BUCYRUS — They’re back.

The best bowlers in Bucyrus are converging on Suburban Lanes beginning this weekend for the bowling extravaganza of the year — the Bill Rahm Invitational.

Past champions, other qualifiers, and even rookies are competing in the annual tournament, a mainstay in the community for 57 years. A camaraderie for men and women who love the sport — all vying to win the trophy for best bowler in Bucyrus.

“I guess, first of all, it’s the longevity of the program,” said bowler and longtime tournament director Bill Hansen. “It’s a community event that people look forward to each year. We get a lot of support and we’re most appreciative. It’s a labor of love.”

Hansen, who qualified for the invitational in 2016 during its 50th anniversary, has never won. But his daughter, Heather McLaughlin, is a four-time ladies champion, and her husband, Don McLaughlin, is a three-time Rahm winner with multiple appearances.

This year, Hansen said, the field of the top 16 average bowlers in the men’s leagues at Suburban Lanes features four past champions, along with four newcomers to the Bill Rahm. Of course, Mitch Long will be back. It’s his 40th year.

Hansen said Long has the highest bowling average in this year’s tournament — 230 as of Dec. 31, 2022. Men’s matches kick off Saturday at 1 p.m. and continue the weekend of Feb. 18, with finals on Feb. 25. The women’s invitational begins the following weekend.

The tournament dates to 1965 when it was founded by Harry Wells, the former owner of Suburban Lanes, and Bill Rahm, Sr. as a way of recognizing the top bowlers in town, Hansen said.  Since then, he noted that 193 bowlers have competed for 877 spots.

Hansen, tournament director for 10 years, said the 2023 program is printed, including ads from sponsoring businesses. “The support the community has given over the 57 years has been wonderful. They’re all supportive of the invitational.”

“As always, in years past we’ve had some great matches and this year won’t be any exception to that,” he said. “It’s a fun tournament to be a part of and I’m just happy that I’m able to do this again.”