Corneil "Bud" Borgman
A lifelong resident of Muskegon, Bud came into the world on November 23, 1927. It wasn't until after serving four years with the 11th Airborne in Japan that Bud found the sport he loved so dearly. The year was 1949 and Bud, anxious to pick up a hobby after serving in the military, found himself in the old (Two Lane) Grand Haven Barn, bowling quite often. Little did Bud know how much that practice would pay off in the future.
It was 1951 when a group of Bud's employees from his own Borgman roofing approached him and wanted to form a team. They did just that at Maple Lanes and Bud's "official" career in bowling began.
Numerous accomplishments were achieved by Bud over the years. It was October 19, 1964, when Bud shot his high game of 299 and high series of 758 at the now defunct Michigan Bowling Center. At the time that series was the third highest the GMBA had ever seen and it earned Bud the Muskegon Chronicle Trophy for the year. Bud's average of 203 in 1968-69 left him second in the city behind current Hall member George Neitering, but Bud didn't have to worry to long. He attained high average in the GMBA just two years later with a 204, a mark that turned out to be his personal best.
Though his individual achievements sparkled, Bud proved he could bowl well with others. Bud was a member of the Love and Jasick Builders team that shot a 3261 on January 13, 1969, a GMBA record at the time. The team would make their mark again two years later with a 3078 high team series for the year. Bud was the City Tournament Actual Doubles Champion twice as well. Teamed up with Robert Bakker in 1968 to shoot a 1278, Bud contributing 680 of those pins. Bud was on the scene again in 1973, joining forces with Hall of Famer Clyde McKentry, firing q 1231 and aiding the cause with a 627.
Bud was known for being one of the better "finesse" bowlers in the GMBA history. This smooth stroking, self taught kegler has certainly earned his spot in the Greater Muskegon Bowling Hall f Fame. Welcome, Bud, you deserve it!.