Jim Babson, a regular at both Spring Hill Lanes in Hernando County and Hudson Bowl, achieved a feat at his Pasco County home he will cherish for years.
During the Hammer Classic League that competes every Thursday at the bowling center, Babson tossed his 14th perfect game since 1999 and his sixth 800 series in that same span. His 300 last Thursday night contributed to an 811 series that led the county over the past two weeks.
While competing in the Gator High Rollers League at Spring Hill and the Hammer Classic League at Hudson last season, Babson averaged marks of 216 and 221, respectively. Both leagues are considered the most competitive in either center, as he strives to compete among the elite in both counties.
Joe Rizzi, another Hudson competitor, had a terrific game during the center's Wednesday Businessmen Mixed League. Rizzi tossed a 298 to achieve his first U.S. Bowling Congress achievement score. Last season, Rizzi competed in the Hudson Senior Handicap League and the Wednesday Business Mixed League, averaging a 188 between the two.
STRING OF PERFECTION: Lane-Glo Lanes in New Port Richey was not to be outdone this past week, boasting two separate perfect games at the center. Frank Barnett, competing in the Lane-Glo Classic League on Wednesday night, pitched a 300 game for the fourth time in 2006. The last time Barnett accomplished the feat was during the monthly Eight-Game Scratch Tournament at Hudson on Aug. 20. The perfect game at Lane-Glo gives him 300s at three centers this year..
Mark Hallisey, a member of the Wednesday Night Mixed League at Lane-Glo, also accomplished a 300 last week. A Suncoast Bowling Association card carrier since 1997, Hallisey averaged 190 in that same league last season. The perfect game was not only the first of his career, it was his first sanctioned USBC achievement of any kind.
UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS: Lane-Glo Lanes will be hosting the first in a series of monthly Friday night tournaments. The Late Night Team Tournament will be held Oct. 13 at 9:30 p.m. The format includes four members of every team along with an 800-pin cap on the team average. The scoring will be handicap, and the tournament is sanctioned by the USBC. Entry fees are $100 per team.
Hudson Bowl holds its next monthly Eight-Game Scratch Tournament on Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Entry fees for this USBC-sanctioned tournament are $45 per person.
