by Randy Ooney
My Nickel’s Worth by Randy Ooney
Eagle
It was about this time of year in 1969 when we first heard the words “The Eagle has landed”. I think back then they were talking about the moon, but 41 years later, here in Minnesota, the eagles have landed once again. Over 14,000 teams made the trip to Reno this year for the USBC Open Championships. That’s 35,000 doubles participants and 70,000 singles and all events players. Minnesota bowlers John Kreyer Jr. (816) and Steve Bohn (698) captured the doubles title with a combined total of 1514. Along the way, John became one of only 25 players in the 107 year history of the tournament to roll a 300 game (2007) and an 800 series (2010).
Back in April, Matt McNeil grabbed attention at the National Bowling Stadium with sets of 780 (Team), 740 (Doubles), and 806 (Singles), for an incredible all events total of 2326. Not only did he take over the lead in the 2010 tournament, but the score is the highest all events total ever recorded in the history of the ABC/USBC National Open. I know this news has been on mnbowling for some time, but I was pleasantly surprised to open the sports section of the Star Trib on July 9th and notice that our 3 Minnesota bowlers got more ink than Justin Morneau’s concussion. The tournament has officially ended, and the cherished eagle trophies have landed here in the land of 10,000 lakes.
I would like to extend my congratulations to these three men, as well as the many others who conquered the slippery slopes of the National Bowling Stadium. It’s nice to know that when I’m getting creamed, it is by some of the best bowlers in the country, and not just the seven county mosquito control district. But I have spies at Texa Tonka, Mermaid, Classic, and even Norwood-Young America, so I hope we don’t catch any of you flapping your arms on the approaches like senior pro Dale Eagle.
I will never own the coveted eagle trophy, but I do have an eagle refrigerator magnet. I do play a round of golf now and then, but if you saw my game, you would agree that there are no eagles in the near future there either. Also, I am not a beer drinker.
So Mr. McNeil, Mr. Kreyer, and Mr. Bohn - This dub’s for you.
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