2015 USBC Open Championship

Right now, the United States Bowling Congress is hosting its annual Open Championship in El Paso. The event runs from March 7th until July 11th and is comprised of teams and individual bowlers from all over the nation.

I dropped into the downtown convention center while walking around aimlessly. I couldn't help but notice the reactions of all of the bowlers. I was feeling what they were feeling and it was marvelous.

Bowling is widely considered a blue collar sport. In my experience with things considered blue collar, there is an understated, humble element to everything done. The reactions of these players during these matches met with a subtle demeanor of expectation. Stoic faces giving high-fives after a strike, quiet contemplation while walking away from a missed spare. I sat in the stands just watching them turn around for half an hour.

I ran home to grab my camera to try to capture these guys in their element. When I left, The teams were in the first game of a three game series. By the time I returned, the final games were underway and emotions started becoming much more apparent.

Excitement

Disappointment 

 

Grief

 

Cautious Optimism

 

Going back through what went wrong

 

Quiet Celebration

 

Doubt

 

"Thanks big guy" 

 

Shock

 

Joy