Family bonds together at 2026 USBC Open Championships
March 29, 2026
Pictured above (from left): Ken Brown, Irene Brown, Jenny Conroy, Shei Brown, Scott Brown
RENO, Nev. – While we could talk at length about the traditions synonymous with the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, the aspect of family has been at the forefront for many.
The event is passed down from generation to generation, and many get to experience the championship atmosphere alongside those closest to them.
For Ken Brown of San Tan Valley, Arizona, the 2026 event was a special one because he was able to share the lanes for his 35th appearance at the tournament with his wife, Irene Brown, son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Shei Brown, and daughter, Jenny Conroy.
The bowling tradition for the family goes back to Ken’s grandfather, Stan Crom, who bowled until he was 91. Ken’s mother and father – Clara and Merlin Brown – also bowled until they were 90 and 91, respectively. Merlin also made his fair share of appearances at the USBC Open Championships.
The team – known as the Family Strikers on the scoreboards at the National Bowling Stadium – certainly could celebrate the family bond on the lanes. But more importantly, they were able to welcome Conroy back to the lanes after her recent fight against breast cancer.
Shortly after making her debut at the Open Championships in 2024, Conroy noticed a pain in her armpit while bowling, which was accompanied by a lump in the area. A trip to the doctor for the pain resulted in news no one can prepare for.
“I had a swollen lymph node in my armpit that was cancerous,” Conroy said.
“She also had a lump in her breast that she didn’t know she had,” Irene said.
“She bowled league with us, and when she would follow through, she felt sore and felt a lump,” Ken said. “After bowling league one time, she went to the doctor to find out what was going on because something wasn’t right. I kind of classify bowling as helping to save her life, because the motion of bowling allowed her to feel it and she went in.”
The thought of facing cancer didn’t scare Conroy, but the quick turnaround to start treatment certainly made for a change.
“When they tell you that you have cancer, there’s no time to process it,” Conroy said. “They tell you, and you start treatment within the week. The initial shock of knowing you have cancer is horrible, but once you come to grips with it and choose in your mind to fight it, that’s half the battle.
“I don’t think people should be scared of cancer – I think there are worse things. But, if you can make it through the treatment, then I think that everyone can be fine. My breast cancer was the worst kind – Stage 3B. People hear the cancer diagnosis and that scares them. I don’t think people should be scared of cancer itself, it’s the treatment that’s difficult.”
Conroy’s treatment took 20 months from start to finish and included a double mastectomy.
“The other battle is the thought that it could come back at any time,” Conroy said. “So, every pain, every odd lump and every sore muscle brings back the thought the cancer could be back. You have to be mentally strong and have family support all the time.
“I think you need to listen to your body, too. I chose an integrative health care approach, which includes Western and Eastern medicines. I’m still doing integrative care. I have two naturopathic doctors I still see, plus my oncologist, and I think that’s a huge role of it in healing.”
As she has returned to bowling, Conroy realizes there will be new challenges, too. But, a missed spare or move on the lanes won’t slow her day down.
“I probably won’t be able to bowl the same due to the radiation and treatment, but that doesn’t bother me,” Conroy said. “After having cancer, it’s more about the fun of it. If good games come, they come. If they don’t, it’s OK.”
No matter what, she’ll always have the support of her family, too. In addition to the five bowling at the National Bowling Stadium, Conroy’s daughter, Kaydence, and Scott and Shei’s children, Kaylee and Kenley, also were in attendance cheering the family on for every strike and spare.
“Bowling is something that keeps us all together, and it’s really nice to have her back,” Ken said. “Having everyone come together and bowl as a family team is just wonderful. Bowling is a family sport, and it’s all about getting together and having a good time.
“I’m proud of all of them. I’m proud of Jenny for coming back. It’s nice to have everyone together to laugh and have a good time.”
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
RENO, Nev. – While we could talk at length about the traditions synonymous with the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, the aspect of family has been at the forefront for many.
The event is passed down from generation to generation, and many get to experience the championship atmosphere alongside those closest to them.
For Ken Brown of San Tan Valley, Arizona, the 2026 event was a special one because he was able to share the lanes for his 35th appearance at the tournament with his wife, Irene Brown, son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Shei Brown, and daughter, Jenny Conroy.
The bowling tradition for the family goes back to Ken’s grandfather, Stan Crom, who bowled until he was 91. Ken’s mother and father – Clara and Merlin Brown – also bowled until they were 90 and 91, respectively. Merlin also made his fair share of appearances at the USBC Open Championships.
The team – known as the Family Strikers on the scoreboards at the National Bowling Stadium – certainly could celebrate the family bond on the lanes. But more importantly, they were able to welcome Conroy back to the lanes after her recent fight against breast cancer.
Shortly after making her debut at the Open Championships in 2024, Conroy noticed a pain in her armpit while bowling, which was accompanied by a lump in the area. A trip to the doctor for the pain resulted in news no one can prepare for.
“I had a swollen lymph node in my armpit that was cancerous,” Conroy said.
“She also had a lump in her breast that she didn’t know she had,” Irene said.
“She bowled league with us, and when she would follow through, she felt sore and felt a lump,” Ken said. “After bowling league one time, she went to the doctor to find out what was going on because something wasn’t right. I kind of classify bowling as helping to save her life, because the motion of bowling allowed her to feel it and she went in.”
The thought of facing cancer didn’t scare Conroy, but the quick turnaround to start treatment certainly made for a change.
“When they tell you that you have cancer, there’s no time to process it,” Conroy said. “They tell you, and you start treatment within the week. The initial shock of knowing you have cancer is horrible, but once you come to grips with it and choose in your mind to fight it, that’s half the battle.
“I don’t think people should be scared of cancer – I think there are worse things. But, if you can make it through the treatment, then I think that everyone can be fine. My breast cancer was the worst kind – Stage 3B. People hear the cancer diagnosis and that scares them. I don’t think people should be scared of cancer itself, it’s the treatment that’s difficult.”
Conroy’s treatment took 20 months from start to finish and included a double mastectomy.
“The other battle is the thought that it could come back at any time,” Conroy said. “So, every pain, every odd lump and every sore muscle brings back the thought the cancer could be back. You have to be mentally strong and have family support all the time.
“I think you need to listen to your body, too. I chose an integrative health care approach, which includes Western and Eastern medicines. I’m still doing integrative care. I have two naturopathic doctors I still see, plus my oncologist, and I think that’s a huge role of it in healing.”
As she has returned to bowling, Conroy realizes there will be new challenges, too. But, a missed spare or move on the lanes won’t slow her day down.
“I probably won’t be able to bowl the same due to the radiation and treatment, but that doesn’t bother me,” Conroy said. “After having cancer, it’s more about the fun of it. If good games come, they come. If they don’t, it’s OK.”
No matter what, she’ll always have the support of her family, too. In addition to the five bowling at the National Bowling Stadium, Conroy’s daughter, Kaydence, and Scott and Shei’s children, Kaylee and Kenley, also were in attendance cheering the family on for every strike and spare.
“Bowling is something that keeps us all together, and it’s really nice to have her back,” Ken said. “Having everyone come together and bowl as a family team is just wonderful. Bowling is a family sport, and it’s all about getting together and having a good time.
“I’m proud of all of them. I’m proud of Jenny for coming back. It’s nice to have everyone together to laugh and have a good time.”
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.