Florida bowler reaches 50 years at 2023 USBC Open Championships
March 28, 2023
RENO, Nev. – There’s been a lot of change since 1962. Presidents have come and gone. Technology has advanced time and time again. The internet has changed the way we live our lives and interact with each other across the globe.
One thing that hasn’t changed over those years is Richard Morley’s love for bowling and his dedication to making his trip to the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
Morley, now from Bradenton, Florida, celebrated his 50th appearance at the tournament Saturday at the National Bowling Stadium and received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to commemorate his milestone.
The 83-year-old made his first appearance at the 1962 event in Des Moines, Iowa, after joining a few other co-workers in the National Cash Registry bowling group out of Dayton, Ohio.
He originally was drawn to the tournament by the camaraderie shared with friends and the chance to travel to all the different cities throughout the years.
“Once I built up my team, most of the guys I originally bowled nationals with stayed with me for 20-25 years,” Morley said. “We would meet up and have a good time for a week, and then bowl the tournament. Most of the years, I would drive to the tournament and see all types of sights across the country. I’m happy I saw a lot of different towns, and I bowled with a lot of good guys over the years.”
Morley fondly remembers his best performance at the USBC Open Championships, which was at the 1991 event in Toledo, Ohio. He put together sets of 689 in singles, 653 in team and 609 in doubles for an all-events total of 1,951.
Another favorite memory was bowling in the 1975 Open Championships in Dayton, Ohio.
“Dayton was the first time my parents ever got to see me bowl,” Morley said. “I bowled pretty well that year.”
Upon arriving in Reno and making his ceremonial march down Center Aisle at the NBS, Morley appreciated his spot in the tournament’s long and storied history.
“You always wonder how many more days you have once you get to my age,” Morley said. “Luckily at 83, my health has been pretty good and I’m still able to bowl.
“This means quite a bit to me as there’s only a few people that have done this. I’m now in a select group of people.”
In his 50th appearance, Morley rolled scores of 473 in singles, 443 in team and 398 in doubles to bring his career pinfall total at the Open Championships to 77,786, a 176.3 average.
Morley plans to continue bowling the Open Championships as long as he is in good health.
“I’m going to continue to bowl, even if that means being carried to the lanes,” Morley said. “I have really enjoyed myself all these years. Looking back on all the years and memories made with the guys you bowl with is really nice.”
The 2023 Open Championships kicked off March 4 and will conclude July 24. The 143-day tournament will feature more than 9,700 five-player teams and nearly 50,000 bowlers making their way to compete in The Biggest Little City in the World.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.
One thing that hasn’t changed over those years is Richard Morley’s love for bowling and his dedication to making his trip to the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
Morley, now from Bradenton, Florida, celebrated his 50th appearance at the tournament Saturday at the National Bowling Stadium and received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to commemorate his milestone.The 83-year-old made his first appearance at the 1962 event in Des Moines, Iowa, after joining a few other co-workers in the National Cash Registry bowling group out of Dayton, Ohio.
He originally was drawn to the tournament by the camaraderie shared with friends and the chance to travel to all the different cities throughout the years.
“Once I built up my team, most of the guys I originally bowled nationals with stayed with me for 20-25 years,” Morley said. “We would meet up and have a good time for a week, and then bowl the tournament. Most of the years, I would drive to the tournament and see all types of sights across the country. I’m happy I saw a lot of different towns, and I bowled with a lot of good guys over the years.”
Morley fondly remembers his best performance at the USBC Open Championships, which was at the 1991 event in Toledo, Ohio. He put together sets of 689 in singles, 653 in team and 609 in doubles for an all-events total of 1,951.
Another favorite memory was bowling in the 1975 Open Championships in Dayton, Ohio.
“Dayton was the first time my parents ever got to see me bowl,” Morley said. “I bowled pretty well that year.”
Upon arriving in Reno and making his ceremonial march down Center Aisle at the NBS, Morley appreciated his spot in the tournament’s long and storied history.
“You always wonder how many more days you have once you get to my age,” Morley said. “Luckily at 83, my health has been pretty good and I’m still able to bowl.
“This means quite a bit to me as there’s only a few people that have done this. I’m now in a select group of people.”
In his 50th appearance, Morley rolled scores of 473 in singles, 443 in team and 398 in doubles to bring his career pinfall total at the Open Championships to 77,786, a 176.3 average.
Morley plans to continue bowling the Open Championships as long as he is in good health.
“I’m going to continue to bowl, even if that means being carried to the lanes,” Morley said. “I have really enjoyed myself all these years. Looking back on all the years and memories made with the guys you bowl with is really nice.”
The 2023 Open Championships kicked off March 4 and will conclude July 24. The 143-day tournament will feature more than 9,700 five-player teams and nearly 50,000 bowlers making their way to compete in The Biggest Little City in the World.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.