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16-year-old sets record by rolling 800 series

The superstitious Michael Davidson didn't look at his score until the end.

SPRING HILL - Michael Davidson is the first 16-year-old in Citrus or Hernando counties to roll an 800 series.

To pile up more than 800 pins in three games, according to Davidson, "You have to be on all night."

He rolled 257, 268 and 277 for a total of 802.

Davidson, participating in the Flammer Ford Youth/Adult League at Spring Hill Lanes when he bowled the record-setting series, says he didn't realize what he was accomplishing until he had completed all three games.

But that July 30 night he could feel something momentous happening.

The 800 series is "a big achievement for him," said Michael's father, Bill, 41. "His legs were shaking when he threw the last ball."

Davidson knew something was up, but he couldn't put his finger on it, mostly because of his superstition: he doesn't look at his score while bowling.

"I beat myself up about (my score)," Davidson said. His father agreed that bowling is more mental than physical.

"You can go from a 277 to a 120 easily," Bill said.

Davidson's career has come a long way in a short time. He began bowling for fun at age 9.

He says he would go to the alleys to hang out with his friends and bowl. He quit the sport for almost six years, but then gradually started going back.

He started bowling competitively just five months ago and has many accomplishments in addition to his 800 series, including placing second in a recent state tournament with his team, The Pin Pounders.

Individually, Davidson took third.

Davidson practices nearly every night.

He goes to tournaments at least once a month and is just beginning a new season in the Young American Bowling Alliance. He also plans to compete on Springstead's team.

His father says that Davidson is different from other bowlers because of his willingness to listen.

"He doesn't get a big head," Bill said. "He does what's best for Mike."

The entire Davidson family, including mother Deanna and sister Sarah, 18, bowls together on occasion. Mike usually wins.

"He knows he can beat us," his father said, laughing. "When he does, we make him walk home."