February 11, 2006 - USBC - The 14-year wait is finally over for Corpus Christi as the sounds of bowling returned to the American Bank Center Exhibit Hall on Saturday with the opening of the 2006 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships Tournament.
USBC Hall of Famers, dignitaries, the Corpus Christi Folklorico Dancers, 475 bowlers and nearly 1,000 spectators turned out for the opening day events, which included the traditional Mass Ball Shot and the crowning of "Joe Bowler."
Escorted by USBC Hall of Famers Bill Lillard and Jim Schroeder, Russell Osborne II of Pineville, La., was crowned this year's "Joe Bowler" during the evening squad. Dressed in the traditional cape, crown and scepter, Osborne rolled the ceremonial first ball, knocking down nine pins to signify the official start of the tournament.
"There was nothing to it," Osborne said of his experience. "I enjoyed it. I believe in having a good time, now I'm ready to go bowl."
With 12,606 teams scheduled to bowl, this year's event will be the second largest ever held outside of Reno, Nev., and the sixth largest overall. The 2005 event in Baton Rouge, La., the tournament's first visit to Louisiana, was the largest ever held outside of Reno, attracting 13,222 teams.
This is the Open Championships' second trip to Corpus Christi, and during the next 143 days, more than 63,000 bowlers will be competing for a share of the $4.6 million in prize money. The tournament's 1992 visit to Corpus Christi as the American Bowling Congress Championships Tournament attracted 8,557 teams.
USBC Chief Tournament Officer Roseann Kuhn emceed the opening-night festivities. Also in attendance were USBC Chief Executive Officer Roger Dalkin, USBC Chief Operating Officer Jack Mordini, USBC President Michael Carroll and Corpus Christi Mayor Henry Garrett.
"We've been waiting six years for this tournament," Garrett said. "We appreciate the USBC picking us to host the event and we hope they keep coming back."
USBC/PWBA HALL OF FAMER HELPS TEAM TO
TOP SPOT AT USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
For the second consecutive year, Hall of Famer Lisa Wagner helped Macanudos of Duluth, Ga., take the lead in Regular Team at the Open Championships.
The group had team games of 980, 1,041 and 1,089 to grab the top spot with 3,110 after two squads Saturday at the American Bank Center Exhibit Hall.
Chad Pierce led the way with 658, followed by Ed Ilano (637), Randy Russell (625), Wagner (621) and Dan Smith (569).
"When you see this atmosphere, you can't help but get into it," Wagner said. "You see all the bowlers around you, it's such a big venue and the prestige of the event is just great."
In the Classified Division, Double D Statuary of nearby Odem, Texas, took the early lead with 2,699 on the tournament's opening squad. The group, which traveled just 15 miles, posted games of 977, 839 and 883.
David Reyckert paced the team with 583, followed by Carlos Budd (562), Juan Leal (549), Frank Lemon (524) and Donna Reyckert (481).
Presenting sponsors for the 2006 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Texas State Aquarium, Majestic Ventures Yacht Charters, Inc., USS Lexington Museum and Texas Treasure Casino Cruises.
For more information on the USBC Open Championships, visit USBCopen.com
Top 10 division leaders with hometown and pinfalls:
REGULAR DIVISION
Team
1, Macanudos (Dan Smith, Lisa Wagner, Ed Ilano, Randy Russell, Chad Pierce), Duluth, Ga., 3,110. 2, Big Daddy, Atlanta, 2,882. 3, Dykemans Farm, Pawling, N.Y., 2,880. 4, G & S Truck Repair, Charleston, S.C., 2,878. 5, Another Town More Beer, Magna, Utah, 2,874. 6, Dykemans Farm II, Pawling, N.Y., 2,816. 7, Sleeping Dogs Communications, East Troy, Wis., 2,799. 8, Corky's Pro Shop, Burlington, Wis., 2,797. 9, Exxtreme I, Houston, 2,785. 10, Wild Aces, Monroe, Mich., 2,771.
CLASSIFIED DIVISION
Team
1, Double D Statuary, Odem, Texas, 2,699. 2, Rainbow Rollers, McAllen, Texas, 2,697. 3, The Wacouns, Waco, Texas, 2,687. 4, Sorcerers 1, San Antonio, Texas, 2,653. 5, No Weak Links, Gaffney, S.C., 2,642. 6, Hawks, Corpus Christi, Texas, 2,525. 7, Split Zone, Ponder, Texas, 2,518. 8, CB Real Estate Inspection, Corpus Christi, Texas, 2,510. 9, Hidy Ho, Kingwood, Texas, 2,494. 10, Winthrop Lanes II, Lafayette, Minn., 2,476.
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