Wisconsin team among top three at Open Championships
The group took to the tournament lanes for its team event on May 5, with the majority returning for doubles and singles competition the following day, but Jerry Casebolt of Pritchett, Colo., wasn't scheduled to return to the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., until June 15.
"This team was put together this year specifically to be competitive and have a chance at winning an eagle," said Casebolt, who made his 12th Open Championships appearance. "But I've bowled doubles and singles with my friends from back home since the first time I bowled in this tournament, so I'll always wait until they come out here."
Despite a lot of busy days as the tournament director at the nearby USBC/Storm Bowlers Journal Championships, Casebolt found time to practice and stay sharp for the run at the top spot in Team All-Events, which is held by 2006 Regular Team champion Browning Pontiac of Eminence, Ky., with 10,071.
Due to the unusual timing, Casebolt returned to the Stadium on Friday knowing exactly what he would need to catapult his team into the lead, but just tried to put the numbers aside and focus on making good shots.
The 38-year-old right-hander, who found success at the Stadium in 2004 with an ninth-place finish in Regular All-Events, handled the pressure well and posted 729 in doubles and 662 in singles to finish with a 2,064 all-events total.
Mike Gaither led the way for Bowlingfordumdums.com with 2,134, which is seventh in Regular All-Events, and was followed by Casebolt, Bob Davidson (2,045), Greg Thomas (1,881) and Craig Auerbach, a member of the 2004 Team All-Events champions, with 1,854.
"I knew that I had to shoot a big number today, but it wasn't out of reach," Casebolt said. "I'm a little disappointed with the way it ended. I had a good look and made the right move, but I just couldn't get the right motion with the right balance of speed and softness."
Team All-Events includes nine-game totals for all five team members.
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