Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 1, 1994 TAG: 9409010023
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Staff report
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Allman, who bowls for the Hilltop 5, rolled a 300 game on the first night of Bowling Green League play despite not bowling since May.
"You bowl the first night, and you feel like you would be fortunate to hit your average," he said. "It's kind of like hitting the lottery or getting hit by lightning - it's something you don't expect."
Allman, 40, bowled his first 300 game last year, and he said this one was definitely the tougher of the two.
"I've got to admit I was more nervous this time than last time because I was rusty and hadn't practiced," said Allman who bowled a 180 in his only practice game Wednesday.
"I think it was more or less being in the right place at the right time. I thank the good Lord for allowing me to keep my concentration. Toward the seventh or eighth frame, I felt I had a real good shot if I kept my cool. Luckily, my concentration kept up."
Allman, whose teammates are Bob Saum, Scott Trent, Johnnie Reams and Donnie Mills, said the encouragement he received from those watching his feat was almost as enjoyable as his 300 game.
"The bowling etiquette during the game was extraordinary," said Allman, who has been bowling since 1963. "It was a calming effect and a motivator. It was real nice getting congratulations from your peers."
After rolling his 300, Allman ended up with a 709 series. It was far short of his career-best 800, which he rolled last year.
"After the emotional drain of bowling a 300 in the first game, I was really tired in the last game," he said. "In order to bowl a game like this you have to have some luck, and the good Lord was on my side tonight."
by CNB