A Perfect Score

For most bowlers, a perfect game is a lofty goal, one that may take years to accomplish. Last week, Sandy Boyles, GROWMARK precision farming project coordinator did just that, scoring a perfect 300 during league play at Circle Lanes in Bloomington, Ill.

"I've been bowling seriously for the last seven years, but on and off most of my life," she said. "Last year I scored a 298, but still had the goal of a 300."

Boyles competes in three local leagues and had bowled perfect games in practices, but never in an actual competition.

"There were probably 80-100 other bowlers watching me," she said. "When someone gets close to a 300 game, everything else just stops."

In recognition of the accomplishment, Boyles will be listed on the honor board at Circle Lanes and will receive a 300 ring. She is the first woman to bowl a perfect game at the bowling alley in recent memory.

She credits her coaches, Michelle Mullen and Aleta Sill, as well as her doubles partner, Nancy, for providing technical and emotional support. She plans to bowl more perfect games in the future.

"Once you've done it once, the second one is easier because all the nerves are behind you," she said.