USBC Communications
BATON ROUGE, La. – At the 2024 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, the members of Higgy’s Aquarium averaged more than 227 as a unit across 45 games to record the victory in team all-events at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
The group closed with a final tally of 10,226, and as the final ball was rolled last year in Las Vegas, the team was able to reflect and celebrate another milestone for its growing legacy.
The win in 2024 marked the third victory at the USBC Open Championships for Chad Roberts, Joe Bailey and Dan Higgins Jr., while Vincent Bellar and Tim Pfeifer each earned their first title on bowling’s biggest stage.
“Last year was fun because it felt like anytime we got knocked down a little bit we immediately rebounded. When you win, everything seems to go your way, but you also have to make your own luck,” Roberts said.
“We did a really good job communicating. We took a rest when we needed to and then we kept up with the rhythm when we need to. A few of us have done this before, but it was pretty exciting to wait it out with the other two. We said we wouldn’t score watch, but we did that just about every night. It felt great to finally hear the call.”
Roberts, Bailey and Higgins also were victorious in team all-events at the 2016 event, and the trio helped Higgy’s Aquarium to the top spot for Regular Team in 2019 – also at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
“There we nerves for a few days and weeks. I knew there were still a couple of teams out there that I thought would come close,” Higgins said. “There was just that anticipation … is it over yet and can it be over yet? It just seemed to take longer than normal. It’s always a joy to win and you never take it for granted.”
The crew announced its presence early at the 2024 tournament, as Bellar connected for 300 and Pfeifer tossed 290 during the first game of their team event to start with 1,222. They closed team with 3,282, finishing the year tied for eighth.
“I drilled a new ball for team event and it worked out really well. Game 1 is a blur … I don’t even remember the last three shots,” Bellar said “Tim shoots 290 and really doesn’t get any credit for that. And the fact that it happened in team event when your nerves are skyrocketing out of the gate
“That feeling is one I wish I could go back and relive.”
The teammates continued to strike at a torrid pace the following day during doubles and singles, averaging more than 231 to secure the lead.
Bellar led Higgy’s Aquarium in 2024 with a 2,111 all-events total, and he was followed by Bailey (2,056), Pfeifer (2,051), Higgins (2,008) and Roberts (2,000).
There were some similarities to the first Eagles won by Roberts, Higgins and Bailey in 2016. That year, Bailey’s mother died following the event; in 2024, Pfeifer lost his mother in October.
“I’m a firm believer that fate plays into it. I enjoy being the worst bowler on any team I bowl with,” Pfeifer said. “That first game (Bellar’s 300) was the best game I’ve ever seen. I’m just fortunate to be a part of this.
“That last week, I thought we would relax a little more. But I didn’t get any sleep that last night. I stayed up for the late squad to make sure we were good to go.”
The group recently made its appearance at the 2025 Open Championships at the River Center hoping to reclaim the top spot for a second consecutive year.
After being presented with their championship watches and the Earl Anthony Trophy, the teammates settled in at the Raising Cane’s River Center on the way to a 3,088 total in Regular team.
They picked up the pace in doubles to post 3,336, but their run to the top spot in 2025 would end during singles. The group closed with 3,015 to finish the year at 9,439, which currently places Higgy’s Aquarium in 34th.
Bowlers Headquarters of Neenah, Wis., leads team all-events at the River Center with 10,053.
“it means a ton with this group last year. Tim and Vinny made it pretty apparent they wanted (an Eagle) after Game 1 and we rallied around them,” Bailey said. “Only a few other guys in the Akron area have Eagles, so this is really an accomplishment and testament to our entire group.
“Usually when I’m bowling in my area with these guys, it’s against them and competing for something. To compete with these guys is something special.”
Pfeifer led the way in 2025 with 2,030 and was followed by Roberts (1,910), Bellar (1,852), Higgins (1,835) and Bailey (1,812).
The Open Championships is celebrating its third trip to Baton Rouge in 2025 and scheduled to feature more than 58,000 bowlers and 11,600 five-player teams competing across 150 consecutive days at the River Center.