Tennessee tandem cracks top 10, shares secrets to success at Open Championships
But on the lanes at the American Bank Center Exhibit Hall on Monday, it was Szeluga who took charge as the pair combined to shoot 1,413 and moved into eighth place in Regular Doubles at the 2006 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships. Pat McGainey Jr. of Baltimore and Brian Bennett of Lewes, Del., lead with 1,496.
This was the first time the two had the opportunity to bowl together at the event, and although it wasn't originally part of their plans, it worked out for the best as Szeluga marked in all 30 frames and finished with 721, and Friedman added 692.
At last year's tournament in Baton Rouge, La., Friedman teamed up with Mike Goode of Hopkinsville, Ky., for a 24th place finish in Regular Doubles, but the two decided not to bowl together again. And when Szeluga's original partner got injured, teaming up with Friedman seemed like the right fit.
"One of our main goals was just to go out and have fun, and I think we accomplished that," said Szeluga, who had 705 in singles and 661 in team for a 2,087 all-events total. "We didn't hurt ourselves with any low games and we adjusted well, so it was a good experience overall. We knew we had to shoot a ton, and we did all we could."
Part of their success was based on strategy, which allowed them and the rest of their group to attack the lanes as a team and help each other adjust. They also share similar philosophies, and believe that the three key ingredients to success at the Open Championships are preparation, equipment selection and execution.
They practiced as much as possible before making the trip and selected equipment they thought would work best on this year's lane condition. Once they arrived in town, they chose to use the nearby USBC/Storm Bowlers Journal Championships as a warm-up for the main event. They also spent some time watching other bowlers battle the challenging lane conditions at the Open Championships.
"It helps to come out a little early and try to find someone with a style similar to yours to see what works for them and what doesn't," said Friedman, who added 694 in singles and 635 in team for 2,021 all-events. "We practiced, practiced, practiced before coming, and bowling in the Bowlers Journal really helped because the shot there is pretty tough too. It was a good lead-in because it prepared us better. We were definitely ready, but in the end, we still had to go out and throw the ball well."
Presenting sponsors for the 2006 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Texas State Aquarium, Majestic Ventures Yacht Charters, Inc., USS Lexington Museum and Texas Treasure Casino Cruises.
For more information on the USBC Open Championships, visit USBCOpen.com.
5/29/2006
By Matt Cannizzaro and David Ellis USBC Communications