I attended the first ever FIQ International Senior Open January 7-14 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev. I am here to tell you that I consider this the epitome of senior bowling activity. The event provided an opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to compete with and against bowlers from all over the world in your senior age bracket.
Although senior events have been held in European countries, this was the first attempt at staging a worldwide event for the older generation, if you consider 50 old.
Apparently, the contestants didn't; many of them bowled night and day in the three age brackets—50-56, 57-66, and 67-plus. They bowled with friends and strangers from other countries in the four divisions—four-player teams, mixed doubles, regular doubles, and singles.
The International Senior Open was a vision of FIQ President Gerry Koenig and FIQ Second Vice President Jacky Felsenstein of Belgium. They hoped to attract 1,000 entries, but a sparse participation from the United States and the devaluation of the monetary systems abroad seriously hampered foreign entries, particularly those in the European sector.
Although the official entries did not exceed 350, the unique format for reentry participation swelled the numbers well beyond the targeted 2,000 mark, thereby making this tournament a rousing success.
The bulk of the credit for this wonderful undertaking must be given to Joan Romeo, one of the most dynamic promoters in the bowling industry. With the aid of WIBC Vice President Elaine Hagin, whose experience in foreign circles was invaluable, Mrs. Romeo staged this event from the original concept to its closing awards dinner.
Elaine Hagin, perhaps the most dedicated and most active woman in bowling, displayed her usual skills as tournament chairman. Fortunately, Mrs. Hagin brought along her son, Peter, as assistant tournament director. It proved to be a wise decision: Jacky Felsenstein, the official tournament director, suffered a heart attack a few hours prior to the start of the tournament. And, in true Hagin fashion, Peter came through with flying colors tournament-wise.
Mrs. Romeo and Mrs. Hagin utilized their worldwide ties and influence to lure bowlers from Latin American countries, Europe, Japan, the Philippines, and entries from as far away as New Zealand. Amazingly, 19 countries were represented, with Japan leading the way with 50 entries and neighboring Mexico delivering 20 players.
Canadian Hazel McLeary, vice president in the World Tenpin Bowling Federation, was also on hand to bring her expertise and hard work to the success of this tournament. Unfortunately, Canada contributed only one bowler to this extravaganza, and he lives in Miami.
The United States representation was rather disappointing, despite the distribution of 50,000 entry blanks. Nonetheless, those who participated in the tournament were extremely active, particularly three members of the USA Bowling committee.
Elaine Hagin, Mary Lynly, Agnes Duffy, Betty Barnes, and Hazel McLeary—five of the most active members in the WIBC—and Fran Deken (when she wasn't bowling) performed a miraculous job behind the scenes in tabulating scores for the numerous events. These remarkable women volunteered countless hours and toiled far into the night, long after bowlers and spectators were wining, dining, and enjoying the Reno atmosphere.
Due to the language barrier, there were periodic glitches in scoring machines. Otherwise, it was a smooth operation.
Although the low number of bowling entries from the United States may be attributed to a lack of communication, senior bowlers who were somehow uninformed will be able to partake in these games again next year.
The success of the first International Senior Open will undoubtedly place this event high on the FIQ calendar. And, like other leading FIQ tournaments, it will unquestionably change venues after 2002.
Senior bowlers, whose competitive juices continue to flow, should look forward to this gala week in Reno at the National Bowling Stadium beginning in early February next year.
John Jowdy, a member of the ABC and PBA Halls of Fame, is a past president of the Bowling Writers Association of America.