Duo honors friend, takes Classified Doubles lead at Open Championships
March 18, 2026
RENO, Nev. – Donald Klimeck Jr. of Mequon, Wisconsin, and Russell Hayden of Greenfield, Wisconsin, took the Classified Doubles lead at the 2026 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships while honoring a late friend’s father on St. Patrick’s Day.
Donning kilts at the National Bowling Stadium, the duo put up sets of 371, 357 and 356 for a combined total of 1,084, earning the top spot while each making their 11th appearance at the USBC Open Championships.
As for why they wore the kilts?
“We had a really good friend whose dad passed away not too long ago. He wore kilts all the time and played bagpipes,” said Klimeck. “We wanted to honor him by wearing kilts on St. Patrick’s Day.”
The pair stayed steady throughout their set, with Hayden contributing 537 and Klimeck adding 547, stringing together consistent games in the 170s and 180s to move into the lead.
“Honestly, around Game 2 we felt like if we could put a full game together, we could get close to 1,100,” Hayden said. “I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s nice to come out early and get that chance to get up on the board.”
Klimeck and Hayden, who have known each other for nearly two decades after meeting in the Army, said their long-standing friendship helped fuel their performance on the lanes.
“It’s been fun. We’ve known each other about 18 years now,” Hayden said. “We’ve got our rituals and just enjoy being around each other, on and off the lanes.”
Klimeck also noted his comfort competing at the National Bowling Stadium.
“I bowl well here in Reno,” Klimeck said. “This place has been good to me.”
With more than four months remaining in the tournament, the duo knows there is still a long road ahead but remains satisfied with their performance.
“As long as people bowl consistent, if our score holds up, phenomenal,” Klimeck said. “If it doesn’t, I’m still happy with how we bowled today.”
Hayden added, “I’m over the moon right now. The tournament’s never been that good to me. If it holds, great. If not, we’re pulling for everybody else.”
Hayden added 478 in team and 458 in singles for an all-events total of 1,473, while Klimeck had 403 during the team event and 492 in singles for a total of 1,442. Hayden’s total was his highest since the last time the Open was in Reno in 2023.
Classified Doubles features bowlers with combined entering averages of 320 and below.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Donning kilts at the National Bowling Stadium, the duo put up sets of 371, 357 and 356 for a combined total of 1,084, earning the top spot while each making their 11th appearance at the USBC Open Championships.
As for why they wore the kilts?“We had a really good friend whose dad passed away not too long ago. He wore kilts all the time and played bagpipes,” said Klimeck. “We wanted to honor him by wearing kilts on St. Patrick’s Day.”
The pair stayed steady throughout their set, with Hayden contributing 537 and Klimeck adding 547, stringing together consistent games in the 170s and 180s to move into the lead.
“Honestly, around Game 2 we felt like if we could put a full game together, we could get close to 1,100,” Hayden said. “I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s nice to come out early and get that chance to get up on the board.”
Klimeck and Hayden, who have known each other for nearly two decades after meeting in the Army, said their long-standing friendship helped fuel their performance on the lanes.
“It’s been fun. We’ve known each other about 18 years now,” Hayden said. “We’ve got our rituals and just enjoy being around each other, on and off the lanes.”
Klimeck also noted his comfort competing at the National Bowling Stadium.
“I bowl well here in Reno,” Klimeck said. “This place has been good to me.”
With more than four months remaining in the tournament, the duo knows there is still a long road ahead but remains satisfied with their performance.
“As long as people bowl consistent, if our score holds up, phenomenal,” Klimeck said. “If it doesn’t, I’m still happy with how we bowled today.”
Hayden added, “I’m over the moon right now. The tournament’s never been that good to me. If it holds, great. If not, we’re pulling for everybody else.”
Hayden added 478 in team and 458 in singles for an all-events total of 1,473, while Klimeck had 403 during the team event and 492 in singles for a total of 1,442. Hayden’s total was his highest since the last time the Open was in Reno in 2023.
Classified Doubles features bowlers with combined entering averages of 320 and below.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.