by Randy Ooney
My Nickel’s Worth by Randy Ooney
Doc
Now entering into the Christmas season, thoughts may turn to a jolly old guy with flowing, snow white hair. Of course, with all due respect to Santa Claus, in fact I am talking about Don Theis.
As I am learning, when you get to an age with a 7 in front of another number, the body may not produce expected proficiency in bowling and golf. In some circles you may be referred to as a “real old guy”. Don does not play the links, however in the past several years he has put up a half dozen perfect games on the lanes, including an 837 series with a 300 game in the Monday afternoon senior league at Texa Tonka.
In Don’s employed years, he toiled in the medical profession at the University of Minnesota. His clinical experience is why the nickname “Doc”. No, he never appeared in a Bugs Bunny cartoon, but he knows “what’s up.” His U of M tenure has made him a fan of Gopher football, and he spends many Saturdays at TCF Bank Stadium helping P.J. Fleck row the boat. Unfortunately, after the games, he returns to his home in the southwest suburbs, while the Little Brown Jug, Floyd of Rosedale, and Paul Bunyan’s Axe all leave the state. Of course, disappointment does not end at TCF Stadium. Doc spent his wonder years in Southern California and became a lifelong Dodger fan and we all know what happened to them this fall. However, one might argue, it is better to be a Dodgers rooter than a Twins fan. At least the Dodgers don’t have Bert in the booth at Chavez Ravine.
Don took over from the venerable John Dorek to manage the Midwest Senior Classic Tournaments. He has done a fine job in staging tournaments at a number of different bowling centers throughout the Twin Cities area.
Doc won the age class “C” of the Minneapolis 700 club tournament last May, but look out! Guess who is over 70 this year and will also be a class “C” contestant.
I am happy to have Doc as a teammate in one league and a worthy adversary in another. But also I enjoy participating with Doc in local tournaments. We have bowled in the State Mixed tournament for several years. The 2018 tournament is scheduled for Apple Place from April 7 – through – May 6. The handicap tournament is 6 games – three for two player doubles, and three for a four person team. Hoping we can find a lady to add to our threesome of Don Theis, Paula Ray, and myself. Your doubles partner would be Doc. He is not as good looking as me, but he is a better bowler. If interested, you can contact me on facebook. I think drock created a Randy Ooney profile for me.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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