Who's Who at Mifflinburg Lanes
~ About Us ~

John Wilcox, Pro Bowler/Owner

John began bowling at age 12 in the junior leagues at the old Faxon Lanes in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In 1966, at age 19, he won the American Bowling Congress All Events Tournament in Nationals, which led to International Events the following season. That same year, John won the International Masters Tournament at Wembly Stadium in London, England.

In 1972, John joined the Pro Bowler’s Tour, where he bowled fulltime from 1975 to 1984. He won the 1976 Syracuse Open and multiple state and regional tournaments. He is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Bowler’s Hall of Fame, the Lycoming County Bowler’s Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Bowler’s Association Hall of Fame, and the American Bowling Congress’ National Hall of Fame.

A certified bowling instructor, John has been coaching since 1969 and drilling balls since 1971. He is responsible for lane maintenance for the Eastern Regional Professional Bowler’s Association tournaments.

Nancy Wilcox, Manager/Owner

Nancy Iddings met John Wilcox at Mifflinburg Lanes in 1965. Her father, Dean, was the manager at the bowling center at that time. Born and raised in Mifflinburg, Nancy was the only daughter of Doris and Dean who enjoyed bowling. (Her two sisters were not interested in participating in the sport.) A year after meeting, John and Nancy were engaged in the parking lot at the Lanes and they were married on January 27, 1968.

In 1984, the Iddings and the Wilcox’s purchased the lanes from the original owners, renaming it John Wilcox’s Mifflinburg Lanes. After experiencing many bowling centers across the nation, both good and bad, the focus at John Wilcox Mifflinburg Lanes was to provide a family fun center and to create a great bowling experience that the whole family can enjoy together.

Nancy serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the corporation and Manager of the business, doing whatever is needed to run the lanes efficiently. She trouble shoots problems with equipment, sets up the lanes for tournaments and league play, handles registrations, the snack bar and anything else that needs attention. She is the smile that greets bowlers as they come through the door and is instrumental in creating a fun atmosphere to be enjoyed by all who enter the lanes.

Heidi Beaver, Assistant Manager

Heidi began bowling at the age of ten in the junior leagues at John Wilcox’s Mifflinburg Lanes, where she held the junior house record for a high series (713) for several years. She participated in the sport of bowling at Mifflinburg High School and was named “Bowler of the Year” during all four seasons. Additionally, the girls varsity won the Susquehanna Valley Conference League Championship during all four seasons. Heidi has bowled three perfect games, two 800 series (811 is her high series), three 299 games, and one 298 game during her bowling career.

Heidi served as Assistant coach of the high school bowling teams from 1996 to 1998. She has been coaching the teams since 1999, with her husband Matt (since 1999) and Ryan Wert (since 2004) serving as Assistants.

Much like Nancy, Heidi is there to lend a helping hand and do what needs to be done at the Lanes. She provides additional hands on support and assistance to keep things running smoothly.