Bowling: Beaver-Vu, Pla-Mor set to host USBC State Open Championship

FILE PHOTO

FILE PHOTO

More than 5,500 bowlers will descend on the Miami Valley for the upcoming United States Bowling Congress State Open Championship, but the competitors will do more than tally strikes and spares.

“For a lot of the bowlers, this is their weekend away and they really look forward to it,” said Dan Martin, association manager for the Ohio State USBC. “And people look forward to coming to Dayton, there are a lot of great restaurants and things to do.

“And the management of the tournament centers is excellent.”

Beaver-Vu Bowl will host the singles and doubles events while Pla-Mor Lanes will be the site for the team event. The Beavercreek bowling center – the area’s largest, with 64 lanes – has hosted many state events over the years but this is a first for Pla-Mor, which recently remodeled its café and bar area in anticipation of the state tournament.

“We are really stoked about having it at Pla-Mor,” said Doug Wilson, proprietor of both centers. “It’s a great opportunity for us and it’s great for the community – a good economic boost.”

The event spans 11 weekends, from now through May 12 – with the exception of Easter weekend – with men and women battling for statewide bragging rights. Those competitors, however, will likely do more than bowl.

“It’s thrilling to see hundreds of these talented bowlers coming to the Dayton region during the Ohio State USBC State Open Championships,” said Jacquelyn Y. Powell, president and CEO of the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau. “These athletes, members and guests are staying at our hotels, eating in our local restaurants and shopping in our stores.”

While Wilson is excited to play host, the longtime proprietor knows his staff will have their hands full for the next few months.

“We’re doubling up as far as mechanics and the rest of our staff,” he said. “And we’re very fortunate to have a nucleus of amazing volunteers who have done this before.”

The Greater Dayton USBC will also be instrumental in helping to fill the many volunteer positions.

“It’s a lot of work, but definitely worth it,” Wilson said. “We want every bowler to have a great time while they’re here.”


2019 Ohio State USBC State Open Championship

What: Open state championship with 5,550 men and women competing in singles, doubles, team and all-events

When: Weekends Feb. 23-May 12 (no bowling Easter weekend, April 20-21)

Where: Team event – Pla-Mor Lanes, 4901 Linden Ave.; Singles/doubles events – Beaver-Vu Bowl, 1238 N. Fairfield Road

Updates: Results posted on Wednesdays at www.ohiostateusbc.com

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