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View Full Version : Friends share spotlight with perfect games at Open Championships



onefrombills
07-01-2009, 04:28 AM
LAS VEGAS - Greg Bollinger of Plainfield, Ill., and P.J. Massey of St. Joseph, Mo., have known each other for years, but they had no idea they were bowling on the same team squad at the 2009 USBC Open Championships.

The two have only seen each other a few times since Bollinger moved back to Illinois, but they were reunited in the spotlight at Cashman Center on Monday night after they both rolled 300 games on the tournament lanes.

"This is only the third time we have seen each other since I left," said Bollinger, who is an elementary school teacher. "We were checking in and ran into each other. We had no idea we were both here, let alone bowling on the same squad."

Bollinger was the first to finish bowling as he put together 12 consecutive strikes in his last game of team for the 31st perfect game of this year's tournament. Two minutes later, on the opposite end of the 60-lane venue, Massey polished off his own 300.

"I heard something going on down on the other side of the house," said Massey, a 29-year-old right-hander who bowled collegiately at Wichita State University. "I didn't know who it was or what he was doing, though."

Bollinger on the other hand, knew exactly what was going on and kept an eye on his buddy from a distance. Bollinger was on lane 51 and Massey was on lane 10.

"I knew he had the front seven," said Bollinger, a 44-year-old right-hander who made his 16th Open Championships appearance. "I was watching, and it actually helped keep me going and motivated."

When Bollinger finished his celebration, he made his way down to where Massey was finishing and congratulated him on a great game. The two had no idea the day would end like it did.

"I couldn't make it down to see his last shots, but I heard the crowd and I knew he got it," said Bollinger, who bowls regularly at Fox Bowl in Wheaton, Ill. "I was as happy for him as I was for myself. It is awesome when friends can both do something like that. What a story."

Bollinger and Massey first met when Bollinger moved to St. Joseph to work in a bowling center, where he met Massey's father. The two hit it off and eventually opened a pro shop together. After a few years, Bollinger moved back to Plainfield, but kept in touch. Now six years later, it was fate that brought them back together Monday.

Bollinger started the night with games of 207 and 175 and finished with a 682 series to help Fox Bowl of Wheaton, Ill., to a 2,993 total. Massey opened with 180 and 244 and finished with a 724 series. He helped Team Massey Bowling of St. Joseph, Mo., to a 2,858 total.

Massey, who made his sixth tournament appearance, has dealt with some tough times as of late due to the recent loss of his father. During his last few shots, he knew he was there with him.

"I kept hearing my dad's voice during my last game," said Massey, who bowls league at Belt Bowl. "I know my dad would've wanted to be here for sure."

Presenting sponsors for the 2009 USBC Open Championships are the Coast Casinos in Las Vegas and the Eldorado Hotel Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider; Brunswick, capital equipment supplier; Storm Products, Inc.; Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel and Four Queens Hotel and Casino, the official brackets sponsors; Sapphire Gentleman's Club; Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino; MGM Mirage; Jerry's Nugget Casino and Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel.