Tim Hartley By the Numbers
8 – City titles
30 – Career 300 games
236 – High average
867 – High series, one of 13 career 800 series
It has come full circle for Tim Hartley.
Once the young guy, bowling with his father David, a Hall of Famer, anchoring their team, Tim is now frequently the anchor and is weeks away from being inducted into the Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame. Hartley will be inducted in the superior performance category along with Mike Lamb, Jim Hilligas Jr., Lisa Graham and Lorie Webster.
“It has not sunk in entirely,” Hartley said. “Sometimes, I sit and think about it and it’s just incredible.”
Hartley, one of eight kids in his family, started bowling more than four decades ago when he was 7. His mom got the kids started in the sport.
“She was down there with us, instructing us and keeping score,” he said.
Tim was hooked. After his weekly bantam league he would rush home and watch bowling on television on Saturday afternoons.
But while most of his siblings left the lanes long ago, Tim and his brother Tom continued. The brothers still bowl in leagues and compete in tournaments together.
That dedication has paid off with tournament titles, honor scores and, now, a Hall of Fame induction for Tim.
Hartley, an Englewood resident, has been on a roll, winning scratch and handicap titles in four city tournaments since the 2011-12 season. He has competed on more than 50 first-place finishing squads in various tournaments over the past 35 years.
The 53-year-old has tallied 13 800 series and 30 perfect games. His play has earned him three appearances on the GDUSBC All-City Team and three on the Senior All-City Team.
For all his accomplishments, Hartley has his sights set on more.
“I’m still looking forward to a national best score or title,” he said.
He is also looking forward to passing the torch to the next generation of Hartley bowlers.
“My dad was the anchor — the person you can depend on — and now I am,” he said. “I’d like to pass that on to my kids.”
Both of Tim’s sons are bowlers. And, in keeping with the Hall of Fame honors in the family, Tim’s wife Susan has bowled her way into the local and state halls.
“We might need to make a little room in the curio where she keeps her awards,” Tim said with a smile.
About the Author