Teen is perfect on lanes

Bowling a perfect game is an exciting event.

Bowling a perfect game in an alley built by your grandfather is a rarity.

Bowling a perfect game in the alley that once served as the worship site for your parish is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, and it was accomplished by Brandon Heer.

Connections

Brandon, a senior at Catholic Central High School in Troy and a parishioner of St. Bonaventure's parish in Speigletown, called it an honor to bowl a 300-game at Hilltop Bowling Alley.

It was built by his late grandfather, Cliff Stevens. Brandon 's family still operates the business, and he works there five nights a week.

He bowled the perfect game in December while competing with the Catholic High Bowling Team. Brandon serves as co-captain of the team. His mother, Diane, coaches it.

Twice perfect

The game was Brandon 's second perfecto. The first occurred while bowling in Schenectady .

"This one means a lot more to me," he said of the Hilltop performance. "When you bowl a 300, you get your name on a scrolling sign at the alley. I really wanted that."

Brandon 's mother; his uncle, Dave Stevens; and the school principal, Christopher Bott, were present when Brandon let go of his final strike. His father arrived just after he finished.

"I called my Dad when I had six strikes in a row and jokingly said that he better come down," Brandon said.

History

Brandon, who is very active in his parish, said that the bowling alley once served as the church.

Rev. George Fleming, pastor, confirmed that story. "Before the church was built, Mass was held at Hilltop," he said.

Father Fleming was thrilled that Brandon could bowl a perfect game in such an important place for his family. The priest is also impressed with Brandon 's commitment to his parish.

"He plays guitar in our contemporary group, is a member of our youth ministry team and has worked on retreats as well as having served as a catechist," he said.

Involved

In addition to serving as co-captain of the Bowling Team and his parish commitments, Brandon is a member of his school's music ministry, the school band and ski club, and is a team captain for Future Business Leaders of America.

He is also balancing a full academic schedule, including a college-level course.

"I leave the house at eight in the morning, and I don't get home until 10 at night," he said.

He tries to get his homework done during his school's 45-minute activity period. Any additional homework he fits in during slow periods at work.

"Usually, there's one pair of lanes that's slow, so that gives me an hour or so to do my homework," Brandon said.

Future plans

Brandon isn't sure what the future holds for him. He'd like to major in music and business in college next year.

He's been accepted to the University of New Haven and is still waiting to hear if he's been accepted to The College of Saint Rose in Albany .

"I love both schools," he said, "but Saint Rose is one of my top schools."

(01/31/08)