August Lenz

August Lenz spent his whole career – a total of 31 years with more than 1,000 matches – as a center forward for Borussia Dortmund. With him, the club was promoted to the Gauliga, Germany’s first division at the time. After World War II he remained active for his team in the Western Division of the “Oberliga” (Upper League), scoring 32 goals. In 1947 Dortmund won the title of Westphalian Champion against arch rival Schalke 04 and became champion of its “Oberliga” Division in 1947-48 and 1948-49. In the 1948-49 season he was the top scorer, with 22 goals, and the club made the final of the German Championship, losing in extra-time against VfR Mannheim.

His international career was short-lived. Following the disappointing defeat against Norway during the 1936 Olympics he was considered only rarely, and played a total of 14 matches between 1935 and 1938, scoring nine goals. Following his competitive career he opened a bar, which he ran for 33 years, on Borsig Square, birthplace of Borussia Dortmund. The building, which was named in his honor, used to house the club’s offices. Today it is the home of a fan shop and tavern.