13-year-old says 300 ‘a dream come true’
He rolled strike after strike after strike — 11 in all — but nerves were not an issue as just 10 pins stood between Brent Shroyer and his first perfect game.
“I’m lucky I have my teammates, they kept me distracted,” Shroyer said. “They’re goofy as all get out. I went up for my 12th ball laughing.”
The 13-year-old — who has been bowling since he was a toddler — had been close before, with a 288 in practice and a 279 in league, but never posted a 300 game. It would all come down to one throw as the Beavers were hosting Lebanon at Beaver-Vu Bowl on Jan. 4.
“I knew when it came off my hand that it was good,” Shroyer said. “It was one of the best shots I’ve ever thrown.”
Shroyer was right and the Beavercreek freshman became the first junior varsity bowler in school history to record a perfect game. He is one of only four high school players statewide — junior varsity or varsity — to roll a perfect game this season.
“I’m not at all surprised,” Beavercreek coach Bob Bobbitt said. “Brent has been bowling since he was very young and he is a very intense young man — very determined.”
Despite a decade on the lanes, it took some time for the accomplishment to set in.
“I’ve been so close, so many times, I knew it was coming someday but, to be honest, I was going though a little slump so I wasn’t expecting it now,” he said. “It really is a dream come true.”
Perfect doesn’t just describe Shroyer’s game. The Beavercreek bowling teams are off to a perfect start as the boys varsity and reserve teams, as well as the girls varsity, boast 5-0 records.
“We’re very, very blessed,” Bobbitt said. “I knew we had a few solid returning varsity players, but some of these guys came out of nowhere and they’re incredibly talented.”
Shroyer, who has been carrying a 200 average this season, hopes he will soon break into the varsity. He also has his sights set on an 800 series. High to date is 747.