RENO, Nev. - As a former employee of AMF Bowling Centers, Inc., Sterling Minke Sr. of Englewood, Fla., lent his services to the USBC Open Championships for 10 years.

This year, the Open Championships rewarded Minke for his hard work and dedication to the tournament as a participant as he became the 141st bowler in history to make 50 appearances on the championship lanes. He received a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to commemorate the achievement.

"It was an experience like I've never had before," said Minke, who bowls at Bowland Lanes in Port Charlotte, Fla. "I was overcome by it. I had my adrenaline going so high. It's overwhelming. When you start back in 1960, you don't even dream of reaching this. I didn't really start thinking I had a chance until I reached 40 years."

After a brief bout with colon cancer in 2008, Minke began to think 50 years was unobtainable. He came through with flying colors but received another scare the day before his biggest achievement.

On Wednesday afternoon, the 80-year-old right-hander started feeling sick. After talking with his daughter-in-law, she suggested he may have been dehydrated due to the flight and higher elevation in Reno. After a few hours, Minke was feeling better but couldn't help thinking he might not reach his big day.

"At about 3 p.m. yesterday, I didn't think I was going to make it," Minke said. "I really thought I was going to end up in the hospital. My daughter-in-law told me she thought I was dehydrated. I didn't have any water to drink on the plane and she told me to start drinking water and ice cubes. I started to feel better after that. It would have been horrible not to make it, especially the day before the big day."

The Open Championships has been a family affair for Minke and his three sons, Shawn, Sterling Jr., and Scott. All together, the Minke family has more than 100 years of Open Championships experience.

This year, Shawn made his 26th appearance and Sterling Jr., made his 25th visit to the event. Scott, who last competed at the 2003 tournament in Knoxville, Tenn., has two years of Open Championships experience.

"It means everything in the world to have them here," Minke said. "They have been very supportive. Hopefully they reach 50, too. I'm trying to put up a number for them chase. I hope I inspire them to continue on and reach 50. They're in good health, and they're avid bowlers."

The elder Minke also was pleased to have his wife, Patricia, witness his milestone. She has attended almost all of her husband's Open Championship appearances.

"She is my rock," said Minke, who made his Open Championships debut at the 1960 event in Toledo, Ohio. "She has been my biggest supporter for many years. We've been married for 56 years, and she is really my rock."

Minke concluded his 50th tournament appearance with 535 in singles, 533 in doubles and 416 in team for a 1,484 total. In 50 tournament appearances, he has knocked down 80,877 pins for a career average of 180.9.

Click here to watch video highlights from the 2011 Open Championships.