ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 1997 TAG: 9702050090
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
Jeremy Sonnenfeld is the first bowler to roll three perfect games in a three-game series.
The American Bowling Congress, the sport's sanctioning body, decided Tuesday that the feat met all specifications and stands as a record.
Sonnenfeld, a 20-year-old business major at Nebraska, bowled the perfect 900 series during a tournament Sunday.
``Now, it's total elation,'' Sonnenfeld said after hearing the news. ``There's always apprehension, but now it is in the history books.''
Sonnenfeld said the attention his accomplishment drew was hard to believe. He has been on national television, been interviewed by the BBC in London, and has received calls from New Zealand and the Netherlands.
``It's the whole idea of rolling 36 strikes in a row,'' Sonnenfeld said. ``It is the equivalent of someone getting three holes in one on a 540-yard par five. It's something nobody thought could be done.''
Sonnenfeld, a sophomore, said he would consider turning professional after getting his degree.
ETC. Johnson signs with Nike for $12 million
Sprinter Michael Johnson, who last summer wore gold-colored Nikes while becoming the first man to win the 200 meters and 400 meters at the same Olympics, has agreed to a six-year contract with Nike that could bring him about $12 million.
Johnson's agent Brad Hunt called the deal ``the most profound commitment a track athlete has ever received from a corporate endorsement of any kind.''
Johnson's previous Nike deal was worth about $500,000 to $600,000. He made around $3 million from other endorsements.
nOksana Baiul, the Olympic champion figure skater who was injured in a 100 mph car wreck, escaped prosecution on a drunken-driving charge in Connecticut while being fined $90 on a speeding charge.
Baiul was granted admission into an alcohol education program and ordered to perform 25 hours of community service. If she completes both, the drunken-driving charge will be dropped.
Baiul won a gold medal at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics at age 16.
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