Brian Kehner never was a spot bowler.
“I was just one of the guys who just bowled, just threw the ball straight up and hoped for the best,” said Kehner, a 40-year-old Massillon right-hander.
But that changed during league play at 77 Colonial Lanes several years ago when a teammate, Wes Staley, made a suggestion.
“He told me to start looking at the arrows when I released a shot so I could see what was going on,” the City of North Canton water department employee said. “So now, that’s what I do. I don’t have much curve to the ball … just straight up at the arrows.”
Kehner, who joined the Tuesday Orthodox Mixed league at Park Centre three years ago on the recommendation of a friend, has four 300 games to his credit — all coming since the move to Park Centre, the last coming last season. He added another milestone recently.
Kehner put together games of 265, 269 and 277 for 811, his first career 800 series. His previous high was in the 730s.
“I don’t think I’ve ever thrown the ball any better,” said Kehner, who averages 211 in the only league he bowls in. “It was just one of those nights when I was locked in, everything went perfect and I rolled it really well.”
Kehner, who used a Hammer Black Widow that he bought to start this season, couldn’t remember what he left during his first two games.
“In Game 2, I know I left either a 4-pin or 10-pin somewhere in the middle and late,” he added.
But he fully recalls his Game 3 run for the milestone.
“I started out with three strikes before leaving a seven-count. I picked up the spare and then struck out,” Kehner said.
But it wasn’t quite that simple.
“I knew I was close (to the 800) and I really wanted it,” Kehner said. “The first ball in the 10th frame was probably one of my worst shots of the night.
“Didn’t even hit the pocket … honestly, it was a little bit Brooklyn. But it just happened and everything fell down. The other two were right on the money.”
Kehner admitted nerves were a factor heading into the 10th.
“I think I was more nervous there than my 300 games,” Kehner added. “After I got that first one, it was a sense of relief. My legs were a little shaky.”
Kehner said the 800 is a tribute to his uncle, Randy Carlson, who passed away four years ago.
“He loved bowling and was a great bowler in his own right,” Kehner said. “He would have gone absolutely nuts. I’m glad I did it for him.”