WILMINGTON, Ohio — This was quite the week for the Wilmington High School boys bowling program.
Wilmington sophomore Jayden Tackett bowled a 300 game in Wednesday night's winning match against Batavia while his high school coach had a perfect game of his own earlier in the week.
"The atmosphere was definitely intense for the 10th frame," Wilmington coach Dustin Brown said about Tackett's game Wednesday at Batavia Bowl.
"As he was bowling, both teams (and spectators) made their way closer to watch.
Brown said Batavia and Wilmington were very supportive of Tackett as he completed his first career perfect game.
"After the 12th ball, everyone from both teams cheered and some of his teammates rushed to him on the approach," Brown said. "His family wasn't at the match, but they were fortunate enough to witness it through our live-stream."
That perfect game occurred just 11 days after Tackett's elder brother, Wilmington senior Jordan Tackett, had a 300 on Jan. 9 at the Viking Classic Tournament at Poelking Lanes South.
Brown said the brothers have thrived this season and he's very proud of their efforts.
Jordan averages 206.8 while Jayden averages 203.7 for Wilmington (10-2), according to the Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference website.
"It was an incredible moment as a coach to watch Jayden's older brother, and teammate, cheer him on with each throw," Brown said Friday.
"You could tell how much he wanted this accomplishment for his brother. Jordan almost looked more nervous for Jayden than he was the week before for his own 300 game."
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But, there is more to the story. Brown also bowled a 300 this week at Royal Z Lanes in Wilmington during a Sunday Night Mixed League.
It was his sixth perfect game of his career and third one this season.
"So as someone that has been up there in the 10th frame before, I know the nerves of those final throws," Brown said.
"As a coach, I was more nervous watching these boys bowl their 300s than I was rolling my own. I know how much these boys are working, so to see them reach new high games and accomplishments is the highlight for me."
The two perfect games for the Wilmington team this month are in addition to the perfect games that Elijah Martini and Grant Pickard had for the Hurricane last season.
Last season, the program advanced to the state tournament for the first time in school history and has plenty of momentum this winter as the postseason approaches.
"Our bowling program has put in a lot of work over the last several years and it has paid off not only with the four 300 games over the last two years, but also our first state appearance last season," Wilmington AD Troy Diels said.
" We are extremely proud of Coach Brown and all the boys for all of their success over the last couple seasons."
