Peter Kautz  has served the local bowling community and the MTBA for more than three decades. It is in recognition for his work on the MTBA Board of Directors and as proprietor of two local bowling centers, that he is honored in this year’s class of Hall-of-Famers. Along with his family, Pete has played host and served thousands of bowlers over the years. It started in 1980, when he purchased Shore Lanes in Lexington and doubled eight years later when he became owner of Brown City Lanes in Brown City. Always jovial, customers at Kautz-owned centers have grown accustomed to being treated royally by their host. In addition to recognition as proprietor, Pete is also honored for his work elsewhere throughout the bowling world. Pete served on the MTBA Board of Directors from 1973 through 1980. He was President in 1977 and served as Secretary and Tournament director in 1979. For nine years, he also served as State Director of the Bowling Centers Association of Michigan. On the lanes, Pete’s highest game is 280. His best series is 724. At the time of his induction, he had attended 48 state and 35 national tournaments. The MTBA Board thanks Peter Kautz for his extended service to the sport of bowling and congratulates him on a body of work that has served his community well.
John Milletics
Inducted 2007
Mark Lutz
Inducted 2009
Peter Kautz
Inducted 2009
Lyle Clarkson
Inducted 2009
"Lock" Clarkson
Inducted 2007
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USBC Mid-Thumb Bowling Association
Association Member # 81463
David Albrecht's MTBA career began in 1963. He bowled in the association for 35 years. During that time, he not only established himself as one of the area's top players, he also gave back by serving the association. He served on many committees as a member of the MTBA Board and for 13 years served as the MTBA Manager. In 1992, he became a Life Member of the MTBA and in 1998 served as President of the Michigan State Bowling Association Board of Directors. On the lanes, Dave Albrecht became the first bowler to shoot an 800 series at Liberty Lanes in Sandusky. His '828' score was the center's highest series for 18 years. He won three consecutive Match Game Singles Championships between 1971-73 and five times teamed with Kenneth Butler to capture Doubles titles. He rolled two MTBA perfect games during his career and four times led the association in average. He paced the MTBA in 1975-76 with a 187 average, he twice posted a 212 average to lead and in 1981-82, his career-high 218 average was highest in the MTBA.
Lawrence "Lock" Clarkson began bowling in the 1940's in a one-lane bowling "center" in Croswell. As a player, "Lock" won the 1955-56 Match-Game Singles Championship, the 1954-55 All-Events Crown and six times won MTBA Doubles titles. In 1950-51, he partnered with Harold Reed to win the association's Doubles tournament. He later won crowns with Harold Nehmer and Cecil Coon. Three years in-a-row, 1962-64, he teamed with Frank Ebner to win the Match Game Doubles Championship. Along with his accomplishments on the lanes, Lock Clarkson is honored for his dedication to and love for the game. He helped establish the MTBA in 1954. He served as the association's Secretary-Treasurer from its inception and represented the area at State and National meetings until his death in 1969. In recognition of his many contributions on and off the lanes, the MTBA renamed the Match Game Singles Championship in his honor.
John Milletics began bowling in 1958 and by the age of 14 (when he bowled in his first Adult League), his talent was evident. Over his career, John has consistently excelled on the local, State and National levels. His MTBA highlights include three Singles titles, two Match Game Doubles championships, five Team and one Mixed Doubles titles. At the time of his Hall of Fame enshrinement, he had more than 20 sanctioned perfect games to his credit and had participated for nearly 30 years in the ABC/USBC State and National Tournaments. Three times, he has led the association in average including a then-record 226 in 1996-97. On the Professional Bowling level, PBA member Milletics won the 1999 Senior Championship at Rosebowl Lanes, in Roseville, MI. John also served as association secretary in the mid-1970's. When not competing on the lanes, John spends many hours as bowling coach and instructor. Numerous local bowlers credit their success to his advice.
Frank Ebner was four times a member of the Mid-Thumb Bowling Association's All-Star team. In the 1961-62 season, he and fellow future Hall of Famer "Lock" Clarkson claimed the first of their three consecutive Match Game Doubles titles. In 1957, he won the State of Michigan All-Events title with a score of 2090. His person-best 182 average came in 1960-61, the same year he won the MTBA's Match Game Singles crown.  In 1958-59, his 257 game (5th place) and his 689 series (2nd place) were among the association's top scores. In a bowling career that concluded before the now common "scoring boom", Frank's career high game of 279 and high series of 705 were top scores. Frank spent many years working with youth bowlers and he passed on his passion and love for the game to them and all people he came to know. His son Gary, a fellow Class of 2008 Hall of Fame inductee, many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren are active in the bowling community to this day.
Harley Abbott was never a "great" bowler. He never carried a big average or shot many big scores but Harley Abbott was huge when it came to serving the sport of bowling. He began his career of service in 1949 as a member of the Yale Bowling Association. He began his service to the Mid-Thumb Bowling Association when the Yale Association joined the MTBA in 1974. In 1979, after many years as Zone Director, Harley was elected President of the Michigan State Bowling Association. Known for his positive attitude and his ability to get jobs done, Harley served for 50 years. He was honored with an MTBA Life Membership in 1990 and continued serving in the bowling community until his death in 1999.
Gary Ebner is the son of fellow MTBA Hall of Famer Frank Ebner. Just like his father, Gary is recognized for both his contributions to the sport off the lanes as well as for his success as a player. Gary first joined the MTBA Board of Directors in 1990. He later served as both Vice-President and President of the association. His bowling career started in 1965. Some of his credits on the lanes include four 298's, five 299's and five perfect games; one of which was rolled in 1990 and was the first-ever 300 game bowled at Kautz Shore Lanes in Lexington. During the 2006-07 season, he posted a career-to-date high average of 219. Through 2008, Gary had bowled in 41 consecutive Michigan State Bowling Association tournaments and in recognition for his time spent serving the association, he was awarded the Life Membership designation in 2002.
Mid-Thumb Bowling Association Hall of Fame
David Albrecht
Inducted 2007
Harley Abbott
Inducted 2008
Frank Ebner
Inducted 2008
Gary Ebner
Inducted 2008
For service above and beyond the normal call to duty, the MTBA honors long-time Board member and officer, Lyle Clarkson.  At the time of his induction, Lyle had served on the MTBA Board and its predecessors for 42 straight years. Beginning in 1967 and continuing through to today, Lyle has held most every post in the association. He has represented the MTBA as a delegate at ABC/USBC national meetings. He has organized and run the tournaments. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors and to-this-day, still holds the record for the longest reign as President. Lyle first became association President in 1969 and then again beginning a decade later, held the post for 13 more consecutive seasons. Lyle is known for his desire to advance local bowling. It is in honor of his long history of volunteering, that the MTBA recognizes Lyle Clarkson with thanks for his dedication and commitment. The success of the current Mid-Thumb Bowling Association and its future path will long be influenced by the contributions of Lyle Clarkson.
When informed of his selection to the MTBA Hall-of-Fame, James Bennett reflected on the many friends he has come to know because of his bowling industry career. After many years in other businesses, Jim opened Liberty Lanes in Sandusky in 1979. And after 30 years, his reward, says he, is that he got to work for and with so many people in the community. Although he came close, he never rolled his perfect game but true to his personality, the on-the-lanes rewards were never a priority.  The MTBA recognizes James Bennett for his longtime commitment to the industry and congratulates him and his family for a job well done.
Clare Comment
Inducted 2009
Mark Lutz started bowling at a relatively late age. It was not until after high school, at age 19, that he first joined a league. But he was a quick study and soon thereafter, his name and his exploits on the lanes became well known. And in the years since that “late” start, Mark Lutz has put together a list of accomplishments that push him to the top echelon when discussing the best bowlers in our area. He rolled his first perfect game in 1987. At the time of his induction to the Hall, Mark had rolled 22 sanctioned 300 games, 12-299’s and 14-800 series. In MTBA Tournament action, Mark tied for the Singles Championship in 1994-95. He twice won the Doubles Championship and four times was the Association’s All-Events Scratch Division champ. In 2009, he posted his personal best 236 average. It is for bowling accomplishments like these and the many others not listed plus the professional manner in which Mark competes that the MTBA is honored to have him join the Hall-of-Fame class of 2009.
David L. Roskey moved to the Deckerville area in the late 1960's and purchased the Deckerville Recreation Center. He renamed it Melody Lanes and embarked on decades long career in the bowling industry. Blessed with a talent for instruction, David improved the scores for hundreds of his bowlers over the years. Many of the MTBA's current membership started in his Junior League program. Sportsmanship and integrity were at the forefront of his plan and those who he touched during his service to the MTBA know that score is not the most important item in bowling. It is in gratitude for his many years of service that the MTBA is proud to induct him into the Class of 2009.
David Roskey
Inducted 2009
Clare Comment’s got his first experience in bowling as a pinsetter in a four-lane center in Gagetown, MI. Today, decades later, we honor Clare with enshrinement in the MTBA Hall-of-Fame in appreciation of his many years of service to the bowling community as a proprietor and bowling promoter. Clare was a farmer when in 1962, he decided to branch out and purchase a bar in Bay City. His first entry into bowling center ownership was in 1976 when he built and operated Charmont Lanes in Cass City. Three years later, he partnered with fellow Hall member Jim Bennett and opened Liberty Lanes in Sandusky in 1979 and later opened Brentwood in Caro in 1981. He bowled regularly in leagues for nearly 50 years. His highest game is 279 and high series is 703. But it is not for his results on the lanes that he is honored. He is a Hall-of-Famer because of service to the bowling community. The MTBA Board recognizes and appreciates the role Clare played in the earlier years of the association and we are proud to add him to the Class of 2009.
James Bennett
Inducted 2009
Mid-Thumb Bowling Association Honor Roll
50 Years of MTBA Membership
Class of 2010
 









2009
Peter Kautz
2008
Richard C. Ball
2003
Mel Guenther Sr. - Harlem Nichol -  Ken Wayco
2001
Lyle Clarkson - Calvin Kirkbride - Harold Michaels
2000
William Benedict
1999
Edward Bowerman - Leonard Clark - Milton Osborn - Earl Schroeder
1998
Russell Collins - John Martin
1997
Walter Behn - Henry Labor - Leo Watson
1996
Clarence Lane - Lavern Ordish - Albert Schlaufman - Goodwin Westbrook

2010 Charlie Bligh
2010 Carl Foster
2010 Randy Gottler
2010 Charlie Bligh
2010 Carl Foster
2010 Randy Gottler
Elton "Tiny" Paehlig started bowling at age seven at Bailey's Lanes in Richmond, MI. He worked as a pin boy from the age of 10 through age 15 and later served our country during the Korean war as a member of the Air Force and the Navy. After 10 years of bowling in the Greater Detroit area, he moved to the Thumb area in the early 1960’s. He bowled regularly in Argyle, Ubly, Deckerville and Sandusky. "Tiny" posted several 700 series, posted a career high game of 279 and averaged over 200 during the 1950's and 1960's. He won his Sunday Night Mixed League 13 years in a row. He passed down his love for the sport to his family. His children and grandchildren also share his passion on the lanes. It is said that when on the lanes Elton "Tiny" Paehlig was a formidable foe and fierce competitor and that when off the lanes he was a friend to all. In honor of his sparkling record as a competitor and his exemplary sportsmanship, the MTBA welcomes him to the Hall-of-Fame class of 2010.
Elton Paehlig
Inducted 2010
Jason McIvor was only 26 years old when he tragically lost his life in an auto accident. But in his short time with us, he reached for and achieved accomplishments worthy of induction to the MTBA Hall-of-Fame. On the lanes, he rolled 10 perfect games and had 10 800+ series. His 10th and final 800 series was rolled just five days before his death and was the first-ever 800 rolled at Holly Meadow Lanes in Capac. At the time of his induction, the 845 series he rolled in 2007 was the seventh highest series ever in the MTBA. A first-team All-Association member in 2008-09, McIvor also led the association in average in 2007-08 with a then-record 238 mark for 75 games at Lakeview Lanes. Two years earlier in the same league, he averaged an astounding 250 for 30 games. Always striving to improve, McIvor joined the PBA and performed well in the few opportunities he had at the top level. In addition to his on-lane exploits, we honor Jason for his work on the MTBA Board and elsewhere in the bowling world. After his high school graduation and after his playing days on the Brown City High School team passed, he coached the players who followed after him. He also worked in the industry at his family-owned Brown City Lanes and later at Holly Meadows Lanes. He will definitely be missed but never forgotten.

Jason McIvor
Inducted 2010
Some men it seems were born to lead. Such is the case with John Merriman. He is a leader in his church, in civic affairs, in county government and so it is only natural that he has been a leader in our great sport of bowling. John started bowling in the late 50’s and by 1975 he was on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Thumb Bowling Association. He has served as Vice-President and President and now is also honored as a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Board. For 12 years he served as League Secretary of the Thursday Night Men’s League in Deckerville. It is for his many years of service to the sport of bowling and the Mid-Thumb Bowling Association that it is a privilege to induct John Merriman into the MTBA Hall-Of-Fame.
John Merriman
Inducted 2010
When we talk about dedication and hard work, the name Walter Behn jumps to the top of the list. For 12 years, beginning in 1979 and ending in 1990, Behn was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Mid-Thumb Bowling Association. As with some of his fellow Hall-of-Fame members, Behn is honored for his longevity, passion and dedication to the sport and the association. Today's MTBA Board recognizes the importance of Walter's contribution in helping to keep the association organized and working. Walter passed away in 2003 but was honored as a Life Member in 1990 and a 50-Year Member in 1997. It is with tremendous thanks that the MTBA welcomes Walter Behn to the Hall-of-Fame class of 2010.
Walter Behn
Inducted 2010
Dick Doerr
Inducted 2011
Gus Rickert started bowling in 1957. He is honored by the association for the many years of leadership he provided to the local bowlers of our community. He was awarded an honorary Lifetime membership in 1992 after serving the association for 27 years. He served 14 years as director of the association beginning in 1966. In 1979, he became Vice-President and worked in that capacity through 1992. He bowled in the ABC National Tournament for over 25 years and participated in over 40 State Tournaments. He was a top tournament organizer who regularly delivered squads of 20-30 teams to these events. It was because of that history plus his ongoing involvement in the local bowling community that the Michigan State Bowling Association named him 'Man of the Year' in 1999. The MTBA Board is proud to list Gus Rickert as a member of the MTBA Hall-of-Fame class of 2011.
Gus Rickert
Inducted 2011
The combination of Dick Doerr's hard work for the game off the lanes and his competitive fire on the lanes is why the association is proud to induct him as a member of the Hall-of-Fame. In addition to his many accomplishments on the lanes, Dick organized and managed the Liberty Lanes Youth League program for years. Many young bowlers benefited from his knowledge and tutelage. In his 40+ years of competition, Dick was known as a fierce and formidable player. He won many association Team events. In 1988, he won both the Match Game Singles Championship and the Sanilac County News Bowler of the Year tournament. In 1993, he and Erny Doerr won the MTBA Mixed Doubles crown. Before the decade was out, he and teammate Ron Bennett would capture three Doubles Championships in the Men's Division.  He rolled two sanctioned 800+ series, two 299 games plus 14 perfect games. His average topped 220+ for the season numerous times. It is for these accomplishments on the lanes plus his overall dedication to the sport that makes Dick Doerr a worthy recipient of this honor.