Florida bowler makes milestone march at USBC Open
April 16, 2014
By Jessica Gilgor
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - When Mac Segar of Osprey, Fla., started bowling in the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, the idea of attending 50 tournaments was the farthest thing from his mind.
But the allure of individual recognition at the tournament became his motivation for returning year after year, and he received the ultimate recognition Tuesday when he took his 50th trip down Center Aisle at the National Bowling Stadium.
"As you're closing in on a milestone, and you start to get your individual recognition, it motivates you to come back," said Segar, who is the 171st bowler in history, and seventh of 10 this year, to make 50 appearances at the USBC Open Championships. "I'll tell you, it's a great feeling. When you first start out, you never imagine in your wildest dreams that you will be doing 50 consecutive tournaments."
Segar made his first Open Championships appearance at the 1965 event in St. Paul, Minn., and although his 50th year holds a special place among his memories, he credits his most memorable tournament experience to one of his protege, David Slyne, who was one of three bowlers to roll a 300 game at the 1988 event in Jacksonville, Fla.
"That gave me more satisfaction than if I had done it myself," said Segar, who has coached junior bowlers for more than 25 years. "Nothing is even close after that."
Even after having bowled in 50 consecutive tournaments, he doesn't see himself slowing anytime soon.
"Being at 50 is a great feeling and something you can be proud of," said Segar, who received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to commemorate his achievement. "I look forward to another 50."
Segar finished his 2014 tournament with 495 in team, 491 in doubles and 451 in singles for a 1,437 all-events total. In 50 years at the Open Championships, he has knocked down 78,763 pins for a career average of 175.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
Presenting sponsors for the 2014 USBC Open Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - When Mac Segar of Osprey, Fla., started bowling in the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, the idea of attending 50 tournaments was the farthest thing from his mind.
But the allure of individual recognition at the tournament became his motivation for returning year after year, and he received the ultimate recognition Tuesday when he took his 50th trip down Center Aisle at the National Bowling Stadium.
"As you're closing in on a milestone, and you start to get your individual recognition, it motivates you to come back," said Segar, who is the 171st bowler in history, and seventh of 10 this year, to make 50 appearances at the USBC Open Championships. "I'll tell you, it's a great feeling. When you first start out, you never imagine in your wildest dreams that you will be doing 50 consecutive tournaments."
Segar made his first Open Championships appearance at the 1965 event in St. Paul, Minn., and although his 50th year holds a special place among his memories, he credits his most memorable tournament experience to one of his protege, David Slyne, who was one of three bowlers to roll a 300 game at the 1988 event in Jacksonville, Fla.
"That gave me more satisfaction than if I had done it myself," said Segar, who has coached junior bowlers for more than 25 years. "Nothing is even close after that."
Even after having bowled in 50 consecutive tournaments, he doesn't see himself slowing anytime soon.
"Being at 50 is a great feeling and something you can be proud of," said Segar, who received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to commemorate his achievement. "I look forward to another 50."
Segar finished his 2014 tournament with 495 in team, 491 in doubles and 451 in singles for a 1,437 all-events total. In 50 years at the Open Championships, he has knocked down 78,763 pins for a career average of 175.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
Presenting sponsors for the 2014 USBC Open Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.