RENO, Nev. - Since 1962, Dale Diamond of Chatham, Ill., always has enjoyed the opportunity to travel and share memories with his family and friends at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.

The 71-year-old right-hander turned his annual tradition into a milestone at the National Bowling Stadium this week as he became the 158th bowler in USBC Open Championships history to reach 50 tournament appearances.

The Iowa State USBC Hall of Famer began his Open Championships career in Des Moines, Iowa (1962), and hasn't missed a tournament since 1967. The former American Bowling Congress Director for the state of Iowa received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to recognize his achievement.

Diamond's fondest tournament memory dates back to the 2003 event in Knoxville, Tenn., where he had the opportunity to bowl with all four of his children.

"When I started out, there were five of us," said Diamond, who had a career-high 738 series and 1,906 all-events total at the 1993 event in Tulsa, Okla. "We were all friends. Our families grew up together, and we had kids together. Once we started going to the national tournament, it was like a family vacation. My 40th tournament in Knoxville was my favorite of all because even though they weren't league bowlers, all four of my kids bowled with me. That was a great experience."

Diamond still is active on the business side of bowling, working for Ebonite International as a host of bowling ball demonstrations throughout the Midwest region. A former bowling proprietor during the 1980s, he credits his busy lifestyle to helping him prepare for his ceremonial march down Center Aisle.

"I knew it was coming, and I was trying to get ready for the experience," said Diamond, who ran Valley Park Lanes and Rose Bowl Lanes between 1980 and 1987. "I run Demo Days for Ebonite in the Midwest, so I've been practicing with a lot of different balls to see which ones to bring. Keeping active has been very beneficial. The presentation today was nice."

With his 50th appearance in the books, Diamond isn't sure what the future holds but knows the experience of the Open Championships is something to be treasured.

"We didn't do it for the money," Diamond said. "We did it for the experience. That's what it's all about. I'm in pretty good shape, so I will just keep going. I'm not setting any goals. Whatever happens, happens, and that's the way it is."

This year, Diamond shot 515 in doubles, 508 in singles and 506 in team for a 1,529 all-events total. In 50 tournaments, he has knocked down 83,269 pins for a 185 career average.

Presenting sponsors for the 2013 USBC Open Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.