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Hernando Today

'A' Perfect Distraction

Staff photo by DAVE CASEY

Nick Catroppo, 19, a Central High graduate, has rolled four sanctioned 300 games at Spring Hill Lanes.

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: October 25, 2008

Nick Catroppo knew he had a perfect game going. He just had something more important on his mind.

The Pasco-Hernando Community College student, a 2007 graduate of Central High, was determined to finish a paper for class and ensured some extra time by avoiding those pesky second balls.

The 19-year-old Brooksville resident bowled his fourth sanctioned 300 in the first game Oct. 8 at Spring Hill Lanes during the Kevin's Pro Shop League.

As for that paper that provided a distraction? He got an A.

"I threw the ball, I walked to the back," Catroppo said. "Everybody said you should do your homework more often."

Catroppo has greater plans for his education. Once he earns his associate's degree next spring, he intends to transfer to the University of South Florida, where he'll study pre-law.

He has worked on his bowling game for much longer. Asthma limited his athletic options, although he did play two years of golf at Central.

Shortly after he and his family relocated to Hernando County from Long Island, the 5-year-old Catroppo walked into Spring Hill Lanes one day and ended up signing up for the youth leagues.

He gradually worked his way up, receiving coaching from Bones Emond and Bob Ottomer. He has also had several sessions at Kegel Training Center.

By 2003-04 his average reached 196, and the following season he decided to join the adult leagues at age 15.

Right off the bat, the jump up impacted his performance. In the Joni Industries Classic, a match-play league, Catroppo averaged 214 over 108 games and bowled anchor on his team.

"It was an easy transition," Catroppo said. "It was something new to take on. When you move up to the men's leagues you want to be as good as them. When you bowl with better bowlers, you bowl better."

The past two seasons he has averaged 218 in the Kevin's Pro Shop. In April 2006, he bowled his first 300 in the county tournament.

That day he had to bowl nine games across three events (team, doubles and singles). Earlier in the day he had games of 279 and 299, foiled both times by leaving a 10-pin.

He earned the county championship that year in all-events and also helped his team win that portion of the tournament.

Having rolled a few 300s at this point, Catroppo admitted that this last one didn't come with as much pressure.

"It's still exciting because you're adding to your count in 300s," Catroppo said.

Though he has already achieved a great deal at a young age, he still has the goal of an 800 series. That just might have to wait until the next time he has a big paper due.

BY THE NUMBERS: NICK CATROPPO 300s
Date House
04-22-06 Spring Hill
06-07-06 Spring Hill
01-21-08 Spring Hill
10-08-08 Spring Hill

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com.

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