Ohio bowler makes 50th appearance at USBC Women's
May 08, 2014
By Wishelle Banks
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Janet Cleugh of Nova, Ohio, crossed the finish line at the end of a five-decade journey as she participated in her 50th United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships on Wednesday.
The 80-year-old right-hander became the fourth member to join the exclusive club at the 2014 event, and she received a plaque and medallion to commemorate her longevity at the tournament.
"It's about the friends, the fun and the trip," Cleugh said. "That's the way it's been for the last 20 years, I would say, because as you get older, your average goes down. That's just a sideline to the trip."
Cleugh stole center stage at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center as she was recognized prior to the start of her team event. The moment filled her with pride and humility and put her at a loss for words.
"I didn't expect all that," Cleugh said. "When he (USBC Women's Championships Tournament Manager Eric Pierson) asked me to say something, I couldn't think of anything."
Cleugh began her Women's Championships career at the 1961 event in Fort Wayne, Ind., after picking up the sport several years prior at age 20. Her fondest tournament memory involves her appearance at the 1986 tournament in Orange County, Calif., which coincided with the birth of her first granddaughter.
Cleugh rolled games of 169, 127 and 123 in her 50th appearance for a 419 series. She did not participate in doubles and singles.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
Presenting sponsors for the 2014 USBC Women's Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Janet Cleugh of Nova, Ohio, crossed the finish line at the end of a five-decade journey as she participated in her 50th United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships on Wednesday.
The 80-year-old right-hander became the fourth member to join the exclusive club at the 2014 event, and she received a plaque and medallion to commemorate her longevity at the tournament.
"It's about the friends, the fun and the trip," Cleugh said. "That's the way it's been for the last 20 years, I would say, because as you get older, your average goes down. That's just a sideline to the trip."
Cleugh stole center stage at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center as she was recognized prior to the start of her team event. The moment filled her with pride and humility and put her at a loss for words.
"I didn't expect all that," Cleugh said. "When he (USBC Women's Championships Tournament Manager Eric Pierson) asked me to say something, I couldn't think of anything."
Cleugh began her Women's Championships career at the 1961 event in Fort Wayne, Ind., after picking up the sport several years prior at age 20. Her fondest tournament memory involves her appearance at the 1986 tournament in Orange County, Calif., which coincided with the birth of her first granddaughter.
Cleugh rolled games of 169, 127 and 123 in her 50th appearance for a 419 series. She did not participate in doubles and singles.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
Presenting sponsors for the 2014 USBC Women's Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.