First-timer has memorable debut at USBC Open Championships
June 29, 2010
RENO, Nev. - The USBC Open Championships allows all bowlers to share in more than 100 years of history and tradition, but first-time participant Adam Chase of Seaford, N.Y., was out to make history this week.
The 22-year-old right-hander began doubles with games of 222 and 197 before throwing 11 consecutive strikes, which gave him a chance at the 32nd 300 game of the 2010 event.
Instead, Chase left the 4-pin standing with his final offering and settled for the 13th 299 of the year and a 718 series. He teamed up with Darren Andretta of New Hyde Park, N.Y., for a 1,262 doubles total. Steve Bohn of Norwood, Minn., and John Kreyer Jr. of Fridley, Minn., lead Regular Doubles with 1,514.
Chase began his Open Championships career with a traditional walk down Center Aisle and admittedly was nervous before throwing his first shot on the tournament lanes at the National Bowling Stadium on Sunday. After striking on the first shot, he became more relaxed and carried that over to doubles and singles Monday.
Chase is accustomed to rolling honor scores on big stages. At the 2008 USBC Junior Gold Championships in Detroit, he rolled a 300 game, and a year later, he rolled a 299 at the same event in Indianapolis.
"Yesterday, I was a little nervous to start," said Chase, who won the men's title at the 2009 USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships. "After the first shot, I calmed down and was relaxed. I just tried to carry that into today. I wasn't really nervous during the 300 run, and I think that is because I have shot 300 and 299 at Junior Gold. I guess you could say I am used to bowling well in big atmospheres."
Although he didn't achieve perfection, he still is looking forward to hearing his name announced in the squad room at the Open Championships.
"That will be pretty neat," said Chase, who bowled collegiately for St. John's University and now bowls regularly at Farmingdale Lanes in Farmingdale, N.Y. "A guy on my team actually had his name announced for a 300 from 2001, and that was really cool to hear his name. I am looking forward to hearing my name called."
Prior to his Open Championships experience, Chase drilled a few new balls to help him get ready for the tournament. His collegiate experience also played a key role in his success.
"It never really hurts to have new equipment," Chase said. "The equipment I drilled worked great. Also, bowling in college prepared me because I always ran into similar conditions such as this one. I pretty much knew how to line myself up and adjust to the breakdown. It was a lot easier for me because of my prior experience."
After adding 673 in singles and 595 in team for a 1,986 all-events total, Chase will be looking to accomplish many goals before his Open Championships career is complete.
"I would like to have some team success," said Chase, who is a medical biller for the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. "A few more honor scores would be nice, and I am looking to improve year to year. Shooting 1,986 for your first-time is not too shabby. Bowling here let me know I am good enough to potentially have my name on one of those banners."
Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.
The 22-year-old right-hander began doubles with games of 222 and 197 before throwing 11 consecutive strikes, which gave him a chance at the 32nd 300 game of the 2010 event.
Instead, Chase left the 4-pin standing with his final offering and settled for the 13th 299 of the year and a 718 series. He teamed up with Darren Andretta of New Hyde Park, N.Y., for a 1,262 doubles total. Steve Bohn of Norwood, Minn., and John Kreyer Jr. of Fridley, Minn., lead Regular Doubles with 1,514.
Chase began his Open Championships career with a traditional walk down Center Aisle and admittedly was nervous before throwing his first shot on the tournament lanes at the National Bowling Stadium on Sunday. After striking on the first shot, he became more relaxed and carried that over to doubles and singles Monday.
Chase is accustomed to rolling honor scores on big stages. At the 2008 USBC Junior Gold Championships in Detroit, he rolled a 300 game, and a year later, he rolled a 299 at the same event in Indianapolis.
"Yesterday, I was a little nervous to start," said Chase, who won the men's title at the 2009 USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships. "After the first shot, I calmed down and was relaxed. I just tried to carry that into today. I wasn't really nervous during the 300 run, and I think that is because I have shot 300 and 299 at Junior Gold. I guess you could say I am used to bowling well in big atmospheres."
Although he didn't achieve perfection, he still is looking forward to hearing his name announced in the squad room at the Open Championships.
"That will be pretty neat," said Chase, who bowled collegiately for St. John's University and now bowls regularly at Farmingdale Lanes in Farmingdale, N.Y. "A guy on my team actually had his name announced for a 300 from 2001, and that was really cool to hear his name. I am looking forward to hearing my name called."
Prior to his Open Championships experience, Chase drilled a few new balls to help him get ready for the tournament. His collegiate experience also played a key role in his success.
"It never really hurts to have new equipment," Chase said. "The equipment I drilled worked great. Also, bowling in college prepared me because I always ran into similar conditions such as this one. I pretty much knew how to line myself up and adjust to the breakdown. It was a lot easier for me because of my prior experience."
After adding 673 in singles and 595 in team for a 1,986 all-events total, Chase will be looking to accomplish many goals before his Open Championships career is complete.
"I would like to have some team success," said Chase, who is a medical biller for the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. "A few more honor scores would be nice, and I am looking to improve year to year. Shooting 1,986 for your first-time is not too shabby. Bowling here let me know I am good enough to potentially have my name on one of those banners."
Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.