Nebraska bowler makes 50th appearance at USBC Open
April 25, 2015
By Matt Cannizzaro and Mel Lindemann
USBC Communications
EL PASO, Texas - In 1962, Carl Christen of Broken Bow, Nebraska, made his way to his first United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, the hard way - he had to earn it.
That first appearance led to a five-decade journey he was recognized for at the El Paso Convention Center when he made his 50th trip down the tournament's famed Center Aisle on Thursday.
"We had a scratch league in Broken Bow, and we decided to put all the prize money into the kitty, and the top six guys would get to go to the tournament in Des Moines," Christen said. "I was one of the top six. In fact, I think I was first or second in the roll-off. Back then, I never thought about going for 50 years, but my buddy and I kept going."
After his friend died about 15 years ago, Christen became more motivated to reach the 50-year mark.
With the exception of the two years following his debut, when he and his wife got married and started a family, 77-year-old Christen only has missed two other tournaments - 1966 and 2005 - when he was unable to travel due to health issues.
"I missed being able to go by about two days," Christen said. "My doctor wouldn't let me go."
As he made his march down Center Aisle on Thursday afternoon, Christen became the third of 12 bowlers scheduled to reach 50 years of participation in 2015.
"Today was so exciting, and I almost broke down in tears because I was so happy with the presentation and the response the crowd gave me for 50 years," Christen said. "I know the people back home will be so happy I made it. To be 177 out of all the bowlers over the years is quite an accomplishment."
Christen received a plaque, chevron and a diamond lapel pin to commemorate the achievement, and his goal now is to join the 55-Year Club, which will happen when he's 82.
Although he was a little disappointed with his performance in El Paso, Christen already is looking forward to next year's tournament at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada.
"It's not about the score, it's just about being here with my 10 other buddies we come with every year," Christen said. "The team now has been together for almost 29 years. Maybe we'll make 50 together. You never know."
This year on the lanes, Christen shot 579 in singles, 540 in doubles and 401 in team for a 1,520 all-events total. In his 50 tournament appearances, he has knocked down 80,653 pins for a career average of 179.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
EL PASO, Texas - In 1962, Carl Christen of Broken Bow, Nebraska, made his way to his first United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, the hard way - he had to earn it.
That first appearance led to a five-decade journey he was recognized for at the El Paso Convention Center when he made his 50th trip down the tournament's famed Center Aisle on Thursday.
"We had a scratch league in Broken Bow, and we decided to put all the prize money into the kitty, and the top six guys would get to go to the tournament in Des Moines," Christen said. "I was one of the top six. In fact, I think I was first or second in the roll-off. Back then, I never thought about going for 50 years, but my buddy and I kept going."
After his friend died about 15 years ago, Christen became more motivated to reach the 50-year mark.
With the exception of the two years following his debut, when he and his wife got married and started a family, 77-year-old Christen only has missed two other tournaments - 1966 and 2005 - when he was unable to travel due to health issues.
"I missed being able to go by about two days," Christen said. "My doctor wouldn't let me go."
As he made his march down Center Aisle on Thursday afternoon, Christen became the third of 12 bowlers scheduled to reach 50 years of participation in 2015.
"Today was so exciting, and I almost broke down in tears because I was so happy with the presentation and the response the crowd gave me for 50 years," Christen said. "I know the people back home will be so happy I made it. To be 177 out of all the bowlers over the years is quite an accomplishment."
Christen received a plaque, chevron and a diamond lapel pin to commemorate the achievement, and his goal now is to join the 55-Year Club, which will happen when he's 82.
Although he was a little disappointed with his performance in El Paso, Christen already is looking forward to next year's tournament at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada.
"It's not about the score, it's just about being here with my 10 other buddies we come with every year," Christen said. "The team now has been together for almost 29 years. Maybe we'll make 50 together. You never know."
This year on the lanes, Christen shot 579 in singles, 540 in doubles and 401 in team for a 1,520 all-events total. In his 50 tournament appearances, he has knocked down 80,653 pins for a career average of 179.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.