Edward G. Elias Bowling Tournament Prize

The Edward G. Elias Bowling Tournament Prize was created in 2009 and revised in 2015 by Peggy Elias to honor the memory of her late husband, Edward “Eddie” G. Elias. Peggy believes this tournament is an opportunity to celebrate Eddie’s love for bowling and for students who attend his alma mater. The annual bowling tournament is held in the Edward G. Elias Bowling Center in The University of Akron Student Union, and students compete for prize money. Because prizes are not included as part of the University’s scholarship cap, the awarded prize amount will be applied to the winning participant’s account. If the participant has a zero balance, the participant will be issued a refund. Students are strongly encouraged to use the prize to purchase books, supplies, or other items needed as they pursue their degrees.

Eddie Elias grew up in Akron and attended West High School. He graduated from The University of Akron in 1958 and earned his law degree from Western Reserve Law School. Eddie was active in numerous sports during his high school and college years, including baseball and basketball.

In 1958, Eddie founded the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and turned the sport into one of the longest, continually running sports series on network television. He was elected to the PBA Hall of Fame in 1976. Through his company, Eddie Elias Enterprises, Eddie also represented nearly two dozen golfers, basketball and football players, bowlers, and auto racing professionals, as well as numerous television personalities and sports commentators. Eddie passed away on November 15, 1998.