On January 3rd at a GCL Quad Match, Elder senior Conner Brocker became the fourth bowler in Elder History to bowl a perfect 300, joining Craig Sherrill (2006), Michael Schmees (2007), and Ben Brauch (2011).

It may have come to a surprise to some because Brocker was only fourth on the team in average and was only a part time varsity player as a junior, but Brocker has been around bowling for a long time.

“I first got into bowling when my dad would take me with him to watch him bowl in his travel league.  I’ve been bowling for about 11 years now,” Brocker said.

As for the actual perfect game, it was definitely tense for Brocker.

“I never really got nervous until the 10th frame.  It’s like a pitcher going for his no-hitter.  Once it gets to the 9th inning, that’s when it gets intense.  The tenth frame was very tense, which caused me to get very nervous, but I had to focus,” said Brocker.

Over the past week, Conner has been receiving the perks of his 300.  He was interviewed by Lance McAlister on his radio show.  Additioanally, Conner was nominated for Cincinnati.com bowler of the week.  Conner also said that he will receive a ring that will commemorate his perfect game.

Brocker told me that his previous high score was a 268, which he accomplished as a freshman.  Even though it was an eventful night for Brocker, Elder had a rough night at the lanes, finishing 3rd out of the four GCL teams.

Brocker isn’t the only Elder Panther to bowl a 300 within the last year, as senior Matthew Peterson bowled a perfect 300 in a practice last season.

Peterson was happy for his teammate after his perfect score.

“Conner’s 300 was really great.  He was very consistent and focused throughout his 12 strikes.  I think he is really starting to get in a groove and has always had that kind of potential.  He’s put a lot of time and work into it, so it’s good to see it pay off for him,” said Peterson.  You can watch Andrew Schenkel’s video interview from last year with Peterson here

Even with the rough night on January 3rd, Elder is still the top-ranked team in the city and Brocker is confident in this year’s squad, “This is the best team I’ve ever seen at Elder.  We have already won two tournaments and are still ranked first in the GCL.  I have lots of teammates that are devoted to this sport, especially junior Nathan Johnson, who is leading the GCL in pins,” Brocker told me.

There are still plenty of matches left for the Panthers, including a pair of GCL Quad matches at Colerain Bowl and Western Bowl and a head-to-head against LaSalle.  Conner and the entire bowling squad would love to see some students attend some matches as they look to make a run at a state title.   You can find the bowling team’s schedule here at ehsports.com