Gerleman rolls 819 series, second highest ever at Comet Bowl

By John Burbridge sports@charlescitypress.com

CHARLES CITY — In bowling, there are award scores and there are AWARD scores.

On March 15, Brent Gerleman almost got the former.

“I’ve bowled one in practice,” Gerleman said of achieving a perfect “300” game, “but never one in leagues.”

While rolling with MTE (Machine Tool Engineering) in 10-Pin Heaven play at Comet Bowl, Gerleman strung 10 in a row to start the third game before (alas) leaving a solid 4-pin on his 11th attempt. He ended up with a 289 game.

Better luck next time, Brent.

If Gerleman can take any solace after not getting his first sanctioned 300 game that night — he was 35 pins shy in both of his previous games — is that within kegler circles his 819 series is considered a feat far more prestigious than any perfecto — even ones with no “Brooklyn” strikes.

What makes Gerleman’s inclusion to bowling’s “800 Club” unusual is that you often have to become an established “300 Club” member before moving up in class. For example, whenever someone rolls their first 300, they often mention that getting an 800 series is next on their bowling “bucket” list.

Also, Gerleman’s 819 series itself is unusual because it doesn’t include a perfect game. And many 800s have two.

One thing — or things — Gerleman’s series did have were strikes, 28 to be exact. He had a turkey and a six-bagger in the first game before starting the second game with seven straight.

The only “spare” Gerleman missed had only one-pin relevance as it was a 10-pin left after striking to start the 10th frame in the second game.

Gerleman’s series is the fourth 800 achieved at Comet Bowl, and the second-highest three-game score ever recorded within the house. Tony “Doc” Slinger’s 842 shot in 2004 remains the high mark.

Mark Barry and Aaron Garden, who has two 300 games this fall-winter season, both recorded 812 series at Comet Bowl.

Gerleman, 25, has been bowling seriously for 16 years. In 10-Pin Heaven play, he has a 217 average, which places him among the upper-echelon of league bowlers at Comet Bowl.

“This is the best I’ve ever bowled,” said Gerleman, whose previous high series was a 779.  “I hope to keep it going.”

With five weeks left in the season, MTE was in first place amid the 13-team league with Mike Molstead Motors 2 points behind in second place.