It was the same game with the same special allure and fanfare but one reserved for unique people — a perfect introduction for the 2009 Kokomo City of Firsts United States Bowling Congress Association Hall of Fame Induction ceremony held at Main Occasions Ballroom Saturday night.

As for unique people, try Robert J. Burge, Jr., Ron T. Harding, Gary Trent, Walt McFatridge, Sr., and George Fort, five veteran keglers who combined talent, integrity and dedication to add a new dimension to a simple game and team camaraderie season after season. Fort and McFatridge were honored posthumously as “Stars of Yesteryear” and represented by family members. Don Sparks served as master of ceremonies, and pastor Steve Cole gave the invocation.

The five new inductees, introduced by second vice-president Barbara Godlove, upped the Kokomo Bowling Hall of Fame membership to 129, including 65 men and 64 women who since its inception in 1986 have made the annual production one of the top honor events in the Hoosier state. The list includes 47 deceased members who are remembered in a special candlelight ritual each year.

Special honors were also given to two area high school students via $500 college scholarships. Sandra Nolder, the daughter of Uriah T. and Sandra Nolder and a Kokomo High School graduate who carried an 11.26/12.00 GPA and ranked 13th in a class of 403, received the City of Firsts USBC Don Lowry Memorial Scholarship. She bowled in the youth program for 11 years and plans to attend Purdue and pursue a degree in pharmacy.

Shawn T. Stevens, the son of Thomas and Lesa Stevens and a Western High School graduate was awarded the City of Firsts USBC Kay Kelly Scholarship. He bowled in the youth league for 14 years and plans to attend Vincennes University for a course study in law enforcement, an interest he developed after touring the school.

Fort was described as “everybody’s friend with a great personality.” He played baseball for Kokomo High School and later with the Kokomo Advertisers and Kokomo Booster semi-pro club; played fast-pitch softball and golf; was an active member of the Kokomo school community and became one of Kokomo’s top bowlers over the span of 40 seasons.

He posted an average of 186-plus; had numerous 600 series; was a lifetime member of the Continental Steel League; held several league offices; participated in two ABC Tournaments in Las Vegas, Nev., and Jacksonville, Fla., and was credited with breaking the color barrier in Kokomo bowling.

He was presented by daughter, Betty, who was joined by George’s sister Ruby Parham, son Gary, daughters Delores, Beatrice and Denise, grand-daughters Cavalene Miller and special friends Rosie Oliver and Ruth Reid who all agreed he was the greatest. They said he loved people and the game, noting the honor was over due.”

McFatridge was presented by son, Jim, who learned of the honor in Florida thanks to a phone call from (Gary) Trent. McFatridge was one of Kokomo’s best keglers from 1930 to 1950 with several 700-plus series and eight sets of 670-plus. He won several titles in singles, doubles, team and all-events; was a regular ABC Tournament performer and held many offices, including association president.

He was also a talented golfer, shooting 67 at the American Legion and 69 at the Kokomo Country Club; was on the board that built the American Legion course and an executive with Shell Oil. He officiated high school basketball (1925-38) and served as official scorekeeper for Kokomo basketball for 14 years

Son Jim offered: “I can recall as a 10-year-old going with my dad to Sycamore Lanes, and also his love for handball and golf. He was an excellent golfer. It’s an honor to receive this honor for my dad, he would’ve appreciated it.”

Burge and Harding were honored for “Outstanding Achievements” performed at elite levels over the span of several seasons.

Mark Snodgrass presented Burge, known as a student of the game. “It’s a great honor to be recognized,” said Burge, a wrestler-football player during his Northwestern High School days. “I never touched a bowling ball until I was 19 and never thought about the Hall of Fame — was just hoping to make it some day. I’m happy the board considered me good enough to make it.”

His stat sheet is loaded with nine perfect games including six during the 1999 City Tournament. He also has rolled five series of 700-plus including 788, 785 and 757 and averaged 200-plus for two seasons including 219 in 2000. He is also an avid national tournament bowler. His wife, Tammy, is also quite talented with three 700s and a 188 average.

“Bob [Harding] was a great teammate and a man of few words unless you talked bowling,” said presenter Floyd Russell. “Then he’d talk until the cows came home.” Harding was honored for rolling seven perfect games including those at the 2005 Hoinke Classic, the 2001 Louisville Derby and the 1993 state tourney in Fort Wayne. He also had numerous games of 290-plus, shot 70 series of 700-plus and had an 834 series in the Eagles National tourney and an 803 set in 1997.

He had a 220 average in 2007-08 and a 214 average in 1999-2000 and captured several titles.

“I learned I had been nominated by (Gary) Trent and was shocked when I heard it,” Harding said, “but it’s an honor to be here.”

Trent, now completing his first year as association president after serving in several other official capacities, was honored for “Special Services,” an honor achieved by his total dedication to the game and all of its participants.

“My wife, Cyndy, got me started in bowling,” Gary said, adding that they have been married 33 years. “But I just like being around people, and I thoroughly enjoy being around bowlers. I was surprised to be nominated and really didn’t expect it.

“The past season has been very enjoyable because the bowlers and proprietors have communicated better. The economy has hit the bowling industry, but most of the people are still coming out. The game has been especially enjoyable for me because Cyndy and I have been bowling together for 33 years,” he added.

Asked if he had the upper hand in the husband-wife competition, he offered: “I’d rather not get into that.”

It was a very special evening enjoyed by a capacity crowd. And today the Hall is five deserved members richer.

• Gene Conard is a Tribune sportswriter. He may be reached through the sports department by calling (765) 454-8574.