In the coming months, we'll talk with some of the best-known bowlers at the USBC Open Championships and get their thoughts on their time at the tournament and what it takes to succeed on the championship lanes.

This week, we heard from first-time Open Championships participant, Ethan Gordon.

The 19-year-old right-hander just completed his sophomore year at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Gordon is majoring in Radio and Television and is a member of the St. Ambrose bowling team.

When he is not on the lanes, he can be found on the golf course or working as an intern for John Deere.


HOMETOWN: Rock Island, Ill.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS APPEARANCES: One

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLES: 0

BOWLING BALL WEIGHT: 15

FAVORITE BRAND OF BOWLING BALLS: Storm

ONE all-time favorite host city: Reno

TWO best Open Championships memories: bowling in my first Open with my dad and having my mom there to watch on Mother's Day. It was nice to have them there.

THREE keys to success at the Open Championships: 1. spares; 2. ball speed; 3. grinding through games

FOURgettable Open Championships moment: almost falling every shot in practice to start the tournament

FIVE bowlers in history on your Open Championships fantasy all-star team: Mika Koivuniemi, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Wes Malott, my dad and me.

SIX bowling balls currently in your Open Championships arsenal: Storm Virtual Gravity Nano, Roto Grip Rising Star and Columbia Bedlam.

SEVEN cities you'd like to see the Open Championships go to/return to: I would really like to go bowl in Las Vegas. I have been there for vacation and would like to go back.

EIGHT favorite bowling balls ever: Storm Virtual Gravity (all-time favorite), Hammer Green Vibe, Columbia Hijinx, Ebonite The One, Brunswick Avalanche Urethane, Roto Grip Rising Star and Columbia Momentum Swing.

NINE other current/eligible bowlers you would choose to join you on your ideal pair of companion teams at the Open Championships: My dad, two uncles and grandpa bowling with me. My mom, cousin, two aunts and grandma on the other team.

TEN seconds or less, who is your favorite bowler of all-time?: Mika Koivunemi

ELEVEN strikes in a row to start a game at the Open Championships, what's going through your head?: Just to keep it on the lane and hope I carry.

TWELVE years from now, where do you hope to be in your bowling career?: Hopefully bowling my 13th Open Championships.