Winner: John LaSpina

John LaSpinaBowling center

president

John LaSpina of Long Beach has received the 2012 Mike Hennessy Award of Merit from the Bowling Writers Association of America based on his contributions to bowling through education, promotion and commentary on issues affecting the sport. LaSpina is president of Maple Family Bowling Centers, a 52-year-old family business that owns bowling alleys in Coram, Farmingdale, Rockville Centre, Flushing and Brooklyn. He has also served as vice president of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America, president of both the New York City and New York State bowling proprietors associations, and chair of the Tri-State Bowling Promotions Committee.