Illinois family reunites at Open Championships

RENO, Nev. - Each year, the USBC Open Championships welcomes teams from all 50 states and several foreign countries, bringing together bowlers from across the world. This year, one family from Illinois seized that very opportunity and reunited on the tournament lanes on Father's Day.

Last September, John Schmuck of Rantoul, Ill., and his four sons Matthew, Timothy, David and Andrew lost a loving wife and mother, Shirley, due to heart failure. As the only remaining regular league bowler in the family, it was Timothy who suggested the Open Championships as a perfect venue to bring the Schmuck family back together.

"Matthew lives in California now, and the rest of us are in Illinois, so it's rare that we all get to spend time with each other," said John, a 68-year-old right-hander. "Shirley and I used to bowl together whenever we could when we were younger, and that's why the boys have been bowling since they were little. And it's great that we could all be here on Father's Day and honor her memory. I know we all miss her, and right now it's nice to have everyone together again."

Since he'll be sitting on the sidelines during doubles and singles competition, the group's only goal was to stay positive and have fun while dad was on the lanes for team event, which they did, posting a 2,653 total with games of 808, 861 and 984 for Country Tyme 3 of Rantoul, Ill.

Matthew Schmuck earned the family bragging rights with 693 and was followed by Andrew Schmuck (522), Timothy Schmuck (515), John Schmuck (472) and David Schmuck (451) at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev. John and David made their Open Championships debuts.

"I haven't bowled in a league since 1983, but I think I might start bowling again this year," John said. "They can be a little competitive with each other sometimes, but we didn't come out here and expect to set the world on fire. I've been practicing, so I didn't throw it too bad, but my accuracy and spare shooting were nothing to be proud of. It was nice to be together again, though."

Presenting sponsors for the 2007 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Sands Regency Casino and Hotel, official brackets sponsor and supporting sponsors Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa and Harrah's Casino and Hotel. By Matt Cannizzaro and David Ellis USBC Communications