ZELIENOPLE — Marlin and Marvin Sauers are nearly identical twins.

The 78-year-old Lewisburg brothers are alike in more ways than that, however.

Marvin has bowled in the Pennsylvania State Bowling Association Tournament for 55 years, receiving a commemorative plaque from the PSBA Sunday at Freeway Lanes.

Marlin competed in the tournament for the 55th time last year in Altoona, receiving his plaque for that milestone then.

“It’s just a good thing to go to,” Marlin Sauers said, shrugging his shoulders. “We support the state.”

Both Sauers twins have career high games of 289. Marlin’s high series is 747 while Marvin’s is 740.

They played baseball together until age 45, softball together until age 55.

“We grew up on a farm,” Marvin said. “We’ve always enjoyed the outdoors. We both started bowling when we graduated from high school.

“Some friends needed two guys to round out a team in a league, so we joined up. We’ve been bowling ever since. I was sick one year and didn’t go to the state tournament, so Marlin’s a year ahead of me.”

Only one other bowler has participated in more PSBA state tournaments than this duo. Buddy Malone of Erie will receive a plaque for his 60th tourney when he comes to town.

Marvin’s best single-season average was 189. He carries a 130 average now as he’s bowling with a bad back.

“That’s OK ... I’ve had higher finishes in the handicapped divisions since my average went down,” he said.

Marlin Sauers is carrying a 173 average now and bowls with a 13-pound ball. His highest single-season average was 212.

Marlin teamed with longtime friend Russ Gardner to win the PSBA doubles title in 1968.

“I’ve cashed in the state tournament maybe 20 times,” Marlin said. “Our team finished second one year with a 3,570.

“I used to bowl six nights a week. Now I’m down to twice a week. My arm can’t take it.”

The Sauer brothers have enjoyed their tournament stops in Butler County in 1994, 2004 and this year.

“They do a nice job here, but all of the places do across the state,” Marvin said. “It’s a fun time, a chance to see a lot of familiar faces again. That’s why we do it.”

They’ve participated in the national tournament 30 years — but not every year.

“Sometimes we gotta milk the cows,” Marlin said.