By Matt Cannizzaro and David Prange
USBC Communications

RENO, Nev. - Jared Juszczyk of Dearborn Heights, Mich., struggled early in his singles event at the USBC Open Championships this week, but a timely ball change helped him to the fifth perfect game of the 2011 event at the National Bowling Stadium.

The 20-year-old left-hander almost didn't bring the ball he ended up using. 

"I brought the equipment I'm most comfortable with," said Juszczyk, who bowls league at Cherry Hill Lanes North in Clarkston, Mich. "I still had one spot left in the bag and just threw it in. I was struggling a bit early, but when they started to hook during singles, I got this ball out because of its shiny surface. I'm sure glad I brought that one with me."

Along with changing balls, Juszczyk also was experienced enough to acknowledge that the changing lanes also required a move on the approach.

"I tripped the 6 pin in the sixth frame and made a two-board move with my feet," said Juszczyk, who is a student at Wayne State University and majoring in business management. "I was a little nervous on the first two shots in the 10th frame, but I just told myself to concentrate on the last one and see what happens." 

Juszczyk, who also is a member of the golf team at Wayne State, wasn't originally scheduled to bowl this year, but when one of his brother's teammates got hurt, it provided an opportunity for his first trip to the Open Championships. 

"One of my brother's teammates broke his ankle," said Juszczyk, whose 300 came after games of 186 and 169 for a 655 singles series. "They asked me if I'd like to fill in, and I'm glad I did."

The National Bowling Stadium has been the backdrop for several great achievements at the Open Championships since opening its doors in 1995, and Juszczyk is happy to have his name included.

"What an amazing place to do this," Juszczyk said. "I've never seen a bowling center, or been to a tournament like this before. I can't wait for next year." 

Juszczyk's brother, George, was happy to have his brother fill in and find success in his tournament debut.

"I'm just thrilled," said George Juszczyk, who bowled collegiately at Saginaw Valley State University and made his sixth tournament appearance. "Now, he'll get to hear his name announced every year in the squad room before bowling." 

Jared Juszczyk added 575 in doubles and 510 in team for a 1,740 all-events total, while George finished with 689 in team, 658 in doubles and 635 in singles for a 1,982 total.

Click here to watch video highlights from the 2011 Open Championships.
Presenting sponsors for the 2011 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Humana, official registration sponsor, 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.