ILLINOIS PROPRIETOR BOWLS IN 65th ABC/’OPEN’

United States Bowling Congress Hall of Famer Les Zikes of Palatine, Ill., added another milestone to his resumé on Monday as he became the 11th player in history to reach 65 years of participation at the USBC Open Championships — the tournament known, for most of his career, as the American Bowling Congress Tournament.

The 82-year-old right-hander was joined by his wife, Mary Cay, and son, Lyle, as he was introduced and honored at the South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas. He received a plaque, chevron and a custom ring in recognition of his dedication to the event.

The Zikes family has owned Beverly Lanes in Arlington Heights, Ill., since 1979, and Les Zikes had managed the center for several years prior to that. Lyle writes the monthly “Pro Bowling Insider” column and the “Regional Report” department, as well as periodic features, for Bowlers Journal. He has been a BJI correspondent since 1976 when he penned a feature titled “Tales from the Bleachers,” which appeared in that year’s August issue.

A six-time Open Championships/ABC Tournament titlist, Les Zikes also has served as an ambassador for the sport for more than half a century, earning the respect and admiration of fellow competitors.

He finished his 65th appearance with scores of 570 in Singles, 562 in Doubles and 546 in Team for a 1678 All-Events total, placing him seventh overall in career pinfall with 112,564, a 197.48 average.