For the second time in program history, the Le Mars boys bowling team has had a competitor bowl a perfect game in competition.
Taylor Lindner accomplished the feat at Sweet 16 Lanes as part of the dual win over Sioux City East. Lindner has never bowled a perfect game in any sanctioned competition, and he always wanted to get his first one in a high school meet. He says it is a big relief after getting close numerous times.
Just this season, Lindner had taken a perfect game into the final two throws of the 10th frame at OABCIG, but that pales in comparison to last year. At Sioux City East, Lindner bowled the first 11 balls as strikes and bowled a nine-count on the 12th to finish with a 299. He says the difference in feeling between a 299 and a 300 is miles apart.
Prior to bowling his 300, Lindner had bowled a strong 237 to open his two-game series. After struggling in the first half of the game, he made a ball swap which led to a great shot being developed. He says after that change, he was a different bowler.
After his 300, Lindner had to regroup for the baker portion of the competition which started right afterwards. He says head coach Travis Jones had to move him from his usual spot in the lineup to make sure he could focus on the task at hand.
The 300 game was made extra special by the fact that it was at home inside of Sweet 16 Lanes, and it was senior night for the Bulldogs. Lindner says it was special to get to share the moment with all his friends and family.
The Bulldogs have been on a tear as a team, and this 300 game is only the tip of the iceberg of what they have done. Le Mars set a school record for highest team score in their last meet, and they have reached the 3,000 mark in four of their last five competitions. Lindner says everyone has been challenging each other to get better.
Le Mars is next in competition on Friday in Council Bluffs at the annual Lynx Baker Bash. Lindner joins Sebastian MacGregor as the only Bulldogs to bowl a 300 game in a high school competition. MacGregor bowled his last year at the State Qualifying Meet in Denison.
