Iowa woman takes Classified Singles lead at USBC Open Championships
February 23, 2010
RENO, Nev. - Julie Wahman of Dexter, Iowa, took the lead in Classified Singles with a 591 series at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships on Monday afternoon.
The 40-year-old right-hander posted games of 194, 211 and 186 at the National Bowling Stadium to break a tie on the leaderboard. Lee Baird of Brownwood, Texas, and Larry Grafreed of Chicago previously shared the lead with 570.
The USBC Open Championships first allowed women to compete in 1994, and they've had a growing presence on the lanes ever since. More than 12 percent of the event's participants are women, and many have graced the leaderboard over the years. So far, five women have gone on to claim tournament titles.
"It's exciting," said Wahman, who made her third Open Championships appearance. "It's exciting because this was a men's tournament for so long. I always make it a goal to try and beat my husband, and today, I did."
Wahman's 2010 Open Championships journey began Friday morning as her family loaded its car and began the scenic drive from Dexter to Reno. However, the same storm that dropped nearly two feet of snow on Reno forced them to stop in Evanston, Wyo., which delayed their arrival time by eight hours. Clearly, the delay didn't affect her performance on the lanes.
"I didn't do anything out of the ordinary," said Wahman, who is a customer service rep for Wells Fargo Financial and bowls regularly at Stuart Bowl in Stuart, Iowa. "My husband was very encouraging. He told me to slow down, keep my feet slow and take a deep breath when I get on the approach."
On Sunday, Wahman shot 477 to help her team, Stuart Bowl 3, into the Classified Team lead with 2,573. She added 484 in doubles, for a 1,552 total, which is good for seventh place in Classified All-Events. Baird leads with 1,648.
"My first year, in Albuquerque, I was a last-minute sub because someone was unable to bowl, and I was really nervous," Wahman said. "My experience from the two previous years helped me on the lanes today. I didn't do anything different except have fun."
To be eligible for the Classified Division, a team must have a combined average of 900 or less and 360 or less for doubles. Individuals must have an average of 180 or less for singles and all-events.
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 40-year-old right-hander posted games of 194, 211 and 186 at the National Bowling Stadium to break a tie on the leaderboard. Lee Baird of Brownwood, Texas, and Larry Grafreed of Chicago previously shared the lead with 570.
The USBC Open Championships first allowed women to compete in 1994, and they've had a growing presence on the lanes ever since. More than 12 percent of the event's participants are women, and many have graced the leaderboard over the years. So far, five women have gone on to claim tournament titles.
"It's exciting," said Wahman, who made her third Open Championships appearance. "It's exciting because this was a men's tournament for so long. I always make it a goal to try and beat my husband, and today, I did."
Wahman's 2010 Open Championships journey began Friday morning as her family loaded its car and began the scenic drive from Dexter to Reno. However, the same storm that dropped nearly two feet of snow on Reno forced them to stop in Evanston, Wyo., which delayed their arrival time by eight hours. Clearly, the delay didn't affect her performance on the lanes.
"I didn't do anything out of the ordinary," said Wahman, who is a customer service rep for Wells Fargo Financial and bowls regularly at Stuart Bowl in Stuart, Iowa. "My husband was very encouraging. He told me to slow down, keep my feet slow and take a deep breath when I get on the approach."
On Sunday, Wahman shot 477 to help her team, Stuart Bowl 3, into the Classified Team lead with 2,573. She added 484 in doubles, for a 1,552 total, which is good for seventh place in Classified All-Events. Baird leads with 1,648.
"My first year, in Albuquerque, I was a last-minute sub because someone was unable to bowl, and I was really nervous," Wahman said. "My experience from the two previous years helped me on the lanes today. I didn't do anything different except have fun."
To be eligible for the Classified Division, a team must have a combined average of 900 or less and 360 or less for doubles. Individuals must have an average of 180 or less for singles and all-events.
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.