ARLINGTON, Texas - Kegel founder John Davis was posthumously honored with the 2013 Jim Jaryszak Laneman Award on Wednesday during Bowl Expo in Las Vegas.

Jonathan Davis (on right in photo), John's son and the Chief Business Development Officer at Kegel, was presented the award by Herman Glenn (in center), the United States Bowling Congress Director of Equipment Specifications. The award recipient is determined by a committee consisting of USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications team members.

"I wish John could have been here because recognition from peers is something that always meant the most to him," Jonathan Davis said. "This award means a lot to all of us at Kegel and our whole family."

John Davis, who died in January at age 64, was a pioneer in lane maintenance. He had several patented inventions to clean and condition bowling lanes, starting with "The Key" cleaning tool that launched Kegel.

"John Davis had a passion for bowling and he made so many significant contributions to the sport," said Neil Stremmel (on left in photo), USBC Managing Director, National Governing Body. "His impact is seen every day in bowling centers throughout the world and will continue to be seen for a long time."

Davis' support of bowling includes fully funding PBA's lane maintenance program from 1997-2004 and serving as chair of the World Tenpin Bowling Association Technical Committee from 2000-2008. The WTBA announced in February the creation of the WTBA John Davis Memorial Award to recognize individuals who have selflessly devoted their time and resources to the sport.

Davis is the third person to be honored with the Jim Jaryszak Laneman Award. Len Nicholson, a former director of lane maintenance for the Professional Bowlers Association, was the first recipient in 2011, and Sam Baca, the first Director of Lane Maintenance for the PBA, received the award in 2012.

The Jim Jaryszak Laneman Award is named for the former USBC Research Manager who passed away in 2010. Jaryszak was instrumental in setting up the USBC Sport Bowling program.