Defending doubles champions return to USBC Open Championships
April 29, 2015
EL PASO, Texas - Defending Regular Doubles champions Clark and Carl Poelzer of Arden Hills, Minnesota, returned to the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships this week, and although their title defense fell short, the experience of returning as champions for the first time is something the father and son never will forget.
The two spent a few days at the El Paso Convention Center taking in the whole USBC Open Championships experience, which included seeing their championship banner for the first time and spending some time on the Showcase Lanes to make sure they had a sound game plan for their time in the spotlight.
After six minutes of practice on the tournament lanes Wednesday, the wait was over, and it was time to put their title on the line.
This time, it was 63-year-old Clark who led the way, rolling a 586 series, while 31-year-old Carl contributed a 584 set for a 1,170 total. Jeremy Sonnenfeld, a 2001 Team All-Events champion, and Tom Woodworth of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, lead Regular Doubles this year with 1,372.
Both Clark and Carl agreed their execution on the championship lanes was not what they had hoped, and not getting a few hits prevented them from gaining the momentum they enjoyed at the 2014 event.
"I didn't feel nervous but certainly didn't execute as well as I should have," said Clark, who made his 39th Open Championships appearance. "Even during the team event last night, we broke the lanes down fine but just had terrible execution on our part."
On the way to the top of the doubles standings at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada, last year, Carl posted 761 series and Clark added 704 to their 1,465 winning-total.
Before their team event in El Paso on Tuesday, the two right-handers celebrated their victory as they were presented with their championship watches following a special march down Center Aisle. They also finally were able to see the orange eagles next to their names on the scoreboard, representing their place in tournament history.
"The closer it got, the more exciting it became, especially after the long wait to win last year," Clark said. "Having people clapping and cheering, and having my teammates there was neat. I didn't even realize the eagles were there until the third frame when somebody said something to me. We were really trying to be focused on the bowling. We were also very appreciative of all the people who came up to congratulate us, even though they didn't know us from anything."
Clark wrapped up his 2015 tournament with 621 in team and 603 in singles for a 1,810 all-events total, while Carl added 592 in team and 561 in singles for 1,737. Former Team USA member Rob Gotchall of Clarksville, Tennessee, leads Regular All-Events with 2,181.
Although their on-lane performance fell short of expectations, the Poelzers always will have this memory to share together.
"It really was a great experience," said Carl, who made his 10th tournament appearance. "I just wish I would have bowled better."
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
The two spent a few days at the El Paso Convention Center taking in the whole USBC Open Championships experience, which included seeing their championship banner for the first time and spending some time on the Showcase Lanes to make sure they had a sound game plan for their time in the spotlight.
After six minutes of practice on the tournament lanes Wednesday, the wait was over, and it was time to put their title on the line.
This time, it was 63-year-old Clark who led the way, rolling a 586 series, while 31-year-old Carl contributed a 584 set for a 1,170 total. Jeremy Sonnenfeld, a 2001 Team All-Events champion, and Tom Woodworth of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, lead Regular Doubles this year with 1,372.Both Clark and Carl agreed their execution on the championship lanes was not what they had hoped, and not getting a few hits prevented them from gaining the momentum they enjoyed at the 2014 event.
"I didn't feel nervous but certainly didn't execute as well as I should have," said Clark, who made his 39th Open Championships appearance. "Even during the team event last night, we broke the lanes down fine but just had terrible execution on our part."
On the way to the top of the doubles standings at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada, last year, Carl posted 761 series and Clark added 704 to their 1,465 winning-total.
Before their team event in El Paso on Tuesday, the two right-handers celebrated their victory as they were presented with their championship watches following a special march down Center Aisle. They also finally were able to see the orange eagles next to their names on the scoreboard, representing their place in tournament history.
"The closer it got, the more exciting it became, especially after the long wait to win last year," Clark said. "Having people clapping and cheering, and having my teammates there was neat. I didn't even realize the eagles were there until the third frame when somebody said something to me. We were really trying to be focused on the bowling. We were also very appreciative of all the people who came up to congratulate us, even though they didn't know us from anything."
Clark wrapped up his 2015 tournament with 621 in team and 603 in singles for a 1,810 all-events total, while Carl added 592 in team and 561 in singles for 1,737. Former Team USA member Rob Gotchall of Clarksville, Tennessee, leads Regular All-Events with 2,181.
Although their on-lane performance fell short of expectations, the Poelzers always will have this memory to share together.
"It really was a great experience," said Carl, who made his 10th tournament appearance. "I just wish I would have bowled better."
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.