DaytonBowler.com

80-year-old Idaho woman makes first trip to USBC Women’s Championships

(pssst… Who is Dayton’s oldest competitor(s) for Women’s, or Men’s Open Championships?)

RENO, Nev. – Every year, the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships gets thousands of first-time participants eager to experience what the tournament has to offer. Colleen Keirnes of Salmon, Idaho, is one of those bowlers and proved it’s never too late to start competing on the largest stage in women’s bowling.Keirnes, participating for the first time at the age of 80, made her tournament debut at the National Bowling Stadium on Monday evening. Her trip to the tournament started simply as a way to have fun with a few friends and turned into a memorable experience.

“We just decided that we were going to Reno to bowl in the national tournament,” Keirnes said.

The spry right-hander, who bowls twice a week at the Salmon Strike Zone, did have some reservations about her first trip to the USBC Women’s Championships due to the travel arrangements.

“Everyone was originally going to drive into Boise and then fly to Reno,” Keirnes said. “I wasn’t sure if I was going, but they changed their minds and decided to drive the entire way. I’m not a big fan of flying.”

After arriving at the one-of-a-kind Stadium, Keirnes was excited as well as nervous heading into her team event.

“I have butterflies in my stomach,” Keirnes said. “I hope I can bowl well. I at least want to hit my average. We’ve had so much fun already, though, and everyone here has been so helpful and nice that it’s going to be a great experience no matter how I bowl.”

Keirnes started bowling in 1956. For the past 10 years, she has competed in two leagues each week. She currently holds 130 average.

Keirnes’ trip to Reno also allowed her to visit with relatives she hasn’t seen in many years. Although she has had two husbands pass away, she is still supported by two sons, seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Her first efforts on the tournament lanes left her smiling after team event thanks to games of 138, 114 and 170 for a 422 series.

“I had a really good time,” Keirnes said. “I was nervous, but it worked out just fine. I shot my average and won some money in brackets. It was just an awesome and fantastic experience.”

Keirnes added a 384 series in doubles and 368 in singles for a 1,174 all-events total in her inaugural Women’s Championships effort.

Presenting sponsors for the 2009 USBC Women’s Championships are Eldorado Hotel Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Atlantis Hotel and Casino, Sands Regency Casino Hotel, Harrah’s Hotel and Casino, Club Cal Neva, and Storm Products Inc.

For more information on the USBC Women’s Championships, visit www.usbcwomenschampionships.com .

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

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