Mike Mach Bowls His Way to National Title in Nevada
Mike Mach Bowls His Way to
National Title in Nevada
Mike Mach has won the United States Bowling Congress’ Senior National Championship in the 60-64 age men’s division held in Henderson, NV, on Wednesday through Friday, August 11-13.
Mach qualified for the national competition when he won the state tournament in Spearfish on halloween of last year. He and his wife, Tammy, decided to make the trip and have some fun doing something they both love.
“We started out with three games against the entire field of 16 players from around the United States. I bowled a 183, 186 and 214 with a handicap of 102 to put me in third place after the first day,” Mach said.
Mach continued to improve his score on the second day, bowling a 202, 196 and 196 in his first three games and moving him into second place, behind the leader by 103 pins.
The top six bowlers proceeded to the next set of matches where Mach bowled a 223, 209 and 183. He had earned a 40-point bonus for being the second place qualifier. That, combined with his scores and 102 handicap, helped him eke past the second place finisher by 19 pins to win the title.
“Am I the best bowler in the nation? No, but I was that day,” said Mach. “Everyone has off days and on days, I was just on and everything clicked.”
COVID-19 precautions made for some interesting bowling. “We had to wear our masks everywhere we were, even when we were bowling and it was so hot outside,” said Mach.
“Bowling is fun for all ages. I had a blast at this tournament. I watched a 68 year old woman bowl a perfect score for the sixth time in her life at the tournament. I met tons of new people and just had a really good time,” Mach said.
