New Classified Singles leader at 2015 USBC Open Championships
May 06, 2015
By Matt Cannizzaro and Mel Lindemann
USBC Communications
EL PASO, Texas - Even with three United States Bowling Congress Open Championships appearances to his credit, David Berky of Ely, Nevada, still considered himself a novice bowler as he made his walk down the Center Aisle at the El Paso Convention Center on Wednesday.
Since all of his previous visits to the tournament (2004, 2007 and 2013) all came at the one-of-a-kind National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada, he wasn't sure what to expect from the 52-lane custom venue in El Paso, but it didn't show as he found his way into the lead in Classified Singles with a career-best 642 series.
The 49-year-old right-hander bounced back from a disappointing doubles effort Wednesday and posted singles games of 223, 234 and 185 to slip past Marshall Lagred of Starbuck, Minnesota, who previously held the lead with 636.
"I was disappointed that I let my doubles partner down, so I had to refocus going into singles," Berky said. "My teammates rallied around me and kept me relaxed and focused, so I was able to make good shots. I let the ball do the work, instead of working the ball, and it seemed to be what I needed to do."
Berky's bowling story started in 1990, and he quickly immersed himself in league play at Ely's Sunset Lanes, where he is the lane mechanic. In addition, he is the league secretary for the three leagues he bowls in.
His 2004 Open Championships debut came after he was asked to fill in on team. Ely is about 320 miles from Reno, and now that he's found some success on the tournament lanes, perhaps Berky will make the trip to The Biggest Little City in the World when the event returns to Reno in 2016.
"When I made my first walk in Reno, I was in awe," Berkey said. "I had no idea what I was getting into, and with the crowds and the size of the National Bowling Stadium, I was nervous, but excited."
Berkey added sets of 597 in team and 467 in doubles this week in El Paso, which moved him into third place in Classified All Events with a 1,706 total. Lagred leads with 1,734.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
EL PASO, Texas - Even with three United States Bowling Congress Open Championships appearances to his credit, David Berky of Ely, Nevada, still considered himself a novice bowler as he made his walk down the Center Aisle at the El Paso Convention Center on Wednesday.
Since all of his previous visits to the tournament (2004, 2007 and 2013) all came at the one-of-a-kind National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada, he wasn't sure what to expect from the 52-lane custom venue in El Paso, but it didn't show as he found his way into the lead in Classified Singles with a career-best 642 series.
The 49-year-old right-hander bounced back from a disappointing doubles effort Wednesday and posted singles games of 223, 234 and 185 to slip past Marshall Lagred of Starbuck, Minnesota, who previously held the lead with 636.
"I was disappointed that I let my doubles partner down, so I had to refocus going into singles," Berky said. "My teammates rallied around me and kept me relaxed and focused, so I was able to make good shots. I let the ball do the work, instead of working the ball, and it seemed to be what I needed to do."
Berky's bowling story started in 1990, and he quickly immersed himself in league play at Ely's Sunset Lanes, where he is the lane mechanic. In addition, he is the league secretary for the three leagues he bowls in.
His 2004 Open Championships debut came after he was asked to fill in on team. Ely is about 320 miles from Reno, and now that he's found some success on the tournament lanes, perhaps Berky will make the trip to The Biggest Little City in the World when the event returns to Reno in 2016.
"When I made my first walk in Reno, I was in awe," Berkey said. "I had no idea what I was getting into, and with the crowds and the size of the National Bowling Stadium, I was nervous, but excited."
Berkey added sets of 597 in team and 467 in doubles this week in El Paso, which moved him into third place in Classified All Events with a 1,706 total. Lagred leads with 1,734.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.