Phil Clifton never really took bowling seriously until about two years ago.
“It’s always been fun,” the 36-year-old Green right-hander said, “but now it’s more competitive.”
Then, there is “the chant” that has become part of the league lingo at Park Centre for Clifton, who bowls in two leagues and subs in another.
It’s in the air, in walk-by shouts and even on t-shirts — F—k Phil.
“It started with Amy (Ritchey),” Clifton said, alluding to the wife of one of his teammates, Chad Ritchey. “It started because I was running my mouth all the time. She wore the shirt for the first time on Friday night (mixed league), and then everyone else started in on it.”
On this night in the Spectrum Orthopaedics league at Park Centre, a small crowd had gathered to witness Clifton’s run at a milestone. And, of course, the wisecracks were evident.
But Clifton also gave them something to cheer about, rolling games of 247, 275 and 299 for 821 and his first career 800 series. He had his first 300 game earlier this season. His previous career high series in the 760s also was shot earlier this season.
Clifton started the night with four strikes, left a 10-pin, had three more strikes before another 10-pin and struck into the 10th frame. In Game 2, he left a 9-pin in the seventh frame and a 2-4-5-8 bucket on his final ball.
Then came Game 3. As the strikes continued to pile up, the crowd started gathering. That is, until Clifton left a 4-pin on his final ball denying him another 300.
Then, the good-natured chants began anew.
“There was some pressure, but not any nerves. I just came up a little high,” Clifton said. “I wasn’t surprised by the crowd … it’s kind of become a tradition around here.”
Clifton was using a Track Kinetic he purchased at the beginning of the season.
“I don’t know anything about bowling balls and I don’t have a mark or anything,” Clifton said. “The ball has made a big difference, plus I started putting tape on my hand.”
But for Clifton, bowling nights are about having fun and a few drinks. As for the bowling …
“Just feel good out of my hand,” Clifton said. “It’s more like a corn hole release … just feel it coming out of my hand.”
And how does it feel to get that first 800?
“It feels,” Clifton laughed “f—-ing great.”