Hatchers honored for their contributions to the local bowling community
Bellefontaine couple enters Bellefontaine halls of fame

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As cornerstones of the local bowling community for many years, any bowling Hall of Fame in Bellefontaine would be missing something if Rick and Jill Hatcher were not in it.

That long deserved honor was extended to the Hatchers recently when they were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their respective bowling associations in Bellefontaine.

In previous years, the men’s and women’s bowling associations at T-P Lanes had individual banquets and conducted their Hall of Fame induction ceremonies separately.

However, in a fitting tribute, a joint banquet was planned this year in order for the Bellefontaine couple to enter the Hall of Fame on the same night.

“It was the first time the banquet has been combined,” said Rick Hatcher, who was a longtime co-proprietor of T-P Lanes with his brother-in-law Scott Robinson.

“It made it extra special for Jill and I to do this at the same time. Our business was based on family. To be inducted with my wife goes along with that family atmosphere we worked hard to create.”

Prior to T-P Lanes being sold to current owners William and Diane Jullien four years ago, the local bowling alley was operated by the Robinson/Hatcher families for 56 years.

“It would have made my dad so proud,” said Jill Hatcher of the induction banquet. “The bowling alley was my family.”

Also adding a touching moment to the festivities was Scott Robinson making the induction speech for Rick. Robinson now spends most of the year in Florida with his wife Rita, but made a trip back to Bellefontaine for the banquet.

“Scott is not only my brother-in-law and my former business partner, but he is also my best friend,” said Rick. “For him to come home just for this meant a lot to me.”

During his speech, Robinson spoke of his brother-in-law’s passion to make others feel welcome in the Bellefontaine bowling community. Robinson said Hatcher gained more pleasure from congratulating others than from his own achievements on the lanes.

Working alongside Robinson, Hatcher spent countless hours promoting the sport during his time at T-P Lanes. Many of his efforts were done behind the scenes, like the meticulous planning and organizing he did each year to register bowlers for the state tournament. He helped fill out entry forms, placed individuals on teams and located hotel rooms for the large yearly contingent of local bowlers.

Through his work at the bowling alley and the time he spent bowling in leagues there, Rick developed a large network of friendships. His customers quickly became close friends.

“It did not seem like a job to me because I was able to spend every day and every night with my friends,” he said.

Although Jill Hatcher’s work was often done outside of the limelight, she also was a tireless promoter and supporter of the sport.

She served the local bowling community in a variety of ways. She helped with youth league parties, end-of-the-year scotch doubles events and in many other capacities where a helping hand was needed.

Jill also made her mark on the lanes. Growing up on the sport, she learned to roll a ball when she was five. She bowled in youth leagues during her high school years and went on to enjoy a great deal of success as an adult bowler.

Among her accomplishments were three city doubles titles (with Betty Stanley during the 1981-82 season and with Megan Nicholl during the 1997-98 and the 2001-02 seasons) and a city singles title in 2000-01.

When looking back at their most fond memories at T-P Lanes, both husband and wife singled out the high school bowling program they helped begin seven years ago. High school bowling has since become a sanctioned sport by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

“It was really important to us to get high school bowling started,” said Jill. “There are kids that maybe can’t play football or basketball, but they can bowl.

“It was great to see so many kids get involved along with their grandparents. There are not too many sports that a kid can go out and practice with their grandparents and get advice from them.”

During other banquet activities, four volunteer of the year awards were presented. Romona Booher and Dave Stephens were recognized for their help with the city tournament, Paul Moore was honored for his efforts with the 50/50 event and John Nicholl received an award for taking pictures of banquets and activities at T-P Lanes.

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