A Hot Hand

Seems like when Jay Olsen gets hot, he really gets hot. He doesn't just bowl a 300 game, he bowls multiple 300s. He doesn't just bowl an 800 series, he shoots a county record.

On Oct. 17 in the T.G.I.F. League at Spring Hill Lanes, Olsen had a 300 and an 804. Six days later in the Joni Classic, he added another perfect game.

Such feats have become commonplace for the 30-year-old Spring Hill resident, who grew up in Hernando County and graduated from Springstead High in 1996.

Olsen has established himself as one of the better bowlers in the area, breaking through in a big way on Oct. 3, 2002. That night he recorded both his initial 300 and 800 at Spring Hill Lanes.

However, that wasn't the whole story. He had a 266 and 289 to go along with the 300 that night, giving him an 855 series that shattered Kevin Williams' then all-time county mark of 836.

"I had the shot," said Olsen, recalling that performance six years ago. "I was throwing the ball really well that night. I was having a good time. I wasn't really nervous about anything.

"...It was big. It was huge. At first I was surprised I shot it. I was very excited about it."

Just the beginning

Olsen's record was eventually matched by Joe Correa in August 2006 and surpassed by Jason Mahr's 878 in August 2007.

"I knew it could be beaten," Olsen said. "I respect Jason. I know he's a better bowler than me. He's great. He can do whatever he wants. The whole time I thought he should be the one to have it. He's the best bowler in the area."

Still, Olsen has built an impressive resume since then with 22 300s and seven 800s currently to his credit. He has three 300s within the calendar year alone.

Over the past five seasons his average has consistently sat in the 220 range. He typically bowls in 3-4 leagues at both Spring Hill and Mariner Lanes, and occasionally in Pasco County.

Olsen originally got into the junior leagues at Spring Hill Lanes, following his father into the sport. He has since become a regular at the lanes.

"I just really enjoy it," Olsen said. "I've made a lot of friends in bowling. Once you shoot high scores you want to keep doing it.

"...I enjoy the people I bowl with. I enjoy the atmosphere. It's just something I love to do. It's kind of a second home."

So what brought on the multiple 300s last month, not to mention the first 800 of the season at Spring Hill Lanes?

"I'm bowling really well in Spring Hill right now," Olsen said. "The way I throw the ball, the shot is perfect. I can throw inside or outside and I can carry."

Despite everything he has already accomplished, Olsen hasn't gotten tired of bowling. In fact, he remains motivated to improve.

"Everybody wants to shoot 900, that's the main goal I want to have," Olsen said. "It's not impossible but it's very hard to do.

"Right now I want to try and get my average as high as I can."

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

2008-09 Hernando County Bowling Honor Roll
- Compiled by CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

300s
Name                                      Date                        House                    League
John Zuidema III                  09/05/08                 Spring Hill             T.G.I.F.
Joe Roys                                09/08/08                 Spring Hill             Monday Night Men
Clint Bullock                         09/08/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic
Dan Jones                             09/17/08                 Spring Hill             Kevin's Pro Shop
Tom Russell                          09/22/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic
Larry Wagner                       09/24/08                 Spring Hill             Kevin's Pro Shop
Steve Ulm                              09/25/08                 Spring Hill             Thursday Night Mix
Anthony Oliver                    09/26/08                 Mariner                  Friday Early Mariners
Phil Ciaccio                           09/29/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic
John Zuidema III                  10/06/08                 Spring Hill             Monday Night Men
Nick Catroppo                      10/08/08                 Spring Hill             Kevin's Pro Shop
Rich Garner                           10/10/08                 Spring Hill             T.G.I.F.
Jay Olsen                               10/17/08                 Spring Hill             T.G.I.F.
Billy Curley                           10/22/08                 Spring Hill             Kevin's Pro Shop
Jay Olsen                               10/23/08                 Spring Hill             Joni Classic
Matt Dono                            10/27/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic
Rich Garner                           10/27/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic
Jay Tinkham                          10/27/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic

800s
Name                                      Series                     Date                        House                    League
Jay Tinkham                          801                          09/01/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic
Jason Mahr                           811                          09/01/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic
Phil Ciaccio                           826                          09/29/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic
Jay Olsen                               804                          10/17/08                 Spring Hill             T.G.I.F.
Ryan Erbe                              801                          10/27/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic
Jay Tinkham                          836                          10/27/08                 Mariner                  Coca-Cola Classic