The world of Bowling in the City of El Paso has a rich history, and today, October 15th, one of the greatest bowlers in that historic history has passed away.
Phil Prieto a 2011 El Paso Athletic Hall of Famer and born in Temple, Texas has called El Paso home since an early age. A skilled young bowler he qualified for his Professional Bowlers card at only 20.
Dr. Scott Stein the 2022 President of the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame said. “Phil Prieto had a remarkable career a very successful business and over the years loved to help other bowlers in their careers as well.”
Prieto through his legendary bowling career of five decades recorded seven Pro Bowlers Association regional titles, five Senior All-Star Bowling Association titles, three Texas State Championships, and the El Paso 1969 All Events Championship and the 2011 Doubles title.
Prieto’s wife, Janis Blades Prieto, is a 1983 inductee into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame as a phenomenal diver in swimming.
In 1985 Prieto, along with three partners, opened Bowl El Paso, which over the years became a great showcase for bowling in the Southwest.
Mr. Prieto served in the U.S. Medical Corps and has a physical therapy practice for over 30 years, where he also assisted UTEP over the years.
Longtime friend Dennis Devine, and himself an accomplished bowler, said, “Phil Prieto was just a great human being.”