoff Award for Public Policy and Legislative Service. Burnett operates the World of Sports and has served on the BPAA Government Affairs committee since 2021. He regularly works with his local and state representatives to make them aware of legislation that affects small businesses and the bowling industry.
Yianni Mavrakis (Cicero, Illinois) was chosen for the Media award. Mavrakis has over one million followers across his social media platforms and engaged them during his renovation of a dilapidated bowling center—Town Hall Bowl. His posts stirred memories not only of the center but also of the wonderful times people had bowling. Mavrakis raised the awareness of bowling and engaged his followers for suggestions on certain design elements for the center.
The Greater Omaha Association was chosen as the BPAA USBC Association of the Year. Barb Melonis (Omaha, Nebraska) has been an invaluable resource for bowlers and proprietors in the Omaha area.
Tyler Herreman, BPAA President and Awards Committee Chairman, said, "It is an honor and privilege to review all the nominees for industry service awards. The BPAA Awards Committee carefully considers each award’s criteria to select the best individual to receive these notable awards. We look forward to the awards luncheon at International Bowl Expo to honor these award recipients."
The Bowling Industry Service Awards will be presented at the annual awards luncheon during International Bowl Expo 2026 at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. The BPAA USBC Association Award will be presented during the USBC Annual Convention.