RENO, Nev. - For the 108th time, the USBC Open Championships is underway, and more than 650 bowlers helped usher in the 2011 event at the National Bowling Stadium on Friday.

The bleachers and VIP booths at the 78-lane Stadium were filled with family members, friends and dignitaries, while members of the Reno Bighorns Dance Team lined the tournament's Center Aisle and welcomed bowlers as they made the traditional march to their lanes.

Reno mayor Bob Cashell, Sparks mayor Geno Martini, USBC Hall of Famer Jim Schroeder, dignitaries and sponsors took part in the opening festivities, which also included the traditional Mass Ball Shot, ribbon cutting and the crowning of Joe Bowler.

The cast of "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story," currently being performed at the Eldorado Hotel and Casino, also entertained the opening-day crowd with a couple of the jukebox musical's most popular hits.







Russell Dillard of Houston earned the distinction of Joe Bowler, a tradition that began in 1951, and rolled the ceremonial first ball (an eight count), signifying the official start of the 2011 tournament.

"I was very surprised to be named Joe Bowler," said Dillard, who made his first USBC Open Championships appearance. "I didn't know Joe Bowler existed because this is my very first year competing at the tournament. However, I thought everything was great. Everyone was very nice to me. I was a little nervous about throwing the first ball, but I just rolled it down there."

The 2011 event marks the record 10th time the tournament has been held in Reno and the seventh time the Stadium has played host. This year's tournament, which will run for 122 consecutive days, also marks the first time a city has welcomed the Open Championships two years in a row. More than 12,700 five-player teams will make their way to The Biggest Little City in the World before the event concludes July 3.





On the lanes Friday, Rockford Allstars of Loves Park, Ill., set the bar in the Regular Division with a 2,961 total on the opening squad.

Craig Johannsen led the way with a 623 series, which included a run at the first perfect game of the 2011 Open Championships. He opened his third game with eight consecutive strikes before leaving the 3-10 split on his ninth shot.

Mike Rothermel added 610 for Rockford Allstars and was followed by Paul Nimtz (586), Joe Ullrich (582) and Ryan Derr (560).

"I've been to this tournament 21 times, and going into the lead for the first time is nice," Nimtz said. "Even though it's only the first squad, and we're not going to win, it still feels great."

In the Classified Division, Bill Henry Construction of Havre, Mont., took the early lead with a 2,718 total.

The team was led by Ryan Mapes, who rolled a 622 series and was followed by Barry Zanto (557), Randy Randolph (543), Charles Zanto (520) and Bill Henry (476).

"It feels pretty good to be in the lead," said Mapes, who competed in his 14th consecutive Open Championships. "Nationals gets better and better every year. Bowlers are better, which means competition is better, so everything today was phenomenal."

To be eligible for the Classified Division, a team must have a combined average of 900 or less.

Presenting sponsors for the 2011 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nev. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Humana, official registration sponsor, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.