William (Bill) L. Janssen was inducted into the Kansas USBC BA Hall of Fame on April 25th. A formal dinner was held in Wichita to honor him.
Bill was born Nov. 28, 1949, and began his bowling career in 1963 bowling in Youth League. He continued bowling during college switching to Adult Leagues. Moving to Great Bend in the early 70’s, his passion for the sport took off. He bowled in every league possible – many time five nights a week. Bill was an above average bowler – carrying a 200 plus average for many years. Bill still holds the Walnut Bowl house series record of 830. Bill has many honor scores, but has never achieved the perfect 300 game.
Bill also bowled in many tournaments as well as traveling across the county to accomplish that. He bowled in the Springfield Great Ozarks Open for 26 years – the Kansas State USBC Open Tournament 26 times – and has received the award for bowling in the National Tournament for 25 consecutive years.
Bill was also heavily involved in the administrative side of bowling – holding every office possible in the Leagues he bowled in. He also held many offices in the local Bowling Association including Vice President, Director and Committee Chairman. In 1994 – Bill was elected into the Central Kansas USBC Hall of Fame – which is the local bowling association.
Bill’s biggest reward is not the cash prizes, trophies or honor scores. Of much more value to Bill is meeting so many wonderful people and making them his friends. The greatest find for Bill on the lanes was Bill’s wife Shirley – meeting her on the lanes during league.  
Bill’s health no longer allows him to bowl – but his heart remains on the lanes.