By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
It's a sport loved by many.
"I love bowling. I'm probably one of the old guys who are still bowling. I don't do that well anymore, but I still enjoy it," said Jack Pinney of Sioux City.
On Saturday, bowling lovers from all over Iowa came together to kick off the first weekend of the "96th Annual Iowa State Open Bowling Tournament".
The tournament is hosted by the Greater Siouxland Bowling Association.
It's played over a span of fifteen weekends and includes 4,000 bowlers.
This year, the tournament is in Sioux City, an honor the city hasn't had since 1998.
"We put in a bid for it two years ago in Davenport, and we just happen to get the bid," said Steve Gonshorowski, Manager of the Greater Siouxland Bowling Association.
Over $100,000 dollars is given away in cash prizes for top finishers.
But because the tournament goes on for so long, early players have to wait a while to see how they finish.
"Part of it is a little frustrating because you have three months. We bowl the first weekend then we sit and wait and wait to see how everyone comes in," said Wesley Hicok of Frederika, Iowa.
With so many players, it's only fitting that some try to stay as positive as they can in believing they'll finish in first.
"Oh yes, I could get first. I believe so," added Hicok.
