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Bowling News USA - March 16, 2010 Hal Kaminski, Norm Cummings Reach 50 Year Mark in Reno!

 

(Pictured: Norm Cummings, Hal Kaminski)

When Reno's Norm Cummings (left) thought about his 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, he wanted to make it unlike any 50-year celebration he's seen as a bowler or tournament employee.

The 72-year-old right-hander, who operates the on-site photo and video service at the USBC Open and Women's Championships, decided to assemble a dream team of longevity to help him celebrate the milestone at the National Bowling Stadium on Saturday.

Cummings shared the spotlight with former Open Championships tournament director Hal Kaminski (right) of Hubertus, Wis., who also competed for the 50th time. The two were joined on the lanes by three-time titlist Glen Olson of Boulder City, Nev., who made his 53rd tournament appearance, Paul Gustke of Sarasota, Fla., who made his 52nd walk down Center Aisle and Gene Kirkham of Arcola, Ill., who will reach the 50-year mark in 2011.

In all, Cummings and the members of Storm Senior Invasion have combined for 254 years of Open Championships experience. They teamed up for a 2,424 total on the lanes Saturday.

"This was a terrific way to celebrate such an important milestone," said Cummings, a Greater Milwaukee Bowling Association Hall of Famer who made his Open Championships debut at the 1959 event in St. Louis. "It wasn't until we were in the squad room and everyone stood up to acknowledge us as a group for all our years that it really hit me. It was more overwhelming than I anticipated and was a truly amazing experience."

Since taking a job in the event's public relations department in 1989 (he served in that role until 1999), Cummings has bowled each year until now as a substitute because it allowed him to meet people from around the world and share the tournament experience with them.

"I have met a lot of great people over the years, and it's been special to be able to share and enjoy this tournament with them," said Cummings, a member of the 1990 Booster Team champion. "This event brings people together. People we don't even know came up to us today and told us they enjoyed being a part of our ceremony. That really meant a lot to me."

Kaminski, who made his first Open Championships appearance at the 1960 event in Toledo, Ohio, has seen the tournament evolve and grow, both as a bowler, and as an employee.

The 73-year-old right-hander joined the tournament staff as the lane maintenance supervisor in 1979, the first year of automatic scoring, and went on to become the assistant tournament director. He then served as the tournament director from 1984-2001, a stint that included five of the event's record nine trips to Reno.

During his tenure, Kaminski saw a fair share of bowlers reach the 50-year milestone, and thoughts of them were on his mind as he prepared to make the ceremonial march.

"I was thinking about all the other people who have gone down that aisle for the 50th time, and I thought that when it was my turn, I'd be able to handle it emotionally," said Kaminski, who was the 124th bowler reach 50 years. "From the way I got choked up on the lanes, it was pretty obvious how special it was. As soon as the people stood up in the squad room, it really got to me."

Kaminski, who bowls regularly at Classic Lanes-Menomonee Falls, also enjoyed being able to share his special day with Cummings. The two have been friends since they were in their 20s.

"It was great to share this with Norm because we've known each other so long and been through so much together," Kaminski said. "Today was a great experience I'll never forget."

Kaminski wrapped up his 50th appearance with 577 in doubles, 563 in singles and 552 in team for a 1,692 all-events total. In 50 events, the GMBA and Wisconsin State Hall of Famer has knocked down 88,235 pins for a 196 career average.

Cummings finished his milestone campaign with 502 in team, 495 in doubles and 488 in singles for a 1,485 all-events total. He has knocked down 79,996 pins on the tournament lanes for a career average of 183.9.

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March, 2010