RENO, Nev. - Randy Gerdes of St. Louis Park, Minn., had reasonable expectations before lacing up his shoes at the 2013 United States Bowling Congress Senior Championships on Tuesday, but he walked away with much more as he fired a perfect game and 817 series at the National Bowling Stadium.

The 56-year-old right-hander started his day with a 239 game before striking on 22 of his final 24 deliveries for 300 and 278. He did not receive any handicap, but his scratch total was enough to take the early lead in the 55-59 category of the Open Division. He finished the day 12 pins ahead of Donald Nellis of Statesville, N.C., who rolled a 658 scratch series on the way to an 805 handicap total.

The 2013 USBC Senior Championships features two divisions (Open and Women's) with six age classifications (50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and above).

After Monday's practice session, Gerdes was hoping to put himself in the running to make Wednesday's medal round but never imagined he'd make a run at perfection and more at the 78-lane venue.

All bowlers competed in three games of qualifying Tuesday and will return for three additional games Wednesday. The top six competitors in each classification will advance to the medal round, where their pinfall will carry over, and they will bowl three games to determine the champions. The medal round is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. EDT.

"I thought if I shot 700, I could put myself in the mix," said Gerdes, who claimed the top spot in Class A at the 2012 Minnesota State USBC Senior Championships to earn his trip to Reno. "That was the goal. I felt that given what I saw in practice, it might be reasonable. I never expected in my wildest dreams to have 17 in a row in the middle of my set. I'm shocked to be looking at an 817 now that it's all over."

Gerdes is no stranger to the high ceilings and prestigious feel of the NBS, having made his 31st USBC Open Championships at the one-a-kind facility earlier this year.

"I love this place," Gerdes said. "Ever since it opened in 1995, we've been coming here. I never thought I would shoot anything like this in this environment and setting. It's incredible. The setting is wonderful, the tournament is excellent and the people I've met yesterday and today have all been super friendly and supportive. I couldn't ask for more. I plan to show up tomorrow morning and just see what happens."

The 2013 Senior Championships is a national event for bowlers who have qualified through their state's senior tournament. This year's event features more than 400 participants who are vying for a share of a prize fund of more than $40,000.

2013 USBC Senior Championships
At National Bowling Stadium
Reno, Nev.

Open
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75 and above

Women's
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75 and above