Dawayne R. “Doc” Tietz has been elected to the Madison USBC Bowling Association Hall of Fame. The 84 year old Tietz first joined the MBA in 1947. Through the late 1950’s, Doc posted high averages in the top city leagues including the Arcade Lanes Major, Plaza Lanes Major, Classic League (Schwoegler’s), and the Lark Lanes Major. He consistently booked top averages in these leagues with the likes of MBA Hall members Connie Schwoegler, Joe Hackett, Duke McDaniel, Chuck Carey, and others.
From the 1960’s to the mid 1970’s, Doc competed in the Major leagues at Bowlavard Lanes and Village Lanes. During this time, he won two MBA tournament titles. He earned an All Events title in 1965 with a 1916 total. In 1969, he partnered with Bun White, Chuck Reithmeyer, Gordy Dahl and Howie Blancher to win a team title with 3029, contributing 643 to the effort. Doc also notes a number of other undocumented regional tournament wins earned during his heyday.
He bowled at least part-time through the 2007-08 season, winning a Division 4 Senior All Events championship in 2005. His last official average was 192 in 2006-07.
Tietz credits the late Sam Degregory, proprietor of the former Arcade Lanes on Atwood Avenue for encouraging him to bowl while Doc worked there as a pinsetter. Connie Schwoegler asked Doc to try out his first fingertip bowling ball (a Schwoegler innovation). MBA and Chicagoland bowling Hall of Fame member Stan Thaden was also instrumental in Tietz’s bowling career.
Tietz had been a nominee since 1991, and received solid support on balloting through the years but could not quite garner enough for induction over other MBA greats. Nonetheless, his quality record over nearly six decades stands up to Hall of Fame scrutiny in the Veterans category.
The evening should be very entertaining, Doc was a fiery competitor and colorful character. We will be fortunate to get a glimpse at the bowling and bowlers of yesteryear while Doc Tietz relates his memories.
The 43rd annual MBA Hall of Fame and Bowler Recognition Dinner will be held on Thursday, August 14, at Holiday Inn American Center. Details and invitations will be sent out in about a week.