Illinois bowler leads CAE at 2010 OC
April 05, 2010
RENO, Nev. - Flight delays are common when traveling, but luckily for Steve Miller of Roanoke, Ill., his flight troubles did not affect his performance at the USBC Open Championships.
The 50-year-old right-hander began his trip to Reno at 5:15 on Friday morning, and boarded his first flight without fail at 7:40 a.m. He began what should've been no more than an eight hour trip. However, due to inclement weather that caused extended layovers, Miller didn't arrive in Reno until Saturday at 11:45 a.m.
His initial flight was unable to land at Reno International Airport because of traffic and maintenance issues, so the plane continued on to Sacramento. Due to poor flying conditions in Sacramento, he was transported by bus to Reno, which took an extra three hours.
Miller's adventure took a total of 30 hours to complete, including 19 hours spent in various airports, but his trip to the top of the Classified All-Events standings was a pleasant one.
Miller bowled 640 in doubles, 568 in singles and 567 in team for a 1,775 all-events total Sunday at the National Bowling Stadium. Richard Eisenhut of Downers Grove, Ill., previously held the lead with 1,766.
"It's all worth it now," said Miller, who bowls league at Maple Lanes and made his 20th USBC Open Championships appearance. "I never expected to take the lead, and it does feel really good."
On the way to his career-high doubles series, Miller filled 28 out of 30 frames.
"I was playing the inside part of the lane," Miller said. "Except for the second game, I was able to carry really well."
Miller made his first Open Championships appearance at the 1978 event in St. Louis. He looks forward to returning year after year in hopes of making more memories similar to the ones he made this year.
"I had a lot of fun at the 1994 event in Mobile, Ala.," said Miller, who has worked for the United States Postal Service for 24 years. "I finally had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas for the first time last year as well. I always use this time as a vacation because it is a lot of fun, and I enjoy it.
Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado and Silver Legacy Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. 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 50-year-old right-hander began his trip to Reno at 5:15 on Friday morning, and boarded his first flight without fail at 7:40 a.m. He began what should've been no more than an eight hour trip. However, due to inclement weather that caused extended layovers, Miller didn't arrive in Reno until Saturday at 11:45 a.m.
His initial flight was unable to land at Reno International Airport because of traffic and maintenance issues, so the plane continued on to Sacramento. Due to poor flying conditions in Sacramento, he was transported by bus to Reno, which took an extra three hours.
Miller's adventure took a total of 30 hours to complete, including 19 hours spent in various airports, but his trip to the top of the Classified All-Events standings was a pleasant one.
Miller bowled 640 in doubles, 568 in singles and 567 in team for a 1,775 all-events total Sunday at the National Bowling Stadium. Richard Eisenhut of Downers Grove, Ill., previously held the lead with 1,766.
"It's all worth it now," said Miller, who bowls league at Maple Lanes and made his 20th USBC Open Championships appearance. "I never expected to take the lead, and it does feel really good."
On the way to his career-high doubles series, Miller filled 28 out of 30 frames.
"I was playing the inside part of the lane," Miller said. "Except for the second game, I was able to carry really well."
Miller made his first Open Championships appearance at the 1978 event in St. Louis. He looks forward to returning year after year in hopes of making more memories similar to the ones he made this year.
"I had a lot of fun at the 1994 event in Mobile, Ala.," said Miller, who has worked for the United States Postal Service for 24 years. "I finally had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas for the first time last year as well. I always use this time as a vacation because it is a lot of fun, and I enjoy it.
Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado and Silver Legacy Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. 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.