By Matt Cannizzaro and David Prange
USBC Communications

RENO, Nev. - When Ralph Krueger of West Bend, Wis., made his USBC Open Championships debut in 1960, he never imagined that someday he'd add his name to the short list of bowlers who have competed in 50 tournaments.

Krueger was a wide-eyed 14-year-old when he traveled to Toledo, Ohio, and made his first march down Center Aisle, and now, more than five decades later, he marched right into the record books at the National Bowling Stadium.

"Today was fantastic," said Krueger, a 67-year-old right-hander who became the 133rd bowler in history to reach the 50-year milestone. "The reception I received from the bowlers, as well as people I'd never met coming down to congratulate me, made it a truly great day." 

Krueger earned his first piece of Open Championships glory when he rolled the only 300 game of his bowling career at the 1996 Open Championships in Salt Lake City.

"The 300 game has been the highlight of my bowling career," said Krueger, who has been with the same group of bowlers for more than 20 years. "Up until today, perhaps. I've kept coming back for the competition, but I also have a good time traveling with family and friends." 

Even when he wasn't on the lanes competing, Kruger made sure he was around bowling.

In high school, he excelled at several different sports, including basketball, baseball and football, but he decided he had the most talent in bowling. He tried bowling in some professional events, but eventually found success in amateur tournaments across Wisconsin. 

As a young man, Krueger worked at his family's bowling center, Krueger's Entertainment Center in Menomonee Falls, Wis., and then bought it from his father in 1976. He ran the center until 2008, when he sold it to two of his sons.

"Our bowling center is on its third generation," Krueger said. "I think it will stay in the family for at least another 30 years, and then, who knows after that." 

At one point in his bowling career, severe knee pain almost forced Krueger to give up the game. Thanks to modern medicine, he's as strong as ever and ready for more appearances at the Open Championships. In 2008, he had his knees replaced, ending nearly 15 years of pain.

"That has made all the difference for me," Krueger said. "I almost quit bowling because of the pain, but now, I'm feeling good and ready for more. Next year, it will be 50 consecutive tournaments for me. After that, I'll just keep going until I can't do it anymore. My next goal is to make 60 years."

Krueger finished this year's trip to the tournament with 557 in singles, 549 in doubles and 534 in team for a 1,640 all-events total. In 50 tournaments, he has knocked down 79,927 pins for a career average of 180.

Click here to watch video highlights from the 2011 Open Championships.
Presenting sponsors for the 2011 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Humana, official registration sponsor, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.