First-timer takes Classified Singles lead at USBC Open Championships
March 14, 2010
RENO, Nev. - Four years ago, David Garcez of Merced, Calif., traveled to Reno for a wedding and immediately knew that he wanted to compete at the National Bowling Stadium one day.
The 42-year-old right-hander returned to league bowling this season after a nine-year layoff, and quickly got his chance to perform on bowling's biggest stage as he made his USBC Open Championships debut this weekend.
Garcez battled the expected first-time jitters, but settled in for singles and posted games of 217, 199 and 253, which moved him into the top spot in Classified Singles with a 669 series. Mark Plute of Montrose, Colo., previously held the lead with 644.
"My friend wanted me to give bowling a try since I haven't done it in a while, and even though it's been fun, it's just been an average season for me," said Garcez, who bowls at Bellevue Bowl in Atwater, Calif. "I was excited when he asked me to bowl in this tournament, but I did warn him not to expect a whole lot out of me. I just wanted to come out and give it a try and have a good time."
Prior to competing, Garcez was in awe of the venue and how many people filled the lanes and stands, but once he was comfortable, he enjoyed being able to meet bowlers from so many different places.
The experience turned out to be more than he ever hoped, and plans to make the five-hour drive again next year for the 2011 Open Championships.
"When I saw this place for the first time in 2006, I wanted to bowl, but wasn't able to," said Garcez, who stopped bowling because it simply wasn't a priority anymore. "It was a little intimidating at first, but as you go along and make adjustments, you get more comfortable. My expectation was never to take the lead. I was just hoping to get my average."
Garcez added a 493 series in doubles and 433 in team to finish his first Open Championships experience with a 1,595 all-events total. Richard Eisenhut of Downers Grove, Ill., leads Classified All-Events with 1,766.
Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado and Silver Legacy Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, 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.
The 42-year-old right-hander returned to league bowling this season after a nine-year layoff, and quickly got his chance to perform on bowling's biggest stage as he made his USBC Open Championships debut this weekend.
Garcez battled the expected first-time jitters, but settled in for singles and posted games of 217, 199 and 253, which moved him into the top spot in Classified Singles with a 669 series. Mark Plute of Montrose, Colo., previously held the lead with 644.
"My friend wanted me to give bowling a try since I haven't done it in a while, and even though it's been fun, it's just been an average season for me," said Garcez, who bowls at Bellevue Bowl in Atwater, Calif. "I was excited when he asked me to bowl in this tournament, but I did warn him not to expect a whole lot out of me. I just wanted to come out and give it a try and have a good time."
Prior to competing, Garcez was in awe of the venue and how many people filled the lanes and stands, but once he was comfortable, he enjoyed being able to meet bowlers from so many different places.
The experience turned out to be more than he ever hoped, and plans to make the five-hour drive again next year for the 2011 Open Championships.
"When I saw this place for the first time in 2006, I wanted to bowl, but wasn't able to," said Garcez, who stopped bowling because it simply wasn't a priority anymore. "It was a little intimidating at first, but as you go along and make adjustments, you get more comfortable. My expectation was never to take the lead. I was just hoping to get my average."
Garcez added a 493 series in doubles and 433 in team to finish his first Open Championships experience with a 1,595 all-events total. Richard Eisenhut of Downers Grove, Ill., leads Classified All-Events with 1,766.
Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado and Silver Legacy Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, 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.