Dave Roberts shook off a little pain Friday night as he recorded his fifth career perfect game during mixed league action at Parkway Lanes.

Roberts rolled games of 236, 194, and 300 for a 730 series.

Roberts almost got a substitute Friday night, but he decided to give it a shot even though he was experiencing some discomfort on his bowling hand.

“It was a struggle just to get through practice,” he said. “I broke the skin open on a crack on my middle finger, so I really couldn’t give it my best effort the first two games. The pain went away the third game, and I finally had a chance to play my own game again.”

With 430 going into the last game, Roberts was just looking to finish the night on a strong note.

“I was looking forward to the last game,” he said. “The conditions were ideal. I knew I could go high as long as I controlled my ball speed and could consistently hit my target.”

Roberts started thinking about rolling a perfect game after he started the last game with six consecutive strikes.

“It was kind of funny,” he said. “I joked around with my wife earlier in the evening before bowling about shooting a 300 and an 800. I knew I was halfway home.”
Roberts struck on his next three shots to set up the pivotal 10th frame.

“I got pretty nervous before I stepped on the approach the last frame,” he said. “I caught a break on the first shot as the four-pin tripped forward. The next two shots felt great off my hand. The only thing I was worried about was leaving a corner pin. Fortunately, both shots ripped the 10-pin out.”

Roberts admitted afterward that a minor adjustment was the key to his third game success.

“At the beginning of the night I was playing straight up the second arrow,” he said. “I then moved my target inside a board but started swinging the ball out to the eighth board. I found some great ball reaction out there.”

Roberts didn’t hesitate when asked to mention his favorite moments of his young bowling career.

“I bowled my highest all-events total at the USBC Nationals in New Mexico last year with a 1,918,” he said. “Bowling my first 300 game and 800 series rank up there along with being able to bowl mixed league with members of my family.”

Roberts, who bowls in three leagues throughout the season, enjoys his breaks away from the bowling center.

“I enjoy hunting, fishing, watching racing and spending time with my family,” he said.
Roberts sets modest goals for each bowling season.

“I always want the 300/800 combo,” he said. “Plus, it is a bonus if I can beat my uncle, Denny Schabel, on Thursday nights.”

Roberts rolled a career high 818 series at Tower Lanes in Beaver Dam during the 2005-06 season.

Roberts, second-vice president of the Fond du Lac Bowling Association, has rolled three career 800 series.