Coldwater's Linus Hartings celebrates 50th USBC Open Championships appearance

May 1—A half century of competition and camaraderie was reason for celebration for Linus Hartings.

The longtime Coldwater bowler, and former proprietor of Pla-Mor Lanes, recently made his 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships. Hartings, 84, competed in Reno with his wife and four children on hand to celebrate him joining the exclusive 50-Year Club.

"This is the greatest tournament that league bowlers in this country can be a part of," Hartings said. "What an honor it is to be part of that tradition."

Hartings competed in his first Open Championship in Indianapolis in 1974. He missed a few over the years but has competed every year since 1987. During his 50 appearances, the Coldwater bowler has tallied 79,351 pins and maintained a 177.5 average.

"Average wise, I'm not like I was 20 or 30 years ago, but I'm not going to quit," he said.

Hartings, who still bowls in four leagues a week, is quick to credit the sport for helping him stay young.

"I feel good when I bowl and I think that has a lot to do with me making it to this milestone," he said. "I'm bowling now in league with kids I had in our high school programs years ago. I can't beat them anymore but that's OK."

Hartings set his sights on joining the 50-Year Club three decades ago when he received a plaque for his 20th appearance. His determination got a boost every five years when he collected another plaque.

"This milestone — getting to 50 — is inspiring and motivating for me as well," Hartings' son Rick said. "My goal is to get to 50 and I'd really like to join the 100,000-pin club someday."

At 59 years old — and just a year away from celebrating his 40th Open Championships appearance — Rick is on track to join his dad in just over a decade. That family tradition is important to father and son.

"My favorite moment (at the Open Championships) was watching my son bowl a 300 game in the tournament in 2000," Linus said.

Rick — now the Pla-Mor Lanes proprietor — was honored to share his dad's milestone moment at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno but also feels fortunate every day when his dad walks in the doors of the Coldwater bowling center.

"I get to work with him pretty much every day," Rick said with a smile.

After the recent recognition, Hartings was asked what his next goal was and matter-of-factly, he responded, "51."