AUBURN #- There may be few people in the entire history of Auburn bowling who dedicated as much of their time to the game both on the alleys and behind the scenes, as the late Nancy Jean Barski, deceased, who was inducted in the meritorious service category.

“She loved the game and she liked the work, the behind the scenes stuff,” Barski's husband Ted Barski said. “She just loved everything about the game so much.”

During her career on the lanes, Barski bowled for more than 30 years, earning several 600 series.

But more than anything it was her work as a league secretary that made her most proud. Barski was the secretary of the Girls' Commercial League at Cayuga lanes for more than 20 years.

“That was one of the biggest leagues around,” Ted Barski said. “At one time there were 24 teams. There was something like 120 women bowling and she kept track of all their stats and there were no computers in those days, but that was the type of woman she was. If she said she was going to do something you knew that it was going to get done.”

She also served as co-chair of the Women's Masters.

After a broken arm prohibited her ability to bowl, Nancy Jean Barski found her true passion: she began taking a serious interest and investing a great deal of her time in youth bowling at the Polish Falcons, where she devoted her efforts for more than 25 years.

“When she took over the kids, that was in about 1980 and she never stopped,” Ted Barski said. “She loved it and she loved being able to work with the kids.”

She also served on the youth bowling board of directors and served as both first and second vice president.

As a tribute to her, the league has since been renamed in honor of her as Nancy's Kids.

“That was a really nice honor,” Ted Barski said. “I think it is a really nice tribute to her that her name will live on long after her.”

Ted Barski believes his wife being inducted into the hall is something she would find a great honor.

“When she was sick she would talk about it,” Barski said. “She always said that it would be a real honor, something that she would really love and I think she would be very pleased about this.”

Also joining Barski in the meritorious service category was Agnes Smart.

Smart began bowling in 1942 at the Masonic Temple, but it was almost by accident that she fell so in love with the game.

“At first I really didn't want to,” Smart said. “I was afraid I'd go down the alley with the ball. But a friend from work talked me into going and I really enjoyed it and have been bowling for over 60 years.”

During that time, Smart has bowled in numerous houses and tournaments, keeping a high average in the 160s for many years and with a high game of 268 and high series of 607, as well as being a member of numerous championship teams.

“I liked being with friends,” Smart said. “My husband and I bowled in mixed doubles with other couples. I just really enjoyed everything about the game. I'm very proud of that high game that I got; that is something that really still stands out to me over all these years.”

Off the alleys Smart served on the board of directors for more than 20 years and served as sergeant at arms for more than 15 years.

Even after all her accomplishments and dedication to the game, her induction into the hall of fame took Smart by surprise.

“I really can't believe it,” she said. “It is really great. I've been doing this for over 60 years and it is really nice to be recognized like this.”