Arlington, Texas –Former United States Bowling Congress Communications Manager Matt Cannizzaro and International Bowling Media Association Past President Johnny Campos secured the most individual honors in the 2022 IBMA Writing Competition.
Cannizzaro, a first-time entrant who oversaw media relations at the USBC Open Championships for 18 years, and Campos, who writes for various national publications and his own blog, earned four honors each. Cannizzaro captured first and second places in both the Division 1 News and Feature categories. Campos took the top two spots in Division 2 News, first place in Division 2 Feature, and second place in Division 1 Business.
Bob Johnson, the most honored writer in history, joined former bowling publisher Frenchy LeTourneau with three awards each. Johnson was joined by his wife and first-time winner Michelle to make it a family affair.
Bob Johnson captured first and honorable mention in Division 1 Editorial and tied for honorable mention in Division 1 Feature. His wife won Division 1 Business. Other multiple winners were Barry Sparks with second place in Division 2 Feature and honorable mention in Division 1 Business and Nolan Hughes with honorable mention in Division 2 Editorial and a tie for honorable mention in Division 1 Feature.
They were among 10 IBMA members who earned honors as judged by a panel of distinguished journalists in four categories: Editorial, Feature, News, and Business. Their work was published in bowling-related newspapers, newsletters and on websites in the 2022 calendar year. Entries from major industry magazines or online forums were rated in Division 1 with regional, state, local, or other online outlets in Division 2.
All winners, runners-up and honorable mention recipients will be recognized June 28-29 at the IBMA Booth at the Bowl Expo Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.
The 2022 IBMA Annual Writing Competition winners:
DIVISION 1:
FEATURE:
Winner: Can-Do Kid Takes on 2022 USBC Open, Matt Cannizzaro, Bowl.com, April 23, 2022
Runner-up: Dream Debut at 2022 USBC Open, Matt Cannizzaro, Bowl.com, April 30, 2022
Honorable Mention: (Tie) A Remarkable Adult Decision, Bob Johnson, Bowling Center Management, August 2022 and Remembering Tony Reyes, Nolan Hughes, PBA.com, Oct. 3, 2022
EDITORIAL:
Winner: Bowling Family Steps Up in Time of Need, Bob Johnson, Bowling Center Management, January 2022
Runner-up: Bowling in Commercials, Jef Goodger, Bowlers Journal, August 2022
Honorable Mention: Looking Forward to Post Covid Climate, Bob Johnson, Bowling Center Management, February 2022
NEWS:
Winner: Minnesota Bowler Overcomes Obstacles, Matt Cannizzaro, Bowl.com, May 1, 2022
Runner-up: Inspired Jake Peters Sets Pace at Team USA, Matt Cannizzaro, Bowl.com, Jan. 3, 2022
Honorable Mention: PBA King of the Lanes: Royal Family Edition, Jill Winters, PBA.com, June 9, 2022
BUSINESS:
Winner: Beyond the Call of Duty, Michelle Johnson, Bowling Center Management, November 2022
Runner-up: A Business Vision That Has A(Peel), Johnny Campos, Bowling Center Management, December 2022
Honorable Mention: The Kitchen Conundrum, Barry Sparks, Bowling Center Management, September 2022
DIVISION 2
FEATURE:
Winner: Young Female Bowler Breaking Barriers Two-Handed, Johnny Campos, IBMA/Teen Masters/Facebook, Aug. 11, 2022
Runner-up: Hall of Famer Makes Stop in Red Lion, Barry Sparks, York (Pennsylvania) Dispatch, July 6, 2022
Honorable Mention: Lights, Computers, Action, Frenchy LeTourneau, Desert Bowler, August 2022
EDITORIAL:
Winner: Things That Annoy Seasoned Bowlers, Frenchy LeTourneau, Desert Bowler, April 2022
Runner-up: Things We Like…And Don’t, Frenchy LeTourneau, Desert Bowler, February 2022
Honorable Mention: 2022 PBA League Draft Reactions, Nolan Hughes, Can’t Lose Hughes Daily-ish (Substack – blog), May 19, 2022
NEWS:
Winner: Young Guns No Match for Old School Bowlers, Johnny Campos, Mastersbowling.com, Sept. 12, 2022
Runner-up: Blind Draw Doubles Team, Johnny Campos, Mastersbowling.com, Dec. 19, 2022
Honorable Mention: 2022 PBA Recap, Josh Hyde, Josh Hyde’s Bowling Newsletter, November 2022
BUSINESS: (No entries)