Hall of Fame

The Wisconsin State USBC Hall of Fame Class of 2024 has now been selected. This year we will be inducting four in the Superior Performance category and one for Meritorious Service. The Superior Performance will include John Albrecht, Brad Kuhr, Gary Strand and Ron Wilde. Steve Koltz will be inducted for his Meritorious Service.

John Albrecht's accomplishments include a win at the Hoinke Classic in Doubles in 1979, 2 State Tournament Team titles and State Match Game titles in all 3 events.

Brad Kuhr is the owner of 2 USBC Eagles that he won in team event in 2003 and 2010 with Bowler's Edge Pro Shop. Brad has also pocketed wins at the WSBT, MAST, CWSBT, WRSBT, the BIG tour and at Willow Creek.

Gary Strand was one of the State's best in the late 1970's and earltt 1980's. Gary has 3 PBA regional titles. Gary also won the Hoinke Classic doubles, with fellow WS Hall of Famer Jack Connaughton, Wisconsin State Match Singles in 1977, Doubles in 1982 and All Events in 1983 and 1984.

Ron Wilde captured an Eagle in the 1993 ABC Tournament in the Doubles competition. Ron rolled an 810 series, which included a 300 game, en route to a 1498 with his brother Randy. He also rolled a 300 in the 1986 ABC. He also has titles at the Wisconsin State Tournament in 1998 and the Wisconsin Senior Championship in Singles (2020) and Doubles (2022).

Steve Koltz has been a squad leader for more than 20 years. Every year, he organizes 28 to 20 teams to bring to the show. If you've ever bowled a State tournament in Green Bay, you probably checked in with him at the tournament desk. Steve is a past member of the Green Bay USBC Board. For many years, he did much of the lane certification for that group, as well as serving on many committees.

This year's Induction Dinner and Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday June 1, 2024. It will held at the Best Western Premier Waterfront in Oshkosh. Specifics for the evening will be coming soon.

2023 INductees

The 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Dinner was held on June 3rd in Fond du Lac.  We're excited to welcome 4 new members.  Learn more about the inductees and their accomplishments below.  The 4 new members were joined by previous Hall of Fame Members for a group photo.

Traci Brown - Superior Performance

Traci Brown is an accomplished bowler with a passion for the sport that spans over 35 years. She is celebrated today for her incredible talent. Traci’s journey began in 1988 when she clinched first place in the YABA Coke Tournament’s All Events. By 1991, she held the YABA Masters high scratch series and a National High game of 290, securing the Coke All Events Championship title again in 1992.


In her collegiate years, Traci continued to impress. She was the MIBC All Events & Team Champion in 1991, the Big 6 Conference Team Champion in 1992, and in 1995, she dominated the UW Oshkosh Invitational in both All Events and Singles. Her crowning collegiate achievement was a remarkable 2nd place finish in the 1996 ACUI National Tournament.


As her bowling career progressed, Traci won 5 Team titles in the Wisconsin State Women’s Championship (2004-2014), plus was the 2023 Team Champion (680). She also won 2 Doubles Championships

in 2009 and 2021 rolling a 696 both years. During a 5-year residence in Illinois, she championed 5 major tournaments, earning the Illinois Valley Women’s Bowler of the Year title in 2005 & 2006. In 2012, she broke barriers as the first female ever on the Fox Valley Men’s City All Star Team and remained a constant on the Fox Valley Women’s All City Team from 2019-2022. Other noteworthy achievements include winning the 1998 PWBA Tangerine Open, setting the National Mixed Team Series record in 2013, and her induction into the Fox Cities Hall of Fame in 2019. This year Traci was also 1st runner-up in the WI Badger Queens Tournament.

Jerome "Jerry" Polarek - Meritorious Service

Jerry’s dedicated service spans various positions and milestones within the bowling community. For 12 years, Jerry served as a Green Bay State Bowling Association director. He went on to become President for 4 years and Sgt at Arms for 5. Jerry was also President for the Youth Association for 12 years. During his involvement in Green Bay, he served on numerous committees, often taking on leadership roles, and played an integral part in the merger

committee between ABC/WIBC during 2003-2004.


As a silver certified coach with YABA coaching certification, Jerry has been a member of the Registered Volunteer Program, coaching youth state bowling since 1998. In 2022, he celebrated a remarkable 25 years of mentoring high school state bowlers. Jerry’s passion for

promoting bowling led him to successfully advocate for its

recognition as a high school lettered sport within the Howard-Suamico School District. Through his actions and example, he showcased the professionalism, competitive spirit, and sportsmanship exemplified by the bowling team.


In addition to his service, Jerry is an accomplished bowler with six perfect 300 games and numerous 700 series under his belt. Jerry was inducted into the Green Bay Hall of Fame in 2017.

Dwain Stewart - Superior Performance

With a thriving career spanning 30 years, Dwain has been a certified bowler participating in 21 WI State USBC Tournaments. His outstanding skill was on display when he bowled perfect 300 games in the 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023 WI State Tournaments. Additionally, he achieved 800 series scores in the 2018, 2022, and 2023 State. Dwain’s prowess also extended him to be the 2017 and 2019 CSBG National Champ. He also was the 2018 NTBL Team National Champ and 2019 NTBL Doubles National Champ.


Dwain’s impressive accomplishments include being a WI State Champion for Team Scratch in 2014 and 2021, and Team Scratch All Events in 2017, 2018, and 2021. He also captured the winning title in many other local tournaments around the state.


Dwain has held a high average of 240 on three occasions, further showcasing his expertise. Over his career, he has amassed an incredible 72 perfect 300 games and 40 series scores of 800 or higher. In recognition of his outstanding performance, Dwain was inducted into the Milwaukee Bowling Hall of Fame in 2021.

Michael Wirz - Superior Performance

Michael Wirz has a remarkable bowling career spanning over four decades. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated outstanding skill, achieving 46 perfect 300 games and 37 series of 800 or higher. His season average of 241 in both the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons remain among the highest in Eau Claire Area USBC association history.


A true standout, Mike holds the unique distinction of being the only player to win the Chippewa Valley Match Game six times, with an additional three second-place finishes. This prestigious scratch tournament, now in its 67th year, attracts a highly competitive field and is renowned as one of the Midwest’s most distinguished bowling events.


In 2018, Mike won the Wisconsin State USBC Senior Team Championship. In the WI State USBC Championships, he captured 1st place in 2019 Team All Events and in 2021 Singles with 825. Mike had a 3-year run tournament average of 248 for 27 games, all being done while he was over the age of 60.


Additionally, Mike’s exceptional accomplishments have been recognized with previous inductions into the Central Bowlers

Alliance Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Eau Claire Area USBC Hall of Fame in 2008. Later in his career, he was named the Midwest Senior Classic Player of the Year in both 2008-09 and 2015-16.

Hall of Fame Members

1986

Esther Ryan, Milwaukee*
Clara Logemann, Milwaukee*
Jeanne Knepprath, Milwaukee*


1987

Jeanette Bopp, Milwaukee*
Vicki Vukovich, Milwaukee*
Evelyn Kettle, Janesville*

1988

Janie Leszczynski, Milwaukee*
Adelaide Lindemann, Milwaukee*
Florence Boehringer, Milwaukee*

1989

Ellie Konicek, Racine*

Carol Miller, Waukesha*
Bette Klaetsch, Fond Du Lac*
Marian Brister, Kenosha*

1990

Gladys Light, Milwaukee*
Elaine Rebatzke, Milwaukee
Adeline Heinrichs, Wausau*
Glenora Thompson, Wisconsin Rapids*

1991

Alvin Salmon, Green Bay*

William “Hans” Gruettner, Milwaukee*

Russ Gersonde, Milwaukee*

Charlie Daw, Milwaukee*

Frank Benkovic, Milwaukee*
Caroline Rudolph, Wauwatosa*
Naomi Hawkinson, Neenah*
Nora Kay, Janesville*

1992

Russell W. Mott, Green Bay*

Walter Rubow, Milwaukee*

Enrico “Hank” Marino, Milwaukee*

William Marescalco, Sr., Kenosha*

Edward P. “Ned” Day, Milwaukee*
Carole Lemke, Milwaukee*
Lori Ann Gensch, Wauwatosa
Grace Treder, Beloit*
Bernice Koblitz, La Crosse*

1993

Anthony “Tony” La Porte, Grafton*

Gilbert Zunker, Milwaukee*

Dennis Wright, Milwaukee*

Conrad “Connie” Schwoegler, Madison*

Edward Idzikowski, Milwaukee*
Delores (Dee) Fix, Madison*
Valencia (Val) Costa, New Berlin*
Jean Simonsen, Racine*
Rosallyn (Rollie) Blaies, Green Bay

1994

Lester Shirey, Fond du Lac*

Robert “Ole” Ollerman, Fond du Lac*

John Carson, Janesville*
Ella (Burmeister) Mankie, Madison
Doris Hollweck, Milwaukee*
Gussie Hart, Milwaukee*
Emily (Emmy) McPherson, Milwaukee*

1995

James B. Grady, Madison*

Arthur F. Boettcher, Baraboo*

Raymond Schanen, Milwaukee*

Robert Pinkalla, Milwaukee*
Judith Pierner, Fond Du Lac
Donna Rush, Janesville
Nancy Chapman, Green Bay*
Ruth Radlinger, Merrill*

1996

Milton Unterbink, Racine*
Joann Opicka, Colgate
Kathleen Josephson, Milwaukee*

1997

Ron Wheeler, Delavan*
Kathy Franke, Egg Harbor
Geri Anderson-Hoefs, Waukesha
Betty Baye, Shawano
Kathy Sodermark, Neenah

1998

Leroy Altman, Waukesha*

Billy Sixty, Sr., Milwaukee*

Wayne Pinkalla, Milwaukee

Stuart Meyer, Milwaukee
Gale Blasczyk, New Berlin
Diane Guttormsen-Northern, Kenosha

1999

Hank Sayrs, Milwaukee*
Shirley Mielke, Oconomowoc
Evelyn Psenicka, Waupauca
Rachel Aaroen, McFarland*

2000

Jerry Koenig, Shawano

Walter R. Punko, Brookfield*
Margie Murrow-Wukoman, Franklin
Betty Wedntland, Beloit*


2001

Margie Klabunde, Milwaukee*
Jill Albrecht-Weber, Wind Lake

2002

Gabe Savaglio, Kenosha*

Dick Rice, Platteville

Ted Jaskie, Brown Deer*
Nancy Tenwinkel, Burlington

2003

Bob Larson, Kenosha
Jill Hartnell, Kenosha
Bev Larsen, Green Bay
L Mae Hayden, Mondovi*

2004

Hal Kaminski, Hubertis
Gina Daroszewski, Franklin
Joan Kiekow, Milwaukee
Diane Rosenmeier, Beaver Dam

2005

Mark Kuglitsch, East Troy*

Edward Kline, New Berlin
Judith Mertins, Racine
Aggie Habeck, Oshkosh
Edna Oechler, Kenosha*


2006

Elsie Vacek, Manitowoc

2007

John “Red” Smith, Oshkosh*

Phil LaPorte, Germantown
Linda Syvertsen
Lisa Vint, East Troy
Joan Hansen, Madison
Joan Staffon, Merrilan

2008

Ben Hoefs, West Bend

Don Bartz, Milwaukee*
Diane Stanislawski-Welhouse, Kaukauna
Sally Barwick, Wausau
Mary Hansen, Niagara

2009

Dick Ritger, Hartford*
Christine Weber, Waukesha

2010

Rich Wonders, Racine

Don Cook, Waukesha
Kay Gierl, Kenosha

2011

David Eley, Sr., Monroe*

Gus Yannaras, Waukesha

Gary Daroszewski, Milwaukee
Roxanne Monce, Milwaukee
Christine Holzschuh, Pewaukee
Dawn Nelson, Superior

2012

Bill Marescalco, Jr., Twin Lakes

Anton “Tony” Piantek, Bonduel*

Dale Traber, Cedarburg
Lynn Tyree-Cook, Waukesha

2013

Tom Schultz, Watertown

Jeff Richgels, Madison

Marc McDowell, Madison

Lennie Boresch, Jr., Kenosha
Lori Grisanti, Greenfield

2014

Jeff Nimke, Oshkosh

Darold Meisel, Muskego*

John Tyczkowski, Green Bay

Gloria Behr, Menomonee Falls
Rochelle Roventini, Greenfield

2015

Hank Posnanski Jr., Milwaukee

Norb Wetzel, Fond du Lac

Eugene “Gene” Schrank, Manitowoc*
Shirley Stahl, Milwaukee

2016

Bob Greenfield, North Prairie

Ryan Lever, Muskego

Gail Myers Jr., Monroe

Joe Natoli, Menomonee Falls

2017

Joe Alivo, Lannon

Merrill Draper, Burlington

Carl Muccio, Menomonee Falls*

John Wittkowske, Shorewood
Jennifer Grisham, Sussex
Shannon Labinski, Hartland
Kandy Birmingham, New Berlin
Joyce Jansen, Pardeeville
Cathy Larrabee, Racine
Joan Rennert, Racine

2018

Scott Helm, Hartford

Dennis Juechter, West Allis*

Terry Kulibert, Oshkosh

Richard Board, Sturgeon Bay

Greg Gomez, New Berlin

Bob Schmidt, Watertown

Robert Stichert, Sheboygan
Charly Boelter, Oshkosh
Dianne Cronce, Milwaukee
Betsy Bear Hoff, Waukesha
Michele McHenry, Pewaukee
Bonnie Decker, Janesville
Bonnie DeHarde, Milwaukee
Judy Engelbrecht, Freeport IL
Dawn Kluever, Schofield
Marcia Snyder, Fond du Lac
Pat Tebon, Green Bay
Ginni Zuege, Madison


2019

Steven Brinkman, Sussex

Jack Connaughton, La Fayette, IN

Maynard Mittelsteadt, Baraboo

Dick Reynolds, Pleasant Prairie

Todd Savoy, Superior

Ron Scheucher, Las Vegas

Brian Thyes, Green Bay


2020

Gary Green, Houlton

John Megna, Hales Corners

Glenn Mueller, Naples

John Peterson, Kenosha

Mike Putzer, Oshkosh

Ted Jirschefski, Theinsville

Doug Sleaford, New Berlin

Sandy Weber, Appleton


2021


David Albrecht, Milwaukee

Brian Brazeau, Ocala, Fla

Jim Hanke, Jackson

Jace Peterson, Ocala, Fla

Gene Raffel, Oak Creek*

Steve Richter, Sheboygan

Mike Shady, Girard, Pa

Mike Stranney, Milwaukee*

Hank Stoddard, San Juan Capistrano, Ca

Steve Janssen, St Germaine


2022


Jim Palt, Greenfield

Ron Vokes, Racine

Avon Kohl, River Falls*

Phil Dowling, Madison

Don Hildebrand, Glendale

Dave LaBar, De Pere


2023


Traci Brown, Menasha

Jerome "Jerry" Polarek, Green Bay

Dwain Stewart, Milwaukee

Michael Wirz, Eau Claire




* = Deceased