The Sports Page reignites Bowling Hall of Fame, inducts four

The Sports Page Bowl and Grill recently decided to reinstate the local Medford Bowling Hall of Fame. Its committee took nominations from the public. Bowlers were judged on their bowling accomplishments, character and their commitment to the sport of bowling in Medford.

The Sports Page is proud to present the 2025 inductees to the Medford Bowling Hall of Fame, Don Krakenberger, Rocky Mantik, Bruce Weiler and Marvin Riemer.

Don “Kraky” Krakenberger

Krakenberger, better known as Kraky, has long been considered one of the best bowlers to bowl in Medford. His time dominating the hardwood dates back to Lumpy’s Lanes when the lanes were still made of actual wood. Kraky bowled his first 300 game in 1991 when The Sports Page was in its first year of business. Kraky rolled another 300 in 1996 on the same night as owner Mike Platt, which will be remembered as the busiest bar night the Sports Page ever had. In total Kraky amassed fourteen 300 games and four 800 series.

When asked about his Hall of Fame Induction Kraky said, “All I can say is it wasn’t hard work and devotion. It was cold beer and lots of smiles with many good fun people over the years. The bowling was just part of the journey, along with having a great place to do it!”

Rocky Mantik

Rocky started bowling in 1974 with his late father Jerry Mantik. Rocky has bowled two to three nights a week for the last 50 years. He has always been known as a man of action. Mantik can often be seen at the Sports Page organizing side bets and pot games during league to create a little extra buzz amongst the bowlers. In his illustrious career, Mantik has amassed 33 perfect 300 games along with twenty 800 series and his record high series of 846.

Bruce “Coyote” Weiler

Weiler, better known as Coyote, was first introduced to bowling when his grandfather, Byron Mason, installed six brand new bowling lanes in Athens. Bruce quickly fell in love with the game of bowling and was heavily involved in youth bowling. He was 15 when he recorded the first 600 series ever bowled by a youth in Athens. Once he was an adult, Weiler was known for his athletic prowess in Abbotsford, Wausau and Athens. He finally made his way to Medford in 1992.

On his first night ever bowling at The Sports Page, Coyote made history. He became the first person ever to roll an 800 series (812) in Medford while simultaneously rolling a perfect 300 game. In 1995 Coyote made history again by recording Medford’s second ever 800 series. Weiler took some years off to follow his kids’ high school careers, but he returned in 2015 to the lanes to record another 300 game. In 2019 Coyote and his son Austin Weiler both recorded 300 games and are one of the few father/son combinations to bowl perfect games at The Sports Page. They did it again in 2021 and it was described by Bruce as one of the proudest moments of his life.

In total Coyote has eight 300 games and three 800 series.

Marvin Riemer

The late Marvin Riemer was nominated by his son, another talented bowler, Al Riemer. Marvin Riemer started bowling in Medford more than 53 seasons ago. He bowled three nights a week –– Mondays with The Pabst Team, Tuesdays with Riemer Builders and Friday nights with the Genglers. Bowling was very high on his list. Everyone who bowled with or even against Riemer always seemed to enjoy it.

He was famous for his two sayings; “If you’re not bowling good, well drink more beer” and “it don’t pay to get excited.” He was also known for his infectious belly laugh and was referred to as the “Marvelous Marvin Riemer” on the local radio station.

Riemer was a two-time Tavern League bowling champion and also rolled a perfect 300 game as well as an 800 series.