http://www.syracuse.com/bowlin...astest_300_game.html

CNY bowler sets world record by rolling 300 game in 86.9 seconds

Syracuse, N.Y. -- How fast can a bowler roll 12 consecutive strikes and achieve a perfect game?

For Ben Ketola, the answer is 86.9 seconds.

Ketola, of Preble, is believed to have recorded the world's fastest 300 game at the 10-lane 281 Bowl in Cortland on April 5 by rolling 12 strikes in 1 minute, 26.9 seconds. The 23-year-old two-handed bowler raced from one lane to the next and registered strikes using a different ball on each lane -- striking twice on lanes 1 and 2 -- to score 12 in a row for a perfect game in approximately the same time it takes to microwave a bag of popcorn.

"It was fun to do. I honestly wasn't expecting to do it," said Ketola, a 225-average bowler who works and bowls at 281 Bowl. "I just wanted to see how quickly I could get across the house and get strikes."

While there is no official speed category in the official United States Bowling Congress' record books, Ketola wanted to attempt the unusual feat after watching a 2015 YouTube video posted by pro bowler Tom Dougherty. In the video, Dougherty fired 12 strikes over 12 lanes for what was billed at the time the world's fastest 300 game in 1 minute, 50.99 seconds.

"One day while I was practicing I decided I wanted to give it a try and see if I could do it," said Ketola, who bowls at least 50 games a week between league bowling and practice.

Ketola tried three times April 1 but his best effort was seven in a row and 11 out of 12 strikes in 1:35. Then after the Wednesday night ladies league wrapped up April 5, Ketola's co-worker John Bishop challenged Ketola to try for the record again after their shift was over and this time he would videotape it on his cell phone.

"I got seven in a row on my first attempt then broke off," Ketola said. "After I caught my breath I said let's go again. I wanted to see how fast I could do it."

Ketola didn't see most of his strikes as he was too busy sprinting to the next lane to throw his next shot. An out-of-breath Ketola celebrated his milestone with Bishop just before midnight. He used eight of his own Storm and Roto Grip balls and two alley balls in setting his speed mark.

"I saw it as a challenge," Ketola said. "Next time I may set up all spares on the lanes and see how fast I can make those."



Link to original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQnphc6qeNs

That's pretty amazing, but can he throw 12 gutter balls in a row? I can

I have to admit, I was pretty impressed with that.

That is really something!!!

I was into bowling several years ago and never could get very good at it.

Pretty impressive.

When I read the title I was thinking how can you do that. It would take more time then that for the pins to reset every time. Then I see he used all the lanes. Nice job.

Yes it was.


But if we want to be "that guy" , it's probably a lot easier than bowling a 300 in a league with other people and the delays, breaks in rhythm and changing lane conditions. Pretty cool none the less.

You see lots of stuff like this from the guys who spend all their time at the lanes. When I was a kid there was a young guy who worked at the alley and he'd take a ball in the crook of his right arm, fling it so high it would brush the ceiling tiles, land literally half way down the alley, hit and go in for a strike more often than not. Though I know the people who owned the place weren't too thrilled with the trick.

Question to the bowlers -

Does he get 'official' credit for the 300 game since they were not rolled on the same lane?

No. Nor was it in a sanctioned league. So it's not "official".

What's with that two-handed delivery?

Is this something new?

This guy was the man back in the day. Love the narration and certified letter.

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
What's with that two-handed delivery?

Is this something new?

Not really, but becoming more common. It allows them to put tons of rotation on the ball. Lots of "revs" means lots of pin action.


The old video is great. Bowling is "simple now" compared to back then, technology made it a lot easier. So much so they've invented ways to make it harder with using a bunch of different oil patterns, adding variation. (more a thing for the "pros" though than average bowlers)

Really strange looking throw, but it seems to work for him.

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
What's with that two-handed delivery?

Is this something new?

That's what popped into my head as well. Never heard of such a thing but it sure works for this guy!

Different balls, different lanes, wow.

That was impressive!

I used to love bowling. Got into it back in the service in CNY. We used to go several times a week. I once rolled nine strikes in a row...and then choked and spared out. Still the best game I ever rolled. My best average was in the 180s and had quite a few 600 series'.

Could have saved a bunch of time throwing twice on lane 9 & 10......

Guy throws a different ball on a different lane (except for lane 1 and 2 on the first, second, eleventh and twelfth frames), with no "stance" or "approach" time, and still pulls off a 300.

That's some awesome stuff right there.

quote:

Originally posted by Surefire:
Could have saved a bunch of time throwing twice on lane 9 & 10......

That was what I was thinking, run only as far as the next set up lane and work backwards from there.

I don't roll on Shabbos.

that's a wicked hook at the few feet...