Vidalia’s Own Bob Ellis Claims National Bowling Title in Fort Worth

Bob Ellis, a familiar face on the lanes in Vidalia, has once again made his hometown proud by bringing home a National Title. The 2025 United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Senior Championships, held in Fort Worth, Texas, saw Ellis dominate the 7074 age division, solidifying his status as a top bowler.

A Strong Start and an Eventual Victory The journey to the championship was a testament to Ellis's skill and perseverance. He started strong, finishing qualifying rounds at the top of his age group with a six-game total of 1,404, which included a scratch score of 1,122 and 282 pins of handicap. Despite some last-minute challenges with his footing during the final qualifying games, his lead held, earning him a crucial 50-bonus pin advantage going into the championship rounds.

Ellis's qualifying performance put him ahead of a strong field, including David Long of Durham, North Carolina, and Clifford Champlin of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, who finished second and third, respectively. This top seeding was a critical factor in his eventual win.

A Champion Emerges

In the championship rounds, Ellis faced three more games where his qualifying score was dropped, and the new total was determined by the day's performance plus handicap and bonus pins. He overcame a slow start in the first game with a score of 160. However, he quickly found his rhythm, rolling a 210 in the second game, which helped him pull away from the competition. He closed the tournament with a 167, achieving a final scratch score of 537. Combined with 141 pins of handicap and his 50 bonus pins, Ellis's total of 728 secured him the championship title. This National Title marks a significant achievement for Ellis, who previously represented Georgia at a national bass tournament in 2005. He spoke about his experience after the win, saying, “It’s my first time bowling a national tournament like this. I had butterflies and nerves and everything, but it’s been great. It was great to represent the state and our league, and the good Lord blessed me on this whole thing.”