BUTLER TWP — After 20 years, Jim Bowser had enough.

After nearly 20 years, Rich Warheit is ready for more.

The result is a rare change in the position of Butler County Bowling Association manager.

Bowser stepped down recently after serving that role for 20 years. He spent roughly three hours a night pouring through the sanctioning of bowlers, overlooking leagues and organizing awards.

“I love this association and will still do whatever's needed to help,” Bowser said. “It's just time for some new blood, some fresh ideas.

“There were 2,200 bowlers in our organization when I took over as manager. There's roughly 1,200 now. There's been a lot of attrition ... times have changed, that's all.”

Bowser was presented an inscribed 15-inch crystal bowling pin by BCBA president Skip Weyand Thursday night at Family Bowlaway in recognition of his dedication.

“We appreciated his service and wanted him to know that,” Weyand said. “Jim was never in this for himself. He served the bowlers of this county.”

Warheit, 51, served on the BCBA Board from 1983-94 before going on hiatus to follow his son Brian's baseball career. Warheit has been secretary of the Fox's Pizza Den League at Sherwood Lanes for 20 years.

He returned as an active member of the BCBA when the state tournament came to Butler last year.

“They needed some help, so I got involved again,” Warheit said. “Now I'm ready to take this on. Jim knows the ropes when it comes to this job and he'll help guide me through until I feel comfortable with it.

“Instead of being secretary of a league, this is like being secretary of the county's bowlers.”

Weyand said Warheit “will be a good fit for us.”

The adjustment period will just take time.

Bowser is a former Pennsylvania State Bowling Association president who served as an officer at the state level for a number of years.

“Jim knew everybody, not just in the county, but statewide,” Weyand said. “Rich will develop more contacts as he goes.”

Bowser first became involved with the BCBA through good friend Jake Atwell. He saw Atwell doing some work on the county tournament one day.

“It looked interesting, so I started helping,” he said.

He's been helping ever since.

Bowser eventually succeeded Hal Phillips as BCBA manager.

“I was surprised by this,” he said of receiving the crystal bowling pin in front of applause from every bowler in the house at the time. “It was unexpected and certainly appreciated.”

Now, Warheit is rolling up his sleeves and getting to work.

“I volunteered for this,” he said, smiling. “Maybe I don't know what I'm in for.”

“He'll do a good job. Count on it,” Bowser said.