Lou Matro basked in the memories.

He was the last of three men to be inducted into the Auburn Bowling Hall of Fame Saturday night at the Sunset Restaurant. After the ceremony, he and his large group of loved ones and supporters mingled in a far corner of the quickly clearing banquet room.

Matro identified fellow bowlers from a pair of old photo boards his wife, Agnes, had brought along. There was a Cayuga Lanes recap sheet with smudged scores in pencil and blue ink. Lou guessed that it was from the late 1960s. Then he pulled a trophy, unearthed by one of his daughters, out of a paper bag. His father, Dom, had won it during the 1951-52 season.

“I couldn't believe it when we found this one,” said the 74-year-old Matro, who entered the Hall in the Distinguished Service category.

Matro's father was inducted in 1981.

In an emotion-filled night, Ed DeTomaso and Paul Samasuck (Outstanding Bowlers) were also enshrined. Ed joined his father, Tony, who gained the honor in 1997.

Diane O'Donnell (Superior Achievement) and Betty Stevens (Veteran Bowler) were inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame. And Diane's husband, Dennis, earned the Meritorious Service Award for his work as president of the Auburn USBC Bowling Association over the past year.

Tom Ostrander was master of ceremonies. Joan Ashby, the women's president, Dennis O'Donnell and Mike Ryan, the men's association manager, also introduced award winners.

Capturing honors from last season for the men were: Steve Suslik, who had a high average of 234 and was also Bowler of the Year. Bob Kreydatus had the high series (857), while Keith Gibbs was Most Improved Bowler.

For the women, Rebecca O'Donnell carried a 194 average to set the pace. Sara Chalupnicki had the high series (764) and high game (289).

Stevens, whose career spanned over 50 years, rolled two 700 series. Though health problems have kept her from the game for the last decade, she still walked to the podium to accept her honor Saturday night.

Diane O'Donnell's achievements included two Citizen Masters titles. Her mother, Beatrice Carpenter, was inducted in 1981. Now, Diane is content to simply “pass the baton on to my daughters,” Rebecca O'Donnell and Denise Ryan, fine bowlers in their own right.

DeTomaso and Samasuck, both 50 years old, have been stellar performers since the late 1970s. DeTomaso was overcome by the honor of following his father in the Hall and fought back tears. Samasuck, often a character on the lanes but as talented as any inductee, wished his new green jacket “was a tent so it could cover my whole family. That's how much they mean to me.”

David Matro traveled from Florida to help induct his brother.

Lou, who now lives in Orchard Park, donned his jacket with help from his grandson, Michael, and daughter, Debbie. And, he had a parting shot for his brother that drew rousing laughter.

“It's OK for you to carry my bag,” he said, “but leave the contents alone.”