Hammer’s Brian Graham Returns to USBC as Director of Youth Development
01/10/2008
HOPKINSVILLE, Kent.
Brian Graham, Hammer Brand Manager, is returning to the
USBC to spearhead the organization’s youth bowling initiatives as Director of
Youth Development. Prior to joining Hammer, Graham served as the Director of College
Bowling USA.
"Growing the sport is, and has always been, my number one concern," said Graham.
"Today’s youth are tomorrow’s future and it’s my goal to develop and initiate
programs to support these young athletes as they mature in the sport. With all
the resources available through the USBC, I’m positive that youth bowling will
see tremendous strides in participation numbers this year. I look forward to being
a part of that."
The Hammer brand has reached legendary status under Graham’s tutelage. The brand’s
Black Widow series is the hottest ball line on the market today. Bowlers nationwide
are throwing record scores and there’s no slowdown in sight as the brand just
launched the Black Widow Pearl and Black Widow Spare in late 2007 and the Black
Widow Bite on January 4.
"Seeing Hammer return to the top of the market in terms of sales and loyal Hammerheads
has been a great ride and I wouldn’t trade this time for anything," said Graham.
"But, knowing that I am returning to a position that is so close to my heart makes
this transition much easier for me."
A league bowler since age five, Graham was born and raised in Kokomo, Ind., and
went on to attend Vincennes University and University of Nebraska where he earned
a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with Marketing Emphasis. As a member
of bowling teams at Vincennes and Nebraska, he was named First Team All-American
and won the collegiate single championship. In 1997, he was a member of Team USA
and won Gold Medals in the FIQ American Zone Championships in the singles and
team events.
Graham, who joined Hammer in 2004, continues to remain a competitive bowler today
with the support of his wife and two children.
"Although we hate to lose such a dynamic member of our team, we’re excited to
see him return to his lifelong passion," said Bob Reid, vice president of marketing
for Ebonite International, Inc. "Ebonite International has said time and again
that we’ve got to do something to turn around participation numbers and we’ve
got to start with our youth. They’ve got longevity in the sport, and, if appropriately
supported, will turn around the dismal league numbers we’re experiencing today.
"I have no doubt that Brian is ready to tackle that challenge head-on and will
certainly make a positive impact on the future of youth bowling. We certainly
wish him all the best and the full support of all our brands in his endeavors."
Graham will begin his new role on January 28.
Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company
that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both
domestically and internationally. The company’s consumer product brands include
Ebonite, Hammer, Robby’s, Columbia 300 and Track. Its commercial product brands
are Ebonite VanTech Capital Equipment, Vantage Genuine Parts, Ebonite Bowling
Center Direct and Powerhouse™.
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