Wisconsin bowler celebrates 50 years at 2019 USBC Women's Championships

By Christian Seaborn
USBC Communications

WICHITA, Kan.
- Marilyn Miller of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, has traveled the United States in part to her participation at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, and she celebrated her 50th appearance at the event Tuesday at Northrock Lanes.

Miller, a 78-year-old right-hander, made her tournament debut in 1964 in Minneapolis and has been an annual participant each year since 1982.

To commemorate her milestone achievement, Miller received a plaque, chevron and necklace.

"This has just been wonderful," exclaimed Miller on making her 50th appearance.

Like many competitors in the 50-Year Club, she didn't set out to make 50 years when she started. However, her trip to Southdale Bowl New Hope in Minneapolis in 1964 helped spark a tradition that would help take her to 33 cities across 24 states while competing at the event.

"All of my vacations were planned each year around the tournament," Miller said. "I never would have seen the places I've seen without this event."

On the lanes this week in Wichita, Miller rolled sets of 403 in singles, 389 in doubles and 352 in team for a 1,144 all-events score.

Miller also became the third bowler at the 2019 event to join the 50-Year Club, following Muriel Casey of Fairfax, Virginia, and Marie Neugebauer of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Three additional bowlers are scheduled to reach the milestone at Northrock Lanes.

Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.