PREP BOWLING: ‘Practice with a purpose’: West Point’s Kevin Vance bowls perfect game

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West Point’s Kevin Vance bowled a perfect 300 Saturday. (Brian Vance)

CULLMAN, Ala. — After a great season bowling with the Warriors this winter, West Point senior bowler Kevin Vance put together another stellar performance Saturday, bowling his first-ever 300 game in a youth league match. He’s the youngest bowler to ever bowl a perfect game at the Cullman Bowling Center. It was a moment of relief and excitement for him and the rest of his family. He talked about that amazing accomplishment and being the youngest bowler to ever bowl a 300, plus his and his parents’ reaction on his perfect game.

“It was a feeling of relief more than anything. To be the youngest now, only a week after Jake Wray shot his first 300 too, was a really good feeling,” Vance said. “There was around 30 people there that consisted of parents and youth bowlers. It’s hard to recall everyone’s reaction, because it was such a in the moment experience. I was just feeling excited that it finally happened. My parents were excited and proud.”

Kevin talked about if he had any nerves during the game, and the feeling that he had when he got the final strike to finish off his 300 game. His dad, Brian Vance, has been with him every step of the way and has helped him become the great bowler that he is right now.

“I was able to handle the nerves pretty well. I just kept my pre-shot routine going, because I was really focused,” Vance said. “I mainly felt excited and relieved, because I’ve been close a lot. My physical game has been good for the past couple of months since last summer. He’s always been there for me. Whether it’s been just practicing, tournaments, or high school matches, he has always helped me as much as he could.”

Kevin has quickly become an inspiration to a lot of younger bowlers and gave them some advice that will help them get to where he’s at right now. He has learned a couple of important things during his time on the high school bowling team, plus he talked about what he wants people to remember about him when his high school bowling career comes to an end.

“I hope I can be an inspiration to some of them, whether it’s how I act on the lanes or just little advice I give to them here and there,” he said. “Practice with a purpose. The mental game is just as important, if not more, than your physical game. I’ve learned communication and strategizing during my time on the high school team. I worked hard and I showed what’s possible if you set your goals high, and you strive to achieve them day-by-day.”

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