James Williams of Pawcatuck, Conn., has been striking across the New England area for decades and solidified his place in bowling history Tuesday as he rolled 36 consecutive strikes for a 900 series at Old Mountain Lanes in nearby Wakefield, R.I.

The 47-year-old right-hander struck on every shot he threw during the South County Classic league to become the 21st bowler in history to record a perfect series. The achievement is pending approval from the United States Bowling Congress and would be the 22nd USBC-approved 900.

In Williams' final frame, the 4 pin fell late on his first shot, and the 10 pin was the last to go on his second. His final delivery of the evening was an unforgettable light-mixer that earned him a spot in one of the most exclusive clubs in the sport. Bob D'Antuono of Lincoln, R.I., previously owned the Ocean State's highest set with 889, rolled in 1997.

"I was just trying to make good shots," Williams said. "I was a little nervous with everybody watching, but I tried to take it one shot at a time and just see what would happen. I never expected to have a night like this."

Williams has averaged more than 240 on several occasions and consistently has rolled honor scores over the course of his career. His latest achievement nearly left him speechless.

"It's a pretty big accomplishment and hard to put into words," Williams said. "You never expect to shoot three 300s. It's hard to imagine not a single nine-count. It was an unforgettable night and one of the best of my life."

The first USBC-approved 900 occurred Feb. 2, 1997 when Jeremy Sonnenfeld rolled three consecutive perfect games in Lincoln, Neb. There has never been a 900 on Sport Bowling lane conditions.

 

USBC-Approved 900 Series (22)

Jeremy Sonnenfeld (R), Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 2, 1997
Tony Roventini (L), Greenfield, Wis., Nov. 9, 1998
Vince Wood (R), Moreno Valley, Calif., Sept, 29, 1999
Robby Portalatin (L), Jackson, Mich., Dec. 28, 2000
James Hylton (R), Salem, Ore., May 2, 2001
Jeff Campbell II (R), New Castle, Pa., June 12, 2004
Darin Pomije (R), New Prague, Minn., Dec. 9, 2004
Robert Mushtare (R), Fort Drum, N.Y., Dec. 5, 2005 and Feb. 19, 2006
Lonnie Billiter Jr. (R), Fairfield, Ohio, Feb. 13, 2006
Mark Wukoman (R), Greenfield, Wis., April 22, 2006
P.J. Giesfeldt (R), Milwaukee, Dec. 23, 2006
Rich Jerome Jr. (R), Baltimore, Dec. 22, 2008
Chris Aker (L), Winnemucca, Nev., Oct. 30, 2009
Andrew Teall (R), Medford, N.J., Nov. 2, 2009
Andrew Mank (R), Bellevue Ill., March 18, 2010
William Howell III (L), Middletown, N.Y., Oct. 21, 2010
Matt Latarski (R), Medina, Ohio, Nov. 28, 2010
Bob Kammer Jr. (R), Crown Point, Ind., Jan. 8, 2011
John Martorella Sr. (R), Greece, N.Y., April 12, 2012
Jimmy Schmitzer (R), Riverside, Calif., April 20, 2012
James Williams (R), Pawcatuck, Conn., April 16, 2013**

** Pending formal approval by the United States Bowling Congress.

 

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