New Mexico bowler celebrates 50 years at USBC Open Championships
April 20, 2024
LAS VEGAS – Steve Conrad of Albuquerque, New Mexico, achieved a major milestone of 50 years of participation at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships on Wednesday at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
The moment was memorable for the 78-year-old, as he was escorted during his on-lane presentation by longtime friend and teammate Ed Case to receive his plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin.
“He’s been a loyal sponsor,” Conrad said about Case, who made his 49th appearance this week at the USBC Open Championships. “He gets his 50th next year.”
The journey to 50 years for Conrad started at the 1971 event in Detroit, and his work with the local bowling association when he lived in Dayton, Ohio, allowed him to take part in building the lanes for the 1975 tournament.
“In 1975, I was with the bowling association then,” Conrad said. “We were conscripted to get out to drive nails to build the lanes.”
A change was on the horizon for Conrad, as a move to New Mexico was in the works to take on a new job. This also came with trying to find new teammates.
“I moved to New Mexico and changed jobs, and I’ve been with the same guys from 1984 on,” said Conrad, talking about the origin of his current teammates.
Many highlights over the years were mentioned by Conrad, such as meeting new people and setting new goals.
“It’s been fun from the standpoint of seeing different cities, meeting lots of people and making friendships,” Conrad said. “A goal of mine is to get into the 1,800s and have a clean tournament.
“It is exuberant of a good feeling. When I saw this was achievable, I’m definitely going to do it.”
Conrad finished his milestone appearance with steady scores of 512 in singles, 509 in doubles and 508 in team for an all-events score of 1,529. Through 50 tournaments, he has knocked down 83,100 pins for a career average of 184.6.
The 2024 Open Championships got underway Feb. 23 and will run through July 29 at the South Point Bowling Plaza. The tournament is scheduled to feature more than 11,000 teams and 55,000 bowlers making their way to compete in Las Vegas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.
The moment was memorable for the 78-year-old, as he was escorted during his on-lane presentation by longtime friend and teammate Ed Case to receive his plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin.
“He’s been a loyal sponsor,” Conrad said about Case, who made his 49th appearance this week at the USBC Open Championships. “He gets his 50th next year.”
The journey to 50 years for Conrad started at the 1971 event in Detroit, and his work with the local bowling association when he lived in Dayton, Ohio, allowed him to take part in building the lanes for the 1975 tournament.
“In 1975, I was with the bowling association then,” Conrad said. “We were conscripted to get out to drive nails to build the lanes.”
A change was on the horizon for Conrad, as a move to New Mexico was in the works to take on a new job. This also came with trying to find new teammates.
“I moved to New Mexico and changed jobs, and I’ve been with the same guys from 1984 on,” said Conrad, talking about the origin of his current teammates.
Many highlights over the years were mentioned by Conrad, such as meeting new people and setting new goals.
“It’s been fun from the standpoint of seeing different cities, meeting lots of people and making friendships,” Conrad said. “A goal of mine is to get into the 1,800s and have a clean tournament.
“It is exuberant of a good feeling. When I saw this was achievable, I’m definitely going to do it.”
Conrad finished his milestone appearance with steady scores of 512 in singles, 509 in doubles and 508 in team for an all-events score of 1,529. Through 50 tournaments, he has knocked down 83,100 pins for a career average of 184.6.
The 2024 Open Championships got underway Feb. 23 and will run through July 29 at the South Point Bowling Plaza. The tournament is scheduled to feature more than 11,000 teams and 55,000 bowlers making their way to compete in Las Vegas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.