Sylvester Thiel recently completed his 63rd year in sanctioned competition. For 27 years he averaged over 200 with a high of 225. He achieved two 800's, two 300's and one 298. Bowled in the best leagues in the Detroit, Michigan area.

In 1947, he was the Detroit Actual All Events Champion and Team Champion in 1953 and 1955. In 1947, he partnered with ABC Hall of Famer Ed Lubanski to win the Michigan Doubles Championship.

Syl was named to the All American Third Team in 1955 and Honorable Mention Team in 1958.

He has bowled in ten Minnesota State Tournaments and in 1986 was on the Class A Actual Championship Team. Has won a variety of local tournaments in Michigan and Minnesota.

He is a member of the Detroit, MI, Rochester, MN, and Lake City, MN Halls of Fame. He is also member of the Peterson Classic Hall of Fame in the Golden Era category.

As of 2002, Syl is currently in 9th place in ABC Tournament total pinfall with 96,880 pins.