RTHS alum Driver rolls first sanctioned 300 game

Former Hub bowler enjoying T-Byrd Lanes league experience

Russell Hodges
Posted 2/17/20

Former Rochelle Township High School bowler Dallas Driver was casually listening to music during the Tuesday Night Service League at T-Byrd Lanes this past week when he soon realized that something special was happening.

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RTHS alum Driver rolls first sanctioned 300 game

Former Hub bowler enjoying T-Byrd Lanes league experience

Posted

Former Rochelle Township High School bowler Dallas Driver was casually listening to music during the Tuesday Night Service League at T-Byrd Lanes this past week when he soon realized that something special was happening.

It was like any other game for Driver, who was sharing AirPods with former RTHS teammate Nick Stevens and not worrying about the score posted on the screen above him. The score became tough for Driver to ignore, however, when he stepped up and threw a ninth consecutive strike to carry a perfect game into the 10th frame.

Needing three more strikes, Driver toed the line and delivered the biggest shots of his bowling career, clearing the rack each time and finishing with his first sanctioned 300 game. Days after accomplishing the perfect game, the experience still seemed surreal to the 18-year-old.

“It really set in that I was on pace for a 300 around the ninth frame,” Driver said. “I wasn’t paying much attention but once I realized it was possible… I never thought I would throw a 300 game at 18 years old. I was pumped when I threw the 300, and it took days for it to set in. Seeing people react around me was what really made it enjoyable. It was awesome to hear everybody cheering me on and it felt great to have them there to witness everything.”

Driver spent four years bowling with the RTHS program, helping the Hubs qualify for sectionals during his junior season. He’s been bowling league at T-Byrds for roughly two months now, and he said the new experience has helped him open up and make connections. He still reflects fondly on his time with the Hubs, however, and he credits former teammates Brady Shank and Tyler Johnson for helping him become the bowler he is today.

“I enjoy the people the most and I’ve talked to more people in league than I thought I would,” Driver said. “It’s been a great experience for me. I enjoy the friendliness a lot, but I miss competing with Brady and Tyler. I’d love to have one more season with them because they were a big reason why I still bowl today. They ignited my love for the sport and without them, I wouldn’t be bowling today.”