Fred Tuerk earned a reputation as one of the nation's most respected sports journalists in his 36 years as Sports Editor of the Peoria Star. He was also responsible for some of the special promotions which established the Peoria paper as a leader in sponsoring sporting events. He became Sports Editor in 1919 and continued in that capacity until his death in 1954.

During his long tenure, he covered hundreds of important sporting events and began the famous Brothers Bowling Tournament during the winter of 1922-23.

From a modest start of 119 teams, the tournament has steadily grown and since 1960 has been over the 3,000 team mark each season.

Tuerk was also a member of the Illinois Boxing Commission, and was on the scene during one of Peoria's most colorful eras when Bradley was moving into big time basketball and such sports as boxing and minor Ieaaue baseball thrived in Peoria.