Kegel’s Cross receives Jaryszak Laneman Award

ARLINGTON, Texas – Steve Cross, who has handled lane conditions for bowling tournaments around the world, was named the recipient of the 2014 Jim Jaryszak Laneman Award on Wednesday during Bowl Expo in Orlando, Fla.

CrossLaneman200x300The Jim Jaryszak Laneman Award is named for the former United States Bowling Congress Research Manager who passed away in 2010. Jaryszak was instrumental in setting up the USBC Sport Bowling program. The award recipient is determined by a committee consisting of USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications team members.

“To be among names like Len Nicholson, Sam Baca and John Davis is truly an honor,” Cross said.

Cross is the fourth recipient of the Jim Jaryszak Laneman Award. Kegel founder John Davis was posthumously honored with the award in 2013; Sam Baca, the first Director of Lane Maintenance for the PBA, received the award in 2012; and Len Nicholson, a former Director of Lane Maintenance for the PBA, was the first recipient in 2011.

Cross joined the Kegel Company in 1998, and he now serves as a pattern specialist and technical support. With Kegel, he has traveled the world handling the lane conditions for World Tenpin Bowling Association events, and he also co-founded the Kegel Mobile Support Vehicle.

In his time as a laneman, he has been involved with the lane conditions for more than 700 tournaments from the collegiate to the professional level.

“Steve is recognized as one of the top lanemen in the industry for his many decades of work,” said Neil Stremmel, USBC Managing Director, National Governing Body (left, in photo with Cross). “We are proud to honor him for his outstanding work and contributions to the sport.”

Cross has worked in the bowling industry for more than 40 years, starting as a porter in high school and also working in the pro shop and doing the lanes. He continued to work at the center after high school, becoming the pinsetter mechanic and laneman.

He joined the Professional Bowlers Association Tour in 1988 as lane maintenance director. After a decade of work with the organization, he joined Kegel.