Texas bowler reaches 50th year at USBC Women's Championships

By Donovan Grubaugh
USBC Communications

ADDISON, Ill.
- Doris Beath of Boerne, Texas, recently made it to her 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, never imagining she would get to the 50-year mark.

For her achievement, she received a plaque, chevron and necklace Monday at Stardust Bowl.

Since starting her USBC Women's Championships career at the 1968 event in San Antonio, Beath now has been to 31 cities in 22 states, missing only four years during her journey (1974, 1980-1981, 1996).

Beath has turned each year into a new experience for her and her family.

"Wherever the tournament was, that became our family vacation as well," Beath said. "I have enjoyed being able to travel and bowl with my mother for over 35 years, and now, bowling with my daughter."

Beath has made so many memories at these events that it is hard to pinpoint one specific year that stands out to her, but the hospitality during the 1989 event in Bismarck, North Dakota, left a lasting impression.

"That one memory has to be bowling in Bismarck, North Dakota," Beath said. "Back home, everyone was wondering why I would want to go there. The people were just so friendly in Bismarck, and they opened their homes for our group."

Las Vegas has been her favorite city to visit since her first trip there in 1973, and she doesn't plan on missing out in 2023 when the Women's Championships returns to Vegas and the South Point Bowling Plaza.

Speaking to those that were present during her milestone presentation of her achievement, Beath said, "You all can do it, just like me."

In her 50th appearance, Beath rolled sets of 397 in team, 344 in doubles and 339 in singles for a 1,080 all-events total.