PBA veteran Williams Jr. an avid horseshoe pitcher

CEDAR RAPIDS - Walter Ray Williams Jr. owns at least six ESPY awards and has a home in a couple bowling Halls of Fame, but horseshoes has always remained a priority for the last 41 years.

So much that the six-time Pro Bowling Association Player of the Year once skipped a pro bowling tournament and a possible purse of $40,000 to compete in the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World tournament, which offers a $4,000 prize to its men's open champion.

"At the time, I was much more competitive at the horseshoe game," said Williams, who missed the 2009 tournament for the first time  since 1970. "Last year, I missed the world (horseshoe) championships because of a bowling tournament, which fortunately I actually won."

Fortunately for fans and tournament officials, one of the most recognizable figures returned and is competing in the 2010 NHPA World tournament at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. He opened play Monday morning in the men's open division.

A fan approached Williams Jr. after his matches, offering his admiration of the professional athlete. His status helps bring some welcomed attention to the sport.

"He's a professional bowler. Why wouldn't you want him in your sport?" NHPA President Stuart Sipma said. "It's always an honor to have a celebrity be able to compete in your sport."

Williams, a two-time PBA President and member of the PBA and United States Bowling Congress Halls of Fame, has been one of the nation's top bowlers. He's led the PBA in points and in average six times apiece, but it was horseshoes that came first.

He competes in eight to 10 horseshoe events during the year, in addition to the 20 PBA tour events and some senior events, that he is eligible to play in this year. The horseshoe tournaments are mostly small events.

"Virtually no prize money," Williams said. "You're going out to test yourself and hang out with the people you know. Most horseshoe pitchers are really nice people, down to earth."

Williams learned horseshoes from his dad as a 9-year-old in Eureka, Calif., recalling an instant desire to play. Within one year, Williams soared to a runner-up finish in the Junior World Championships.

"For some reason, I wanted to do it when I was younger," Williams said. "I can't explain why. I just remember when he did teach me ho I went out and practiced and practiced and practiced."

Natural ability played a part but a strong work ethic and a passion for the game proved to be bigger factors.

"I worked at it," Williams said. "It didn't happen overnight."

He has claimed nine world titles, including junior titles in 1971, 1972 and 1975 and men's championships in 1978, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1991 and '1994. Williams earned runner-up finishes in the men's open class in 2005 and 2006. He was inducted into the NHPA Hall of Fame in 1988.

Williams, 50, said his horseshoe game isn't as strong as it once was, but remains one of the top pitchers in the sport, competing at the highest levels. He entered the tournament with a 71.36 ringer percentage, and Williams said Monday was "the best I played in four or five years."

Sipma praised his ability and pointed out one of Williams talents on the horseshoe court.

"He's as good left-handed as he is right-handed," Sipma said of Williams, who threw right-handed Monday. "Not many people in this world can do that."

Mainstream sports garner more attention, but bowling receives more notoriety than horseshoes. Many fans don't think it's worth watching, and they are missing some impressive displays, according to Williams.

"It's real simple and when you get two really good players it's just a great game," Williams said. "You come down and watch two top players and they're going to be absolutely amazing."

A horseshoe pitch and a roll down the alley have their similarities, however, the objects' weights, his release and the throwing approach are quite different. He excels in both while competing in both multiple times a year.

"I don't really have a problem confusing the two," Williams said.

Williams, who has given demonstrations at bowling alleys during this tournament in the past, will likely make it to a nearby alley to roll some games, preparing for senior bowling events in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan in the coming weeks.

"I might have to sneak over to the local bowling center to practice once or twice," Williams said. "I haven't contacted them yet, but I'm sure I'll have to find out if and when I can go over there to play."