Pictured Is: The MPUSBC HOF Class Of 2025. Dave Leverage Is The Last Person On The Right.
Editors Note: During his journey on getting nominated for the MPUSBC HOF, and finally getting ensrhined earlier this year. Dave Leverage, of Phoenix, never gave up trying. He is hoping that he will be inducted into the AZ State HOF within the next couple of years. He is hoping to use the same formula he did on the lanes to get into the MPUSBC Hall, into the AZ State Hall. He feels he still has what it takes left in his game, to get across the finish line and into the AZ State Hall.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg
Managing Editor - thetenpinexpress.com.
Phoenix - - - As former NC State legendary head basketball coach Jim Valvano once said: 'Don't give up. Never ever give up'.
Dave Leverage, of Phoenix, never gave up either, when it came time for him to be nominated into the Metro Phoenix USBC Hall of Fame.
"I was nominated by my longtime friend Clancy De Groodt. I was notified by a letter in the mail," he said, of the Class of 2025, that included Chris Klerk and Andrew Cain. "Although I felt I should have been put in five years earlier, I was happy to finally get in."
He cannot think of one major accomplishment that got him into the MPUSBC hall and wanted to make sure he touched all of the bases during his induction speech.
"Not really," he said, of all of his accomplishments. "I think it was just a 30-year body of work that got me in.
"Yes," he added, if the AZ State Hall of Fame is in his sights. "I just need someone to nominate me for the State Hall of Fame. I was nominated in 2025, but I did not get in. My acceptance speech into the MPUSBC Hall was great. I kept it pretty short and sweet, but I made sure to thank each and every league officer. As without their hard work, none of us would have great leagues to bowl in."
The year that he had on the lanes in 2023-24, is yes, the kind of season everybody else wishes they had as well. His 247 average he finished the season with, was not only the high for the Metro Phoenix USBC. But for the State of Arizona as well. He posted the 247 average in the Brunswick SR's Scratch Trio League at Bell Lanes. He also had five perfect games, and five 800 series in 2023-24 also. 817 was the highest of his five 800 series, and it was also rolled at Bell Lanes.
"It was for sure the highest in my personal career," he said, of the 247 average. "When I was denied entry into the AZ State HOF yet again, I decided to set my first ever 'league goal', and I ended up beating everyone in the state at the age of 55 years old! I am pretty confident that I am the oldest player to ever achieve this in AZ State history."
He feels that he has enough points earned to get into the AZ State Hall, and accomplishments on the PBA Regional Tour should also be included into the point system. He also feels he still has what it takes to get across the finish line, and into the Hall.
"Yes. I believe I am one of the best players to ever bowl in Arizona and deserve to be in the State HOF. To this day, none of the PBA accomplishments 'count' for any points," he said, of reaching this goal. "There should be changes since these accomplishments are more difficult than shooting a 300 game or getting 11-in-a-row which DO COUNT for points".
He definitely can back up the above statement. On the PBA50 Regional Tour this past year, it was his best season ever. He made it to the finals in 13 of 13 regional events and secured his second POY award.
"As of now, I am leading the points race, and I have two wins this season," he said, of the 8,880 points he has earned on the PBA50 Tour this year. The updated list came out on August 11. "However, this is voted on, so you never know. I believe it should be based soley on points. The Regional Level is the ONLY level that chooses POY with a vote."
He has been working on a two-handed delivery lately and hopes to add it to his game at some point during the upcoming season.
"I have not switched yet from one hand to two. I am transitioning. I have been working on the two-handed delivery for about four months now," he said, of the current stage of his game. "I have been practicing only two-handed the past four months which has hurt my one-handed game. I have recently been practicing one handed as well and have been able to win two PBA50 titles this season. My plan is to add it to my game in 2026, much like a baseball pitcher would add a slider or a change up to their pitches."
He moved to the Valley in 1990, as he transferred from St. John's University in Queens to ASU. ASU at one time had a bowling center on campus called Sparky's Den. It has since been removed from the student union.
"I had to redshirt in 1990, so they asked if I would coach the Women's team that year. In 1991 I was the Rookie of the Year and in 1992, I was the POY," he said, of being a student at ASU. "I also have the record for four games when I shot: 820 and 299 for 1119. That place was usually very hard. And those above ground ball returns made it hard on me for a little while. Bowling at ASU, was my favorite time of bowling ever. I still see many of my teammates, as we usually hang out for the football game with UOA. GO DEVILS."
He says he still has a few more goals up his sleeve, that he would like to reach. He also said that he had to take more than a decade off from bowling and is now making up for lost time.
Hopefully, one of those goals he will reach, will include an induction into the AZ State Hall of Fame.
Arizona Bowling News - August 28, 2025