ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 26, 1997 TAG: 9703260087
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
Roger Griffin rolls an 835 set, the highest series on record in the Roanoke Valley.
If Roanoke-area bowlers didn't know Roger Griffin, they do now.
Griffin, who has been in town just eight weeks, introduced himself in rousing fashion Tuesday night, rolling the highest series on record in the Roanoke Valley.
Sparked by a final-game 300, the 45-year-old High Point, N.C., native posted a monster 835 set at All-Star Lanes. Roanoker Andrew Powell held the record, an 833 in January 1995 at Lee-Hi Lanes.
``I knew early on that I had it together,'' said Griffin, who entered the night carrying a 210 average for Gary Thomas' team in the Metro Industrial League.
``It's just like those other athletes, basketball players and golfers, I kind of got in a zone where everything is going right.''
Griffin, who runs a pro shop at All-Star, opened with a 269. He followed with a second-game 266. He didn't miss at all in the final game, stringing 12 straight strikes.
``I'm not going to tell you every shot was perfect,'' Griffin said. ``But every shot had a chance to strike. I'm sorry there were no suspenseful moments.''
It was Griffin's 18th career 300. His previous best set was an 831.
``I tried to go pro about 10 years ago,'' he said. ``But those guys spanked me like a little boy and I came on back.''
LENGTH: Short : 38 linesby CNB