Duggan, Norton are elected to the Women's Hall of Fame - New Products & Industry News - bowlers Anne Marie Duggan and Virginia Norton

Bowling Digest, August, 2003

ANNE MARIE DUGGAN AND VIRGINIA Norton have been selected as "performance" inductees to the Women's Professional Bowling Hall of Fame. They were elected by a panel of distinguished bowling writers, industry personnel and current Hall of Fame members.

Norton was named on 28% of the ballots, while Duggan was selected by 27% of the voters. Both new members will be honored during the fall stretch of the season. Other bowlers considered include Pam Buckner, Cheryl Daniels, and Carol Norman.

"When I started my career, I never dreamed of being inducted in the Hall of Fame," Duggan says. "I feel fortunate to be included in such an exclusive group. This is very special for me because I am originally from Cypress, Calif., and so is Virginia."

Now entering her 21st season as a national touring member, Duggan burst onto the circuit in 1983, winning the first pro tournament in which she competed (Houston Open). She ended her freshman season by being named Rookie of the Year. Since that time the righthander has earned 15 national titles and 24 regional titles, appeared in more than 80 televised finals, and climbed to fifth on the PWBA's all-time pinfall list. Duggan also has been named to five WIBC All-American teams and was the PWBA Player of the Year and BWAA Bowler of the Year in 1984. A two-time high average award winner, Duggan holds the PWBA record for the highest eight-game block (262.12, Omaha Lancers Open, 1995).

Norton was equally as deserving--even if she didn't think so herself: "This is a wonderful honor that has really caught me by surprise. I never thought I would be inducted because I didn't think I had the credentials."

The election committee disagreed. Norton--who is also a member of the WIBC, Los Angeles and Southern California Halls of Fame--won eight professional rifles in her 25-year career. She is best known for her performances at the WIBC tournaments, where she ranks second all-time in all-events titles with three. She has also claimed two WIBC team titles and one singles title, and is a five-time WIBC and Bowlers Journal International All-American.