Baton Rouge Welcomes Bowling Legend Paul Hagman for 50th USBC Open Championships
BATON ROUGE, La. – Paul Hagman of Hudson, New Hampshire, was the star of the show at the Raising Cane’s River Center on Tuesday as he celebrated his 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Open Championships. The 77-year-old bowler received a warm reception filled with cheers and high-fives from fellow competitors.
“Getting high-fives and cheers from my bowling group made me feel important and special,” Hagman said, admitting that nerves crept in during the march to the lanes to collect his chevron, plaque, and diamond lapel pin.
Hagman’s journey began in 1975 in Dayton, Ohio, and he has attended every championship since then. Reflecting on his best year in 1980 in Louisville, he humorously attributes his success to a revival meeting and a few drinks that led to a more relaxed bowling experience.
While his path to this milestone was riddled with health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis, Hagman remains positive. “I don’t feel sick or unhealthy, so I plan to keep living life and bowling,” he stated, emphasizing the joy of bowling with his family, especially his late wife and son, James.
This year, Hagman participated in the team event, rolling a 365 series, bringing his lifetime pinfall to 73,840. The USBC Open Championships will return to Baton Rouge in 2025, expecting over 58,000 bowlers.
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