A Couple of Friends Celebrate a Milestone - Brief Article

PARKER BOHN III REMEMbers vividly the first time he saw Josh Hyde. It was 12 years ago, during a pro stop at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis.

"I turned around, and there sat a little boy in a wheelchair," says the 1999 PBA player of the year and longtime BOWLING DIGEST columnist. "You could see his desire to bowl was more intense than that of any professional in the tournament, and his knowledge was on a level equal to anybody in the tournament.

"Unfortunately, his ability was never going to be remotely close to that of anyone bowling in the tournament. But he's the same as you and me--he's got a big heart and a mind that works a mile a minute. And his love of the game is everlasting."

Bohn invited the boy's parents, Roger and Bambi Hyde of Warsaw, Ind., to breakfast the next morning, and a close bond developed quickly between Parker and the young fan with cerebral palsy.

That bond was never more evident than on February 20 when Josh--accompanied by his parents, who drove their son to Akron in the family van--cheered as Bohn received his player of the year award prior to the Touring Players Championship. In his acceptance speech Bohn thanked Josh for being such a loyal fan and attending every tournament he could to watch his hero perform.

Bohn planned to reciprocate that loyalty by surprising his 19-year-old buddy and attending his graduation from Warsaw High School in June. Bohn planned to stay the night at the Hydes' home and spend the next day at an open house for Josh, a frequent honor-roll student in special education.

"You can't imagine what Parker and the rest of the guys on tour have meant to Josh," says Roger Hyde. "The PBA players give Josh a purpose in life, something to wake up for every morning. Mike Aulby of Indianapolis has commented that nobody is more dedicated to the PBA than Josh--that he's as much a touring player as they are. Those words gave Josh a tremendous ego boost, making him feel he belongs."

Bohn--who has been doing charity work for more than 20 years for the New Jersey Tournament of Champions, which provides sporting activities for disabled children--has not only been a friend to Josh, but a mentor. He frequently lifts the youth's spirits through personal conversations and telephone talks.

As Bohn has said, bowling gives Josh a reason to meet life head-on, and that's what he plans to do. In October, Josh and Bambi will begin their second Touring Bowlers Tour seven-tournament season for amateurs at three centers in Northeast Indiana, including Warsaw Bowl where Roger and Bambi bowl. Josh is tournament director.

"We put out a monthly newsletter with results and articles written by Josh," says Roger. "He dictates to Bambi, and she puts it in the computer."

Josh also hopes to expand his bowling horizons. He would like to become a league secretary, start another amateur tournament with his mother, and sell a bowling board game he has designed.

Ambitious, yes. But his friends on the PBA tour have taught Josh Hyde to aim high.

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