LAS VEGAS - Ken Luebke is a quiet man from Rosholt, South Dakota, with a lot of accomplishments, and the list includes working in the financial sector and being a wonderful husband and father. He also is a Vietnam veteran.

The 75-year-old right-hander added another special milestone to the list this week at the South Point Bowling Plaza as he participated in the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships for the 50th time.

He was the first of 31 bowlers scheduled to reach 50 years of participation during the 2022 USBC Open Championships. There also will be three bowlers celebrating 60 years, one making his 65th appearance and one competing for the 70th time.

Luebke's first tournament appearance came at the 1971 event in Detroit, and it turned out better than he could've expected.

"I'd just gotten out of Vietnam, and a buddy of mine talked me into going to Detroit to bowl in a tournament," Luebke said. "I had no idea what to do, but it turned out I was pretty good. I won $7,000."

Does Luebke remember what he did with those winnings? Of course. He got married, and he and his bride, Carol, purchased their first home.

Bowling is a big part of their life. Their home away from home is Terrace Lanes in nearby Wahpeton, North Dakota.

"It's a wonderful 12-lane bowling alley that is always busy with activities," Luebke added. "Seven days a week, there are at least three leagues per day, and there's a lot of youth bowling, too."

That's a big difference from the 60-lane Bowling Plaza, where he received his 50-year plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin Wednesday, along with applause from a packed house.

"This sure is different than my home lanes, but it's just as exciting," Luebke said. "I love bowling. I'm in multiple leagues and enjoy doing weekend tournaments. Yes, you can call me competitive."

His bowling career also has taken him to Syracuse, New York; Indianapolis; Niagara Falls, New York; Oklahoma City; Reno, Nevada; and 17 other cities in the United States. He lists Billings, Montana, which welcomed the Open Championships in 2002, as his favorite host city.

In Las Vegas this week, Luebke had the opportunity to bowl with his friend, Jim Kutter of Lidgerwood, North Dakota. Kutter also received recognition prior to hitting the lanes, as he was celebrating his 25th appearance at the Open Championships.

"It's wonderful to have my 25th coincide with Ken's 50th," Kutter said. "He is a good friend and a great bowling partner."

When speaking of partners, Luebke is quick to point out his inspiration to make it to 50 Open Championships.

"No question, it's Carol," Luebke said. "For me to accomplish this goal, it took the love and support from my wife. Outside of the sport, no one could quite understand the sacrifices a spouse goes through."

"I have loved every minute of it," Carol Luebke said while nodding in agreement.

This year on the championship lanes, Luebke rolled sets of 488 in team, 480 in doubles and 441 in singles for a 1,409 total.

In his five decades, he has knocked down 80,769 pins for a career average of 184.4.

Luebke has been in the spotlight before and was featured in a Ken Burns' documentary called "The Vietnam War." It aired on South Dakota Public Broadcasting, and he still gets emotional talking about that tough time in his life.

Luebke's visit to Las Vegas this week came with its own emotions, and now that his big milestone is complete, he's already looking ahead to next year's tournament at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada.

"I am so lucky have to Carol and my daughter, Jennifer, and I am very honored to receive this 50-year recognition from USBC," Luebke concluded. "I plan on being back for number 51."

Carol, again, nods in agreement.

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