(Note: some of the readers of this forum may have seen this post on BBE also.)
I started bowling in the YABA leagues in 1979 at age 8. Been bowling almost continuously (except for college) since that time. Usually get in 1 league per year. I'm never going to be a pro or regional caliber bowler. I'm a house hack, but I'm OK with that. Still, I'm always trying to improve and get better.
After 30 years, I guess good things are worth the wait! So many good tries and close calls (27x, 26x games) later, I finally got the monkey off my back!
Game 1: 300
Game 2: 193 (too many nerves, residual adrenaline)
Game 3: 266
Series: 759
Not only did I get my first 300, I got my first 750 series. I'm a consistent 205-210 bowler, but never the guy to throw huge games or series. More of the consistent bowler who doesn't deviate much from average from week to week.
The highlights:
I wasn't really nervous until the 8th frame, when I tied my previous best to open a game. All 8 were nice flush shots, playing 10 out 8 and bumping a little off the dry. Shot was freshly oiled THS. I used a Revolution Vengeance (from 2001) for the whole game.
I could tell that I was starting to get warm and shaky before I delivered in the 9th. The 9th frame was a good solid shot, flush in pocket, with a nice kick on the 10 pin.
OK. 10th frame, and a bunch of people are watching. My family is there, and my 8 year old tells me "Don't screw up! You can get a 300!". LOL, no pressure added there! First shot is perfectly thrown, and perfectly flush. Now I'm silently agreeing with my oldest son - don't let this get away from you!
Second ball of the 10th, I am shaking. Nerves galore! I tell myself just go through the same pre-shot routine, and don't be slow with the shot. It's not. It's solid in the pocket for #11.
Last ball. Everyones watching. My Wife is visibly nervous. I'm sweating a ton, and shaking even more. I have goose bumps on my arms but I feel really warm. I'm trying to decide if I should make a 2-1 move left because I know I'm amped up and the next shot might be fast. I choose not to, because I don't want to get out of rhythm. I focus solely on a good release and speed control. The shot is slightly right (maybe 10-6?), but with a little extra hand. It comes roaring back flush and all ten go down, but the 8 looked like it was maybe going to fight a little bit.
So what did I do after the last, glorious shot? I did what any composed, self-respecting bowler would do:
I shrieked like a little girl. Literally.
My Wife laughed. People cheered. I tried not to hyperventilate. My sons gave me a big hug.
What a rush! I've been waiting my whole life for this accomplishment. Now I feel like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Bonus: The league is sanctioned. I will finally get my ring!
I also bought a lottery ticket for tonight. We'll see if the luck continues to hold up! LOL!
What a great early Christmas present!
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Dan
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Engineering * Bowling = a fun and practical application of rotational kinematics.
Bowling Nerd Herd (TM) Member
