by Shawn Nowlin
Steven Shepherd, the Greater Roanoke Area United States Bowling Congress (USBC) current all events champion, has made significant contributions to the sport.
A Roanoke Valley native, while average bowlers usually score around 130, Shepherd has bowled more than 20-300 games since 2007.
Steven’s grandfather, Robert Shepherd, was the one who introduced him to the sport. Growing up, the two shared countless memories, from long car rides to honing their bowling skills together.
“I remember one day being out of school because of snow and my grandfather allowing me to join him while he practiced. When I watched him perform, I was fascinated. Early on, he taught me how important leverage is,” Shepherd, 58, said.
Continuing, he added, “The first time my grandfather got cancer, I was in junior high. He beat it then. A few years later, as a high school student, he got it again. This time, he didn’t make it.”
After losing his mentor, Shepherd walked away from bowling for years. As he explained, “It just wasn’t the same without him with me.”
Not until 2007, after a friend invited him to join a local team, did Shepherd start to fall in love with the sport again. “At that point, I’d never had a 300 game. Neither did my grandfather. That year, I accomplished that goal,” he said. “Since then, my doubles score, my singles score and my team score have been higher than anyone else competing in the league.”
On March 28, at the Kazim Shriners in downtown Roanoke, Shepherd was inducted into the Greater Roanoke Area USBC Hall of Fame.
“As I look across this room, I am truly taken aback because I’ve never been in this situation before. To my mother, you are the person who keeps things afloat. If it weren’t for your love and wisdom, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said to a packed room of loved ones and supporters.
He added, “I am honored to be in the same class with my fellow inductees. All of this has been one big journey, and I appreciate everyone who has played a part along the way.”
Shepherd says three individuals – Robin Overacre, Ryan Shepherd and Michael Shafer – have been instrumental in what he’s been able to accomplish as a bowler. “Robin nominated me for the hall of fame induction, Ryan has gone to bat for me more than anyone and Michael has been instrumental in just about every aspect,” he said.
As the saying goes, “If you have a strong purpose in life, you don’t have to be pushed. Your passion will drive you there.” For Shepherd, long before his impact on bowling was cemented, he already grasped that concept.
