Oregon bowler reaches 50 years at USBC Open Championships
June 04, 2024
LAS VEGAS – Steve Finnegan of Hillsboro, Oregon, celebrated his 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships alongside his teammates during his trip to the South Point Bowling Plaza.
The 77-year-old was escorted to the lanes during his milestone presentation by his teammates – Michael Seely, William Shelley, Daniel Coffer and Michael Humphrys – as he received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin in honor of his dedication to the tournament.
Finnegan wanted all four of his teammates to march out with him due to the friendship that extends back for years.
“I have been bowling with these guys for years in league and this tournament, so I couldn’t think of anyone else I would rather have by my side for this moment in my bowling career,” Finnegan said. “Besides the friends I have at home that bowl league with me, I only get to see a few of these guys at this tournament each year, so this means a lot to me and our friendship.
“The only thing that would have made this day even better was if my doubles partner of 20 years – Clayton Scott – was here with me today. Clayton passed away a few years back, and I miss him to this day.”
Finnegan started bowling at the USBC Open Championships during the 1969 event held in Madison, Wisconsin, and he has made it a point to turn the trip into a vacation that has bowling thrown in the mix each year with his friends.
“Every year we all come to bowl nationals, but I also loved to go different places because of the tournament, which is why I am so grateful to have experienced this tournament when it traveled more across the states,” Finnegan said. “My wife and I are avid walkers and have been able to walk so many national parks, historical sites and cities because of the Open Championships, and I love that the most about these trips.”
Getting to 50 years became the main goal for Finnegan at the Open Championships once he completed his 40th year of participation during the 2013 event in Reno, Nevada.
“Once I got to Year 40, I looked and said to myself, ‘Wow, the list for 50-year guys isn’t very big, and I am pretty sure I can get there,’” Finnegan said. “Now that I am here at 50 years, I am going to evaluate the years as they come and decide if I am going to continue to bowl – as long as it is still fun for me.”
Finnegan finished his milestone appearance with 497 in singles, 490 in doubles and 443 in team for an all-events score of 1,430.
In 50 years on the tournament lanes, he has knocked down 81,826 pins for a career average of 181.8.
The 2024 Open Championships got underway Feb. 23 and will run through July 29 at the South Point Bowling Plaza. The tournament is scheduled to feature more than 11,000 teams and 55,000 bowlers making their way to compete in Las Vegas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.
The 77-year-old was escorted to the lanes during his milestone presentation by his teammates – Michael Seely, William Shelley, Daniel Coffer and Michael Humphrys – as he received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin in honor of his dedication to the tournament.
Finnegan wanted all four of his teammates to march out with him due to the friendship that extends back for years.
“I have been bowling with these guys for years in league and this tournament, so I couldn’t think of anyone else I would rather have by my side for this moment in my bowling career,” Finnegan said. “Besides the friends I have at home that bowl league with me, I only get to see a few of these guys at this tournament each year, so this means a lot to me and our friendship.
“The only thing that would have made this day even better was if my doubles partner of 20 years – Clayton Scott – was here with me today. Clayton passed away a few years back, and I miss him to this day.”
Finnegan started bowling at the USBC Open Championships during the 1969 event held in Madison, Wisconsin, and he has made it a point to turn the trip into a vacation that has bowling thrown in the mix each year with his friends.
“Every year we all come to bowl nationals, but I also loved to go different places because of the tournament, which is why I am so grateful to have experienced this tournament when it traveled more across the states,” Finnegan said. “My wife and I are avid walkers and have been able to walk so many national parks, historical sites and cities because of the Open Championships, and I love that the most about these trips.”
Getting to 50 years became the main goal for Finnegan at the Open Championships once he completed his 40th year of participation during the 2013 event in Reno, Nevada.
“Once I got to Year 40, I looked and said to myself, ‘Wow, the list for 50-year guys isn’t very big, and I am pretty sure I can get there,’” Finnegan said. “Now that I am here at 50 years, I am going to evaluate the years as they come and decide if I am going to continue to bowl – as long as it is still fun for me.”
Finnegan finished his milestone appearance with 497 in singles, 490 in doubles and 443 in team for an all-events score of 1,430.
In 50 years on the tournament lanes, he has knocked down 81,826 pins for a career average of 181.8.
The 2024 Open Championships got underway Feb. 23 and will run through July 29 at the South Point Bowling Plaza. The tournament is scheduled to feature more than 11,000 teams and 55,000 bowlers making their way to compete in Las Vegas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.