Four months ago, Matt McNiel of Chanhassen, Minn., put the finishing touches on the highest nine-game total in the history of the USBC Open Championships.

The days that followed were filled with congratulations and anxiety as he waited for the 2010 tournament to complete its 136-day run at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev.

In the end, the 25-year-old left-hander's 2,326 effort (806 in singles, 780 in team and 740 in doubles) bested more than 70,000 bowlers on the way to his first Open Championships title. The record-setting performance earned him the 2010 Regular All-Events crown and a coveted eagle trophy, which is given to all Regular Division champions at the storied tournament.

The magnitude of McNiel's accomplishment didn't sink in right away, but it became more real than ever when he held his eagle for the first time. The award was presented to him by USBC Director Bob Klatt of Prior Lake, Minn., at the Minneapolis USBC Hall of Fame induction banquet on Aug. 22.

"It was really special because I had so many influential people in my life there to celebrate with me," said McNiel, who posted his winning score one year to the day after Ron Vokes of Racine, Wis., shot 2,321 (then a record) to claim the 2009 title. "When they put that eagle in your hand, it's indescribable, not because of what it is physically, but because of what it represents."

Many bowlers from the Minneapolis area have enjoyed success with Team USA and at the Open Championships over the years. McNiel has looked up to them, worked alongside them and strived to be as successful.

Now, when he returns to Reno for the 2011 Open Championships, his name will be hanging above the tournament lanes as a defending champion and record holder.

"To know that my name is in the record book and among such elite company is overwhelming," said McNiel, who took home $7,000 for his all-events win. "It feels so good to know you have accomplished something so difficult to obtain and something that some people strive for their whole lives to reach. Everything just came together, and all of the hard work paid off. It has been unforgettable."our months ago, Matt McNiel of Chanhassen, Minn., put the finishing touches on the highest nine-game total in the history of the USBC Open Championships.