George A. Nietering
In the history of the Greater Muskegon Bowling association, one name stands out as the greatest classic league bowler to ever hit the lanes, as well as one of the nicest gentleman to ever bowl in the Muskegon area-George Nietering.
George got into bowling at the age of 16, setting pins at Seifert Bowling Alley in Grand Haven. Practicing whenever possible, (something he would do for the rest of his career) he filled in on leagues when he could and his first average was 169 for 30 games. At the age of 20, " Yuts" (a school nickname acquired earlier and still called that by friends today) carried averages of 201 and 200, quite an accomplishment at that time. his highest average in league competition was 207 in 1965.
As a member of the powerful Wolverine Express team, bowling at the Crystal Recreation Lanes, they set the association record for high team game of 1230, on November 4, 1940. George contributing 257 to the cause. Their team series of 3165 was also high for the association that year. George's highest series of 762 rolled in 1942, was a record that stood until 1965.
George was on ten city actual championship teams-in 1937, 41, 42, 46, 55, 56, 60, 61, 62 and 66. Winner of the actual doubles championship four times-in 1943, 45, 65 and 75, he was also the actual singles champion in 1944 and 1958. He amassed the all event actual championship seven times-in 1939, 44, 48, 54, 58, 65 and 66. His high game in the GMBA was 298, rolled in 1963, but he topped that score by rolling his 300 game in the Grand Haven Bowling Association.
Of all his accomplishments over the years, George is most proud of his 762 series which stood as an association record for 23 years. The Greater Muskegon Bowling Hall of Fame is proud to induct you "Yuts" a classic league bowler who was indeed in a class by himself!.