Illinois bowler reaches 50 years at USBC Open Championships
May 15, 2023
Pictured above (from left): Michael Wyrick and Jerry Wyrick
RENO, Nev. – Jerry Wyrick of Ellsworth, Illinois, became the most recent bowler to march down the famed Center Aisle for 50 years at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships with his appearance Friday at the National Bowling Stadium.
The 75-year-old was the 12th bowler to reach the 50-year milestone at the 119th edition of the USBC Open Championships. Wyrick was escorted by his son, Michael, for his honorary march and received a chevron, plaque and diamond lapel pin to commemorate the achievement.
Wyrick began his tournament career at the 1969 event in Madison, Wisconsin, and he only missed a few years during that span as his family grew with the birth of his children.
“The Open Championships is something I have always loved bowling in,” Wyrick said. “It has been a fun ride all these years.”
Throughout the years, Wyrick has enjoyed traveling to different cities, including the 2000 event in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he had his highest all-events set with a 2,024 total (633 in team, 682 in doubles and 709 in singles).
One event that sticks out in Wyrick’s mind is the 2003 event in Knoxville, Tennessee. He bowled his best series ever at the Open Championships, finishing with 761.
“In 2003 at the stadium in Knoxville, I kept struggling during team and doubles,” Wyrick said. “Finally, at the start of singles, I switched to a ball I hadn’t even thought of using and was able to bowl my best series ever at nationals. That is something I will never forget, since I finished 18th in singles that year.”
Being able to participate in something consistently for 50 years takes some support and encouragement from friends and loved ones. Wyrick credits his ability to keep coming to the Open Championships year after year to his wife’s love and support, as well as his son and grandson’s involvement in the sport.
“My wife, Lorna, has been really supportive of my bowling and let’s me come out here,” Wyrick said. “Also, it’s a good feeling to have my son, Michael, here with me the last few years. Now, my grandson is going to be bowling with us starting next year.”
Wyrick finished his 2023 appearance with an all-events total of 1,448, posting scores of 543 in singles, 461 in doubles and 444 in team. It puts his career pinfall total at 85,822 to bring his lifetime average at the Open Championships to 190.7.
With his career pinfall nearing the illustrious 100,000-pin mark, Wyrick also would love to see himself make it to that accomplishment on the lanes.
“The 100,000-Pinfall Club is still something I can see myself getting to one day,” Wyrick said. “I believe if I can make it to 60 years out here on the lanes, I can get to the mark. I will keep on coming as long as my health and body allows me to bowl.”
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.
RENO, Nev. – Jerry Wyrick of Ellsworth, Illinois, became the most recent bowler to march down the famed Center Aisle for 50 years at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships with his appearance Friday at the National Bowling Stadium.
The 75-year-old was the 12th bowler to reach the 50-year milestone at the 119th edition of the USBC Open Championships. Wyrick was escorted by his son, Michael, for his honorary march and received a chevron, plaque and diamond lapel pin to commemorate the achievement.
Wyrick began his tournament career at the 1969 event in Madison, Wisconsin, and he only missed a few years during that span as his family grew with the birth of his children.
“The Open Championships is something I have always loved bowling in,” Wyrick said. “It has been a fun ride all these years.”
Throughout the years, Wyrick has enjoyed traveling to different cities, including the 2000 event in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he had his highest all-events set with a 2,024 total (633 in team, 682 in doubles and 709 in singles).
One event that sticks out in Wyrick’s mind is the 2003 event in Knoxville, Tennessee. He bowled his best series ever at the Open Championships, finishing with 761.
“In 2003 at the stadium in Knoxville, I kept struggling during team and doubles,” Wyrick said. “Finally, at the start of singles, I switched to a ball I hadn’t even thought of using and was able to bowl my best series ever at nationals. That is something I will never forget, since I finished 18th in singles that year.”
Being able to participate in something consistently for 50 years takes some support and encouragement from friends and loved ones. Wyrick credits his ability to keep coming to the Open Championships year after year to his wife’s love and support, as well as his son and grandson’s involvement in the sport.
“My wife, Lorna, has been really supportive of my bowling and let’s me come out here,” Wyrick said. “Also, it’s a good feeling to have my son, Michael, here with me the last few years. Now, my grandson is going to be bowling with us starting next year.”
Wyrick finished his 2023 appearance with an all-events total of 1,448, posting scores of 543 in singles, 461 in doubles and 444 in team. It puts his career pinfall total at 85,822 to bring his lifetime average at the Open Championships to 190.7.
With his career pinfall nearing the illustrious 100,000-pin mark, Wyrick also would love to see himself make it to that accomplishment on the lanes.
“The 100,000-Pinfall Club is still something I can see myself getting to one day,” Wyrick said. “I believe if I can make it to 60 years out here on the lanes, I can get to the mark. I will keep on coming as long as my health and body allows me to bowl.”
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.