One game is doable.
Two games are even manageable.
But putting three games together, averaging 267-plus and posting an 800 series, is a difficult proposition.
That was always the problem for George Daubert. He could shoot 300 – a feat he accomplished last year – and could sometimes post two big games. But three in one night, not likely.
Until recently.
Daubert showcased his high-rev rate in slow-hooking his way to an 806 series during the Mixed Nuts League at ABC West. His first career trip to the 800 plateau featured huge games of 290, 247 and 269.
“I actually never thought I would get an 800,” Daubert said. “I would always have a 260, 270, 280, but it was one good game.
“Recently, I had two good games and then I had 200 or 190. I had 300, and I thought that was it for me. That's at least what I was thinking.
Daubert thought wrong.
The night started with a 6-10 in the opening frame. Daubert made a half-board move left with his Brunswick T-Zone and was wired the rest of the night.
He packed the next 11 for a 290. Despite the march, the 37-year-old right-hander figured it was one and done. The rest of the night was just for fun.
“It was interesting,” Daubert said. “I was really happy with the 290. I figured, I got my honor score and I'm good for the year.
“I was going to relax, have fun and help my team win one. I shot the 247, and it was the first time I had a chance [at 800] after the second game.”
Daubert started doing the math. He know he needed a solid 260 to have a crack at reaching a career milestone.
The start was key. Daubert ripped the pocket his first five shots and took an unblemished run through the first half the game.
He registered strikes in the seventh and eighth frame. In the ninth, the string was stopped by a 10-pin, Daubert's nemesis.
But Daubert never wavered. He picked up the spare and only needed a mark in the 10th frame to reach bowling's elite status.
“I knew I could only mess up two times,” Daubert said. “I got five in a row, then six, then seven, then eight. I was like, 'Holy, crap, if I don't screw this up, I can get this.'”
“I left a 10-pin and knew it was the most important one of my life. I was fortunate to make this one.”
Daubert wasted little time reaching his goal. He unloaded the pressure resting on his shoulders by striking on the opening shot of the 10th frame.
His 800 was in the bag.
“It felt unreal,” Daubert said. “It's funny, this wasn't the same as shooting 300. It was like, 'Wow, I have done everything in bowling.
“It was a good sense of accomplishment.”
SENIOR UPDATE
Hobie Acker popped an 821 series to capture the men's 69-over division of the Tuesday Senior No-tap tourney at ABC North.
Other winners included John Daugherty (780) in men's 55-68 play, Mary Carpenter (769) in ladies' 55-68 competition and Jean Beachell (750) in the ladies' 69-over division.
At Trindle Bowl, Ed Stetler was tops in the Friday Lunch Bunch Senior No-tap with a 782 total. Pat Swartzwelder led the way in the ladies' division with 758.
OPEN MEETING SET
The Greater Harrisburg USBC will hold and Open Meeting May 25 at ABC West Lanes. Start time is 10 a.m.
Anyone interested in running for the Vice President or a director's position may send a resume to Barb Bair at bb2strike@aol.com or to 105 Slover Road, Mechanicsburg, Pa, 17055. Resumes can also be sent to Gary Bower at ABC West Lanes, 6454 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, Pa, 17055.
Resumes must be submitted by May 1 to be considered by the nominating committee. Resumes for those being nominated from the floor must be submitted prior to the meeting.
Delegates for the USBC National Convention and for the Pennsylvania State Convention will also be elected.