Ohio bowler becomes first to reach 50 years at 2018 USBC Open Championships
April 05, 2018
By Christine Nichols and Aaron Smith
USBC Communications
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - As he made his way into the history books at the 2018 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, Richard Burdick of Conneaut, Ohio, realized how special his third trip to Syracuse would be as he became the first bowler of the year to reach 50 years of tournament participation.
The 90-year-old right-hander is the first of 15 competitors scheduled to reach the plateau this year at the Oncenter Convention Center, and he received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to commemorate his milestone.
Burdick made his tournament debut at the 1968 tournament in Cincinnati, and he has made his annual trek to the event each year since 1973, which also was one of the event's five visits to Syracuse.
Burdick basked in the spotlight Tuesday night as he was escorted to the middle of the 48-lane venue by his son, and he savored every moment as he was cheered on by teammates, family and fellow competitors.
Although Burdick may not have started his USBC Open Championships career until he approached his 40s, he has been lucky enough to bowl with the same group of teammates through the majority of his career.
"I always have fun with these guys," Burdick said. "And I'm always out to bowl for fun. It gets me out of the house."
Burdick always has been around the sport, and his first job was working at a bowling center setting pins.
Now, he can reflect on the many highlights as he joins an elite group of participants at the Open Championships. Heading into the 2018 event, 226 bowlers had reached the 50-year milestone in 114 years of tournament history.
"Bowling is a lot of fun," Burdick said. "I've created many great memories and made many lifelong friends through the sport."
In his 50th appearance, Burdick finished with sets of 407 in doubles, 350 in singles and 323 in team for a 1,080 all-events total. In his tournament career, Burdick has compiled a total pinfall of 71,900, a 164.1 average.
USBC Communications
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - As he made his way into the history books at the 2018 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, Richard Burdick of Conneaut, Ohio, realized how special his third trip to Syracuse would be as he became the first bowler of the year to reach 50 years of tournament participation.
The 90-year-old right-hander is the first of 15 competitors scheduled to reach the plateau this year at the Oncenter Convention Center, and he received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to commemorate his milestone.
Burdick made his tournament debut at the 1968 tournament in Cincinnati, and he has made his annual trek to the event each year since 1973, which also was one of the event's five visits to Syracuse.
Burdick basked in the spotlight Tuesday night as he was escorted to the middle of the 48-lane venue by his son, and he savored every moment as he was cheered on by teammates, family and fellow competitors.
Although Burdick may not have started his USBC Open Championships career until he approached his 40s, he has been lucky enough to bowl with the same group of teammates through the majority of his career.
"I always have fun with these guys," Burdick said. "And I'm always out to bowl for fun. It gets me out of the house."
Burdick always has been around the sport, and his first job was working at a bowling center setting pins.
Now, he can reflect on the many highlights as he joins an elite group of participants at the Open Championships. Heading into the 2018 event, 226 bowlers had reached the 50-year milestone in 114 years of tournament history.
"Bowling is a lot of fun," Burdick said. "I've created many great memories and made many lifelong friends through the sport."
In his 50th appearance, Burdick finished with sets of 407 in doubles, 350 in singles and 323 in team for a 1,080 all-events total. In his tournament career, Burdick has compiled a total pinfall of 71,900, a 164.1 average.