Hromek returns at 2018 U.S. Open
October 27, 2018
WICHITA, Kan. - Justin Hromek of Towanda, Kansas, claimed his biggest win on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour at the 1994 U.S. Open, defeating Parker Bohn III in the title match at Bowl One in Troy, Michigan.
While next year will mark the 25th anniversary of Hromek's title, he is making his first appearance in one of bowling's premier events for the first time in nearly 15 years as he laces up against the best in the world at Northrock Lanes for the 2018 event.
The three-time PBA Tour champion left the tour after 2004-2005 season to focus on his family, but, at the urging of his son, Jerod, Hromek accepted his direct entry to the 2018 event as a past champion.
Jerod, a collegiate bowler at nearby Wichita State University, competed in the pre-tournament qualifier earlier this week and just missed joining his father in the main field.
"He was the one who encouraged me to sign up," Hromek said. "He really didn't get to watch me bowl, since he was only six when I left the tour. He's been able to watch YouTube and old tapes, but he really wanted me to go out and do it.
"I've been looking forward to it, but I'm also dreading the physical part of it. It's a grind to bowl this many games in a short span of time, and it's going to be tougher on the body, which never used to be an issue. I'm glad I signed up, though. It's kind of a last trip around the bases for me."
Hromek's competition schedule is a little lighter than his days on tour, bowling one league a week and around four tournaments a year. In preparation for this week, he focused more on getting his body ready for the eight-game blocks.
"Mentally, I tell myself I can still do it, but physically, I don't put in the games," Hromek said. "I'm a little older now, and knew that going in, so I worked more on trying to get my body in shape. I didn't enter this week trying to win. But my biggest win came at this event, and it brings back a lot of memories."
Looking back at his 267-230 victory over Bohn at the 1994 event, Hromek reflected on some of his television experiences prior to earning the top seed in Michigan.
His 18-6 record in match play propelled him to the top of the standings, leaving him in position of needing to win just one match to claim the title.
"Prior to that, I had a couple of bad shows," Hromek said. "So, I didn't have a lot of confidence going into TV for that match. But I knew I could get lined up for one game.
"Parker started striking right from the get-go, and he's tough, especially when he has something. I started off kind of slow while I was making adjustments, and then all of a sudden, I had five, six, seven in a row and really thought I had a chance at it. It was neat to have some bad experiences leading up to that and then finish it off for the win."
After moving on from the tour, Hromek began to focus on helping others improve their passion for the sport.
The three-time Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award winner runs the pro shop at Wichita's Seneca Bowl and gives lessons. He also offers instruction for players attending his alma mater, Wichita State, where he was a three-time National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA) All-American and helped the Shockers claim a national title in 1987.
Although he notes how the players are different compared to those during his time on tour, certain things never go out of style in any sport.
"To watch these kids now is amazing," Hromek said. "Physically, it's a much different game, but there are things I still can pass along, like having the right intensity and being in control of what you're capable of doing. I've been coaching my sons, Jerod and Matt, in bowling and basketball, and I try to instill that same work ethic I had out on tour."
Hromek will compete during C Squad for Saturday's second round of qualifying, which is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Eastern. He averaged 191.38 for his first eight games Friday at Northrock Lanes.
While next year will mark the 25th anniversary of Hromek's title, he is making his first appearance in one of bowling's premier events for the first time in nearly 15 years as he laces up against the best in the world at Northrock Lanes for the 2018 event.
The three-time PBA Tour champion left the tour after 2004-2005 season to focus on his family, but, at the urging of his son, Jerod, Hromek accepted his direct entry to the 2018 event as a past champion.
Jerod, a collegiate bowler at nearby Wichita State University, competed in the pre-tournament qualifier earlier this week and just missed joining his father in the main field.
"He was the one who encouraged me to sign up," Hromek said. "He really didn't get to watch me bowl, since he was only six when I left the tour. He's been able to watch YouTube and old tapes, but he really wanted me to go out and do it.
"I've been looking forward to it, but I'm also dreading the physical part of it. It's a grind to bowl this many games in a short span of time, and it's going to be tougher on the body, which never used to be an issue. I'm glad I signed up, though. It's kind of a last trip around the bases for me."
Hromek's competition schedule is a little lighter than his days on tour, bowling one league a week and around four tournaments a year. In preparation for this week, he focused more on getting his body ready for the eight-game blocks.
"Mentally, I tell myself I can still do it, but physically, I don't put in the games," Hromek said. "I'm a little older now, and knew that going in, so I worked more on trying to get my body in shape. I didn't enter this week trying to win. But my biggest win came at this event, and it brings back a lot of memories."
Looking back at his 267-230 victory over Bohn at the 1994 event, Hromek reflected on some of his television experiences prior to earning the top seed in Michigan.
His 18-6 record in match play propelled him to the top of the standings, leaving him in position of needing to win just one match to claim the title.
"Prior to that, I had a couple of bad shows," Hromek said. "So, I didn't have a lot of confidence going into TV for that match. But I knew I could get lined up for one game.
"Parker started striking right from the get-go, and he's tough, especially when he has something. I started off kind of slow while I was making adjustments, and then all of a sudden, I had five, six, seven in a row and really thought I had a chance at it. It was neat to have some bad experiences leading up to that and then finish it off for the win."
After moving on from the tour, Hromek began to focus on helping others improve their passion for the sport.
The three-time Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award winner runs the pro shop at Wichita's Seneca Bowl and gives lessons. He also offers instruction for players attending his alma mater, Wichita State, where he was a three-time National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA) All-American and helped the Shockers claim a national title in 1987.
Although he notes how the players are different compared to those during his time on tour, certain things never go out of style in any sport.
"To watch these kids now is amazing," Hromek said. "Physically, it's a much different game, but there are things I still can pass along, like having the right intensity and being in control of what you're capable of doing. I've been coaching my sons, Jerod and Matt, in bowling and basketball, and I try to instill that same work ethic I had out on tour."
Hromek will compete during C Squad for Saturday's second round of qualifying, which is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Eastern. He averaged 191.38 for his first eight games Friday at Northrock Lanes.