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 Joe Crocco, who helped Central Saw and Mower of Racine, Wis., into the lead in Regular Team and Team All-Events at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., on Thursday and Friday.

The Stadium is a special place for Crocco, who teamed up with Racine's Mike Vasey to claim the 2004 Regular Doubles title with a 1,477 total.

Crocco, a 43-year-old right-hander, has maintained a 200.6 career average at the Open Championships with a high all-events total of 2,054 at the 1993 event in Tulsa, Okla.

HOMETOWN: Racine, Wis.    

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS APPEARANCES: 19

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLES: 1 (2004 Regular Doubles)

BOWLING BALL WEIGHT: 16/15

FAVORITE BRAND OF BOWLING BALLS: Hammer

ONE all-time favorite host city: Reno

TWO best Open Championships memories: 1. winning 2004 doubles; 2. 1993 in Tulsa- best all -events, 2054

THREE keys to success at the Open Championships: 1. staying focused on every shot; 2. filling frames; 3. good chemistry between team members

FOURgettable Open Championships moment: 2009 doubles event

FIVE bowlers in history on your Open Championships fantasy all-star team: Lennie Boresch Jr., Earl Anthony, Pete Weber, Norm Duke and Dick Weber

SIX bowling balls currently in your Open Championships arsenal: Hammer Jigsaw, Hammer Black Widow Sting, Hammer Black Widow Nasty, Hammer Cherry Vibe, Roto Grip Cell Pearl, Ebonite spare ball

SEVEN cities you'd like to see the Open Championships go to/return to: Milwaukee, Phoenix, Orlando, Fla., Las Vegas, Huntsville, Ala., Charleston, S.C., Reno

EIGHT favorite bowling balls ever: Urethane Blue Hammer. Period.

NINE other current/eligible bowlers you would choose to join you on your ideal pair of companion teams at the Open Championships: Lennie Boresch Jr., Mike Vasey, Scott Salinas, Eric Mertins, Dustin Vasey, Joe Arvai IV, Gus Yannaras, John Socha and Dale Traber

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

ELEVEN strikes in a row to start a game at the Open Championships, what's going through your head?: Just get the ball off your hand going in general direction of your target.

TWELVE years from now, where do you hope to be in your bowling career?: Maybe another USBC title, helping the future stars of the game-our kids- and helping the game grow in a positive direction