Approximately 60 Bocce players and guests gathered at the rural home of Carl Metheny Saturday evening to honor and pay tribute to Bob Whitlow, founder of Bocce U.S.A. in West Frankfort.

Whitlow, after visiting some indoor Bocce Courts on "The Hill" in St. Louis some years ago, conceived the idea of building, here in West Frankfort, the only indoor Bocce facility south of Chicago in the state of Illinois. After a lot of site searching, he was able to procure an empty store in the Outlet Malls of America. He single handedly constructed two courts in what was to soon become Bocce U.S.A., a totally non profit organization which would be open to and benefit the public.

Very soon thereafter, he announced that classes would be offered to teach the rules and fundamentals of the ancient game of Bocce and introduce the sport to his hometown. He offered use of the facility, FREE OF CHARGE, to any club or youth organization wishing to learn the game.

When interest in the game escalated, he formed the Monday Night Bocce League, still keeping Tuesday nights for free open play. The first year league play boasted 32 members. That number has now increased to over 50 members and subs. Fundraising tournaments were held to raise money for Bocce U.S.A. expenses as well as community projects such as the Old King Coal Festival.

In the spring of 2007, Bocce U.S.A. was forced out of its original location by the sale and new ownership of the mall and a substantial increase in rent for use of the facility. Being a NOT FOR PROFIT organization it was evident that the players could not come up with the hike in rent. So, once again, Whitlow set about the task of scouting out a location suitable to accommodate two Bocce courts and approximately 40 people at one time. He succeeded in his efforts by procuring the present location which is in the building of the New Beginnings Church (the old Frankfort Elementary School Building). The courts occupy the entire east side of the Northeast Wing of the building. The courts remain open for public play on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m.

Due to health issues, Whitlow recently announced that he will not be able to begin fall play with the group for the 2008-09 league season. Players, subs and guests felt an overwhelming desire to express their gratitude to Whitlow for his extreme dedication and hard work in the creation and advancement of this sport for West Frankfort.

Metheny graciously offered his home and he, assisted by other Bocce players, provided what proved to be a virtual "feast" for the occasion. Fellowship and several games of Bocce on Matheny's lawn followed the meal with Whitlow assuming his usual position as "judge" for the games.

Although a long time in coming, this tribute was described by one of the players as "a small outward display of the deep affection and appreciation we feel for the man who is responsible, with the support of his wife, Mary Lynn, in the physical realization of his dream come true...... the introduction of indoor Bocce to West Frankfort".

The facility remains open to the public on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.