New tournament honors longtime bowler’s legacy
Joe Mrenak’s bowling accomplishments spanned the globe, but his most recent recognition is in the place he called home.
The Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress will honor Mrenak’s memory with a new men’s scratch tournament in 2020. Bowler interest prompted the local association to add a tournament similar in format to the Angie Kreitzer Memorial Queens Tournament to its slate of city events. A community vote determined which of the many accomplished local bowlers would be the event’s namesake.
“We are so excited and honored,” said Mrenak’s wife, Jody. “But knowing Joe, he’d probably say that someone else was more deserving. When he was bowling and he’d do something great, I’d hear it from someone else — bragging wasn’t his thing.”
Mrenak, however, had plenty to brag about. He started earning tournament titles four decades ago when he was serving in the Air Force. He won multiple allevents titles in the U.S. Air Force and Military Worldwide tournaments and continued his winning ways when he joined the PBA Tour in the early 1980s. Mrenak posted both PBA regional and senior regional titles.
At the local level, Mrenak won both Dayton Bowling Association and Ohio State Bowling Association championship titles. Along the way, he tallied more than 50 honor scores, including five 300 games during PBA events. Mrenak was inducted into the local hall of fame for bowling achievement in 2001.
While his accomplishments on the lanes were plentiful, Mrenak was also recognized for his sportsmanship.
“He was always competitive and supportive of other bowlers,” fellow bowler Bob Galpin said.
And he never missed an opportunity to help youth bowlers develop their skills.
“It was so sweet to see the comments online from former youth bowlers about how Joe was there for them when they were kids,” Jody said.
Bowling is a family affair for the Mrenaks as Jody is also a Hall of Famer and both their children, Eric and Audra, are accomplished bowlers.
“He would help anyone and everyone, even if he was bowling against them,” Audra said. “I wouldn’t be the bowler I am today without him.”
Mrenak died in 2016 after a long battle with ALS but his memory will live on with the new city tournament. A new generation of Mrenak bowlers is also making a name for themselves as granddaughters Rylie, 7, and Kyleigh, 5, recently finished second in their youth league standings.
“Kyleigh is even a lefty like Dad,” Audra said, smiling.
Those who want to be involved with the tournament committee or want additional information should contact the GDUSBC office at 937-222-2695.