David Ozio

David Ozio

Bowling

In 1977, David Ozio joined the Professional Bowlers' Association Tour and immediately displayed the drive and determination that eventually led him to the Player of the Year Award many years later. Ozio set his mind to succeed and doggedly played the tour. His hard work paid off in 1985 when he won his first tournament at the AMF Angle Open in St. Louis. A second win came that year and Ozio finished 11th on the earnings list.

In the next five years, he won four more titles. He also consistently finished in the top 20 in earnings and average each of those seasons. In 1991, Ozio began the season placing first in two tournaments. He also won the Firestone Tournament of Champions. He led the tour, earning more than $225,000. That same year, after 14 years on the pro tour, Ozio received the 1991 Player of the Year award from the Professional Bowler's Association.

His 11 titles and consistent performances garnered him a place in the Hall of Fame in 1995. His days of competition were far from behind him. In 2004, he held the first round qualifying lead in the 12th Annual American Bowling Congress Senior Masters at the Suncoast Bowler Center held in Las Vegas. He rolled a 1,264 five-game total with games of 245, 214, 278, 259 and 268 to out-distance second place Master's qualifier Paul McCordic of Sugarland. McCordic rolled a 1,202. In Las Vegas, Ozio came out on top of a Senior Masters field of 255 of the sport's top senior professional and amateur players who all competed for a $159,000 prize and $20,000 winner's prize.  

This information is courtesy of the Beaumont Enterprise