Eiss reaches 50 consecutive years at USBC Open Championships
May 08, 2024
LAS VEGAS – John Eiss of Orono, Minnesota, recently celebrated his 50th consecutive year of participation at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, adding to his decorated career on the tournament lanes.
The 70-year-old right-hander was escorted out during his presentation at the South Point Bowling Plaza by his wife, Bonnie, and daughter, Lisa, to receive a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin in honor of his dedication.
Eiss felt a sense of relief after his march to the lanes, since he had been waiting for this moment. He was happy to share the moment with his wife and daughter.
“This was something I was looking forward to after all the years of bowling this tournament, and I’m glad I was able to share this with my wife and daughter after some family health struggles these past few years,” said Eiss, who made his tournament debut at the 1974 event in Indianapolis. “I was happy to receive this honor but also a little glad we got it out of the way to start bowling today, since I am not one that enjoys being in the spotlight.”
Getting to the tournament this year was not an easy road for Eiss, as he was dealing with some lingering health issues leading up to the event.
“I had to get cleared by my doctor this past week to even get on a plane to come to the event,” Eiss said. “The health has been a battle these last few years for me, but I am glad I’m still able to compete with my teammates and give them all I have.”
Giving his teammates his all certainly has defined Eiss’ legacy on the lanes.
He earned a spot on Team USA in 1992, 1995 and 1999 and helped the red, white and blue capture team gold at the 1995 and 1999 Pan American Games. He also helped Team USA collect the silver medal in team competition at the 1999 International Bowling Federation World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
At the Open Championships, he helped the famed Linds Lakers 1 of Minneapolis win a pair of Eagles in Team All-Events competition at the 2002 and 2006 events.
Linds Lakers 1 at the 2006 USBC Open Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas.
He's collected more than a dozen top-10 finishes at the tournament to go along with the two team victories, and Eiss also has rolled a pair of 300 games at the Open Championships (1993 in doubles and 2022 in singles).
With all the accolades tied to his name at the tournament, Eiss still prefers to center his focus around teamwork and supporting his teammates with strong performances year after year.
“Really, the Lakers are all this has ever been about for me,” said Eiss, a member of the Minnesota State USBC Hall of Fame. “We have had some great players, friends and teammates in this group throughout the years, and all the success we have had as a team means everything to me.”
With 50 years on the tournament lanes now complete, Eiss looks forward to trying to reach the exclusive 100,000-Pin Club at the Open Championships.
He finished his milestone appearance with sets of 656 in singles, 603 in doubles and 573 in team for an all-events score of 1,832, bringing his career pinfall to 93,276 for a lifetime average of 207.2.
“I think getting to 100,000 pins would be great and would be something I would have to credit great teammates for throughout my career,” Eiss said. “Getting 100,000 pins at the Open would be a great accomplishment, but I want to keep bowling as long as I can and hopefully win another team title again one day before my time is up.
“If I have one piece of advice to give to anyone younger, it would have to be to enjoy the time with friends and family on and off the lanes now while you can. You never know when your time is going to be up, so to be able to enjoy things while you are young and healthy is truly something you should not take for granted.”
The 2024 Open Championships got underway Feb. 23 and will run through July 29 at the South Point Bowling Plaza. The tournament is scheduled to feature more than 11,000 teams and 55,000 bowlers making their way to compete in Las Vegas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.
The 70-year-old right-hander was escorted out during his presentation at the South Point Bowling Plaza by his wife, Bonnie, and daughter, Lisa, to receive a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin in honor of his dedication.
Eiss felt a sense of relief after his march to the lanes, since he had been waiting for this moment. He was happy to share the moment with his wife and daughter.
“This was something I was looking forward to after all the years of bowling this tournament, and I’m glad I was able to share this with my wife and daughter after some family health struggles these past few years,” said Eiss, who made his tournament debut at the 1974 event in Indianapolis. “I was happy to receive this honor but also a little glad we got it out of the way to start bowling today, since I am not one that enjoys being in the spotlight.”
Getting to the tournament this year was not an easy road for Eiss, as he was dealing with some lingering health issues leading up to the event.
“I had to get cleared by my doctor this past week to even get on a plane to come to the event,” Eiss said. “The health has been a battle these last few years for me, but I am glad I’m still able to compete with my teammates and give them all I have.”
Giving his teammates his all certainly has defined Eiss’ legacy on the lanes.
He earned a spot on Team USA in 1992, 1995 and 1999 and helped the red, white and blue capture team gold at the 1995 and 1999 Pan American Games. He also helped Team USA collect the silver medal in team competition at the 1999 International Bowling Federation World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
At the Open Championships, he helped the famed Linds Lakers 1 of Minneapolis win a pair of Eagles in Team All-Events competition at the 2002 and 2006 events.
Linds Lakers 1 at the 2006 USBC Open Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas.
He's collected more than a dozen top-10 finishes at the tournament to go along with the two team victories, and Eiss also has rolled a pair of 300 games at the Open Championships (1993 in doubles and 2022 in singles).
With all the accolades tied to his name at the tournament, Eiss still prefers to center his focus around teamwork and supporting his teammates with strong performances year after year.
“Really, the Lakers are all this has ever been about for me,” said Eiss, a member of the Minnesota State USBC Hall of Fame. “We have had some great players, friends and teammates in this group throughout the years, and all the success we have had as a team means everything to me.”
With 50 years on the tournament lanes now complete, Eiss looks forward to trying to reach the exclusive 100,000-Pin Club at the Open Championships.
He finished his milestone appearance with sets of 656 in singles, 603 in doubles and 573 in team for an all-events score of 1,832, bringing his career pinfall to 93,276 for a lifetime average of 207.2.
“I think getting to 100,000 pins would be great and would be something I would have to credit great teammates for throughout my career,” Eiss said. “Getting 100,000 pins at the Open would be a great accomplishment, but I want to keep bowling as long as I can and hopefully win another team title again one day before my time is up.
“If I have one piece of advice to give to anyone younger, it would have to be to enjoy the time with friends and family on and off the lanes now while you can. You never know when your time is going to be up, so to be able to enjoy things while you are young and healthy is truly something you should not take for granted.”
The 2024 Open Championships got underway Feb. 23 and will run through July 29 at the South Point Bowling Plaza. The tournament is scheduled to feature more than 11,000 teams and 55,000 bowlers making their way to compete in Las Vegas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.