Strikes earn senior cash
Scott wins city, statewide bowling competitions

By Alyssa Boss,
Staff writer
May 18, 2007

As senior Jordan Scott adjusts his grip and plots his plan of attack, a swing of his arm sends a 15 lb. ball gliding down the lane, spinning towards the pins. His seemingly perfect aim topples all the pins, completing the strike.

?I first started bowling because I watched my mom do it and I really got into it,? Scott said. "It's a family activity; my parents cheer me on when I bowl."

After five years of training and 12 years of bowling, Scott regularly bowls six or seven strikes per game.

"I haven't bowled a game without a strike for a few years," Scott said.

With lessons from Bryan Williams, bowling coach and encouragement from parents, Scott has earned $5,000 in his city and statewide competitions.

?I have coached Jordan for close to 11 years now,? Williams said. ?The amount of improvement is amazing, simply amazing. I?ve gotten him to play at a whole new level, and he is completely solid. He is very competitive and works to prepare himself for the collegiate level.?

Scott plans on attending Fresno State and playing on the bowling team.

It takes 12 strikes in a row to score a 300--a perfect game. This game proves a goal for many bowlers.

?It is not hard to get one strike but it gets harder when you try to get many,? Scott said. ?I remember when I was 14, I bowled my first 300 game. I was with my friend and I was in a league competition. I was half way through and I had gotten all strikes and I kept getting more strikes my hands began to shake. Once I was done I just wanted to fall over; I felt so relieved.?

Scott won a clock and ring from the bowling alley for winning his league game with a perfect score.

He has bowled three perfect games (two sanctioned). Scott's last perfect game was bowled two years ago. His current average score is 205.

?Jordan is one of my finest students and is an absolute pleasure,? Williams said. ?He is more dedicated than any individual I have coached. He practices diligently and absorbs everything I tell him.?

While Scott and Williams are usually on the same page, miscommunication caused an embarrassing situation for the left-handed Scott.

?My coach (Williams) inadvertently ordered me right-handed shoes and I was unaware of his mistake,? Scott said. ?I was at AMF Rodeo Lanes with some friends and as I was about to throw my ball, my left foot (sliding foot) stuck because they were right-handed shoes. My momentum threw me forward and I landed past the boundary line on my face.?

Currently Scott bowls 4-5 times per week with his Premiere Travel League team based out of Cedar Lanes in Fresno. Scott travels around California and Nevada for bowling competitions with his team.

Williams believes Scott is completely capable of becoming a pro-bowler, and that he is competent to do anything that he desires.

?Jordan definitely has the discipline and dedication, and I think it will take him far,? Williams said.