Derek Payne started bowling in his 20s for fun but enjoyed the sport well enough to consider joining a league at Seminary Lanes. While learning to improve his game, he went to have his first ball drilled by Gary Parsons, who showed him the mechanics of the game and hired him to work at Red Nelson's Pro Shop. With this first ball drilling, he achieved his first 300 game. While later working for Parsons, Derek began to drill balls and increased his knowledge to improve his game. His education and training provided him with the tools necessary to be proficient at the game and, as a result, he has achieved some of the highest honors a bowler can get.
His training consists of certification as a Technical Bowling Pro Shop Professional by the International Bowling Pro Shop Instructors Association (IPSIA), and he has attended several bowling ball seminars to enhance his skills in the sport. He has certification for his skill in measuring and drilling by the patented Max Y Grip.
Derek's devotion to the sport did not stop with obtaining his own personal achievements. He wanted to share his experience with other bowlers, both on the adult and youth levels. In October 2023, Derek became a Silver Level coach and began to coach youth bowlers of all ages who aspired to improve their game. He is enthusiastic about the sport and provides his knowledge to adults to assist them in improving their game as well.
His patience and understanding from start to finish, with the correct bowling equipment and helping each person to recognize their dreams and potential, provides them with exceptional gratification as he watches them pursue their goals to become better bowlers. He has also been a mentor that many young people have looked up to as they prepare for the future.
Derek is a bowler who gives his heart and soul to the game. He currently bowls in four leagues -- Monday Morning Trios, Friday Night Mixed Duos, and Tri Nightly at Crofton as well as the Bud Scratch Trios at The Lanes Fort Meade. He continues to work at World Class Pro Shop where he has been for over 30 years as a certified ball driller. He is a native Washingtonian who currently resides in Upper Marlboro. He is a retired firefighter who is married with two sons.
Some of Derek's achievements include but are not limited to: 40-plus 300 games; eight 299 games and one 298; numerous 700 series as well as several 800 series, with the highest being 851. He's been a member of the Professional Bowlers Association for approximately 33 years and also is a member of the Radical Bowling Ball Regional Staff.
Local association recognition consists of: He was the high average male in the NCAUSBCA 2022-2023 season in the Bud Scratch Trios League at Fort Meade with an average of 196.55 on a sports shot. He placed eighth with the standard house shot in the Monday Morning Trios at Crofton with an average of 229.8778. He is a member of the Registered Volunteer Program. Silver level trained bowling coach since 2024 vice president of his bowling league PBA Member bowling for approximately three years Derek has also participated in many NCAUSBCA tournaments as well as regional tournaments placing in the top five.
Derek Payne's performance on and off the lanes, his contribution and service to the bowlers as well as the recognition he has obtained in the sport of bowling presents him as a very worthy addition to the NCAUSBCA Hall of Fame.
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