Michigan bowler celebrates 50th appearance at Open Championships
May 04, 2026
RENO, Nev. – Harry Lash of Jackson, Michigan, reached a remarkable milestone Sunday at the National Bowling Stadium, making his 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
The achievement represents more than five decades of dedication to one of bowling’s most prestigious events, and Lash was presented with a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin in recognition of the moment.
Lash was joined for his ceremonial walk down the center aisle by his wife, Darlene, and daughter, Audra, highlighting the family support that has been a constant throughout his bowling journey.
His career at the Open Championships began in 1975 in Dayton, Ohio. For the past 20 years, Lash has competed with a team he discovered through the tournament’s substitute board in Reno.
“They made me sign a contract on a napkin to bowl with them as long as they need me,” Lash said with a smile.
Over the course of his career at the Open Championships, Lash has knocked down an impressive 76,874 pins, maintaining a 170.8 average.
Among his favorite memories is a trip to Florida when the tournament was held in Tampa (1979). Lash and his family stayed at a campground at Walt Disney World and made the drive to the convention center each day.
“We stayed at the campground and drove over to bowl,” Lash recalled.
For Lash, the experience has always meant more than just scores.
“It doesn’t matter how we bowl – we’re here to have fun with family and friends,” Lash said. “That’s what’s important.”
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The achievement represents more than five decades of dedication to one of bowling’s most prestigious events, and Lash was presented with a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin in recognition of the moment.
Lash was joined for his ceremonial walk down the center aisle by his wife, Darlene, and daughter, Audra, highlighting the family support that has been a constant throughout his bowling journey.
His career at the Open Championships began in 1975 in Dayton, Ohio. For the past 20 years, Lash has competed with a team he discovered through the tournament’s substitute board in Reno.
“They made me sign a contract on a napkin to bowl with them as long as they need me,” Lash said with a smile.
Over the course of his career at the Open Championships, Lash has knocked down an impressive 76,874 pins, maintaining a 170.8 average.
Among his favorite memories is a trip to Florida when the tournament was held in Tampa (1979). Lash and his family stayed at a campground at Walt Disney World and made the drive to the convention center each day.
“We stayed at the campground and drove over to bowl,” Lash recalled.
For Lash, the experience has always meant more than just scores.
“It doesn’t matter how we bowl – we’re here to have fun with family and friends,” Lash said. “That’s what’s important.”
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.