Texas bowler rolls 300 in team at 2024 USBC Open Championships
June 13, 2024
LAS VEGAS – Steve Lemke of Nacogdoches, Texas, has been a strong competitor during his time on the lanes at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, and he recorded his first 300 game at the tournament Tuesday at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
The 39-year-old right-hander started his team set with 203 before connecting on every shot in Game 2 for the second 300 in team competition this year in Las Vegas. He finished with 169 for a 672 series.
Lemke’s 300 was the 19th of the 2024 event, but only he and Sean Black of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, have posted a perfect game during the team event.
Through his first 16 appearances at the USBC Open Championships, Lemke had averaged more than 208 on the tournament lanes but still was in search of a breakthrough performance.
The work put in by his talented two-team group during warmup allowed the lanes to open up nicely, and Lemke was able to execute to put himself in position for a big number.
Watch the video below for the final three shots of Lemke’s 300 game at the 2024 Open Championships.
“We started with throwing plastic down the middle, trying to give us a little hold, along with throwing a lot of surface up 5-6-7, give or take, because we knew the track area was going to be in play here,” Lemke said. “We set up the pattern the way we liked. I made some great shots, and then the transition just did its thing on me in the third game. Other than that, I thought we set up the lanes really nice and just needed to make a bigger move going into Game 3.”
Lemke took a little extra time as he approached his final few shots of Game 2, appreciating the significance of the moment.
“Going into the 10th, since I haven’t had one out here, I had to take a deep breath and hone in on what I know best,” Lemke said. “I didn’t realize how much I was lofting it, to be honest with you, but at the same time, I executed the shot and put it close to the area where it was supposed to be.”
The game helped Lemke place his name in the event’s record book, and he’ll now join several of his teammates in being recognized as a tournament celebrity moving forward for his honor score.
In addition to the on-lane talent within the group, Lemke credits the support he receives from them in helping him succeed.
“It’s a fun group that I’ve known for a lot of years, and I think that’s what makes bowling fun – having a great group around you,” Lemke said. “They support you no matter what, and I think that’s what it boils down to. When I come out here, the group around me helps put me to another level. It’s just a fun time being out at nationals, and when you’re with a bunch of great bowlers, you’re just trying to put up a number like everyone else. I was thankful to at least put up one good game.”
Lemke returned to the lanes Wednesday for minors, and he made a run at a second perfect game at the Bowling Plaza. He rolled eight strikes to start his singles set, before a 9 pin stood on his ninth delivery on the way to 268. He added 244 and 213 for a 725 series, the highest in his tournament career.
He finished with 621 in doubles for an all-events tally of 2,018.
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 39-year-old right-hander started his team set with 203 before connecting on every shot in Game 2 for the second 300 in team competition this year in Las Vegas. He finished with 169 for a 672 series.
Lemke’s 300 was the 19th of the 2024 event, but only he and Sean Black of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, have posted a perfect game during the team event.
Through his first 16 appearances at the USBC Open Championships, Lemke had averaged more than 208 on the tournament lanes but still was in search of a breakthrough performance.
The work put in by his talented two-team group during warmup allowed the lanes to open up nicely, and Lemke was able to execute to put himself in position for a big number.
Watch the video below for the final three shots of Lemke’s 300 game at the 2024 Open Championships.
“We started with throwing plastic down the middle, trying to give us a little hold, along with throwing a lot of surface up 5-6-7, give or take, because we knew the track area was going to be in play here,” Lemke said. “We set up the pattern the way we liked. I made some great shots, and then the transition just did its thing on me in the third game. Other than that, I thought we set up the lanes really nice and just needed to make a bigger move going into Game 3.”
Lemke took a little extra time as he approached his final few shots of Game 2, appreciating the significance of the moment.
“Going into the 10th, since I haven’t had one out here, I had to take a deep breath and hone in on what I know best,” Lemke said. “I didn’t realize how much I was lofting it, to be honest with you, but at the same time, I executed the shot and put it close to the area where it was supposed to be.”
The game helped Lemke place his name in the event’s record book, and he’ll now join several of his teammates in being recognized as a tournament celebrity moving forward for his honor score.
In addition to the on-lane talent within the group, Lemke credits the support he receives from them in helping him succeed.
“It’s a fun group that I’ve known for a lot of years, and I think that’s what makes bowling fun – having a great group around you,” Lemke said. “They support you no matter what, and I think that’s what it boils down to. When I come out here, the group around me helps put me to another level. It’s just a fun time being out at nationals, and when you’re with a bunch of great bowlers, you’re just trying to put up a number like everyone else. I was thankful to at least put up one good game.”
Lemke returned to the lanes Wednesday for minors, and he made a run at a second perfect game at the Bowling Plaza. He rolled eight strikes to start his singles set, before a 9 pin stood on his ninth delivery on the way to 268. He added 244 and 213 for a 725 series, the highest in his tournament career.
He finished with 621 in doubles for an all-events tally of 2,018.
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.