Classified Champions crowned as 2006 USBC Open Championships concludes

In the Classified Division, Torkelson Construction of Clarion, Iowa, held on to the top spot for nearly four months before getting the call that its 2,878 total was enough to claim the Classified Team title. Troy Schultz led the way with 647 and was followed by Greg Schipull (599), Roger Haupt (578), Dustin Elston (545) and Eric Douglass (509).

The Classified Singles title went to Shawn Fisher (left) of Albuquerque, N.M., who shot 684, while David Clauss of Chicago and Robert Tukker Jr. (right) of Mount Prospect, Ill., combined to shoot 1,248 for the Classified Doubles win.

Kirby Lomax (left) of Gainesville, Ga., won Classified All-Events with 1,861.

To be eligible for competition in the Classified Division, teams must have a combined average of 900 or less, doubles teams must have a combined average of 360 or less and a bowler must enter at 180 or below for singles and all-events.

"Even last year when we finished eighth in team, I told them we could definitely do better, and this year we did," Schultz said. "I never thought we could've held on for so long, and I really can't put it into words quite yet. We got together yesterday and talked about it, and I am just relieved that it's over and we held on."

The 2006 Open Championships began on Feb. 11 and competition continued from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. for nearly five months. During that time, more than 63,000 bowlers on 12,606 teams made their way to the American Bank Center Exhibit Hall for the second largest event to be held outside of Reno, Nev., and competed for more than $4.5 million in prize money. Next year, the Open Championships returns to the National Bowling Stadium in Reno and more than 10,000 teams already are registered.

Presenting sponsors for the 2006 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Texas State Aquarium, Majestic Ventures Yacht Charters, Inc., USS Lexington Museum and Texas Treasure Casino Cruises.