Norris sets USBC Sport Bowling record

August 6, 2010

By: Mark Martin

NORRIS SETS USBC RECORD

Mike Norris Jr. of Melvindale set an all-time United States Bowling Congress series record for Sport Bowling with an 869 series in the Dan Ottman Memorial PBA Experience league at Sunnybrook Lanes in Sterling Heights.

Norris broke the record of 862 held by Bo Goergen of Sanford, Mich., which was bowled in the 2009 USBC Open Championships in Reno.

“It is definitely surreal. I didn’t even know what the record was at the time,” Norris says. “When I learned that it was a record, I was definitely very excited.”
Norris’ set included games of 279, 290 and 300 on the cheetah pattern, one of the PBA animal patterns.

Sport Bowling requirements apply the lane dressing in a distribution which doesn’t allow for errant shots to get to the pocket.

“You’ve got to keep learning. Learn about surfaces and equipment. And, of course, practice, because on Sport shots it is not easy; you can’t just throw the ball all over the place. You have to keep it within the goal posts,” Norris explains. “My biggest advice to people who want to bowl Sport leagues is to work hard, practice, get familiar with the patterns, and start matching up equipment.

Norris was presented a crystal pin for his 869 series and a special ring for his 300 game by Mike DeRousie, President and Libbi Fletcher, Past President of the Metro Detroit USBC Association.
Sport Bowling and PBA Experience leagues are the continuation of a 10-year-old program to re-establish the credibility of the sport.

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WORLD RECORD DAY

Saturday is World Record Day for bowling centers. Bowling centers will report the number of games bowled by customers and submit them to the Bowling Proprietors Association of America in an effort to set the world record.

Why not visit your local bowling center on Saturday and be part of the record.

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HONOR SCORES
300 Games
Date, Name, Hometown, Center, League
July 21, Eric Broughton, Troy, Five Star Lanes, Summer Trio Sweeper
July 21, Michael Atkins, Pontiac, Bowl One Lanes, Senior Singles
July 23, Larry Sykes, Southfield, Plum Hollow Lanes, 35 & Over Mixed Trio
July 28, John Robertson, Waterford Twp., 300 Bowl, 300 Wednesday Trio Shootout
July 28, Bryan King, Troy, Five Star Lanes, Summer Trio Sweeper


800 Series
Date, Name (Score), Hometown, Center, League



Mark Martin writes a weekly bowling column for The Oakland Press and is the association manager of the Metro Detroit USBC Association. He can be reached at (248) 443-2695, faxed at (248) 443-2690 or e-mailed at mark.martin@mdusbc.com.