To have a ‘perfect game? in any sport is nearly impossible and bowling is certainly no exception.
So, when varsity Wildcat bowler MacKenzie Janssen threw the final strike in the 10th frame making her score a perfect 300 for the first-time ever at the Romeo Team Tournament on Jan. 3, she was ecstatic.
‘It was amazing,? Janssen said. ‘I’ve worked so hard for four years, so just to do that is awesome.?
Janssen, who transferred to Oxford last year as a junior from Utica Eisenhower, said the first time she picked up a bowling ball was in her freshman year.
‘My friend said, ‘You should come out for the bowling team? and I did,? she said.
She’s been in love with the sport ever since.
‘I love the rush you get and the pressure that you’re under,? Janssen added. ‘You bond as team, you make good shots, you make bad shots, you learn from your mistakes. It’s a learning process.?
When not bowling, Janssen enjoys reading, hunting and working on cars. In fact, she wants to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio where she plans to take her bowling to the next level and study diesel mechanics.
‘They need more (diesel mechanics) and I like working on cars,? she said.
She specifically likes big trucks like F-250 and F-350.
‘I want like five trucks,? she said with smile.
As far as bowling goes, Oxford varsity Head Coach J.R. Lafnear couldn’t be more proud of the job Janssen’s done and feels ‘fortunate to have her,? as a part of Oxford’s program for the past two years.
‘It was just a matter of time that she was going to throw a 300 game. She is just one of the most talented bowlers we’ve ever had and I’m looking forward to watching her this year,? Lafnear explained.
‘She is working hard, and needs to get a little focus, but the sky is the limit for her. She’s excited about going on the next level at college. She deserves it.?
He noted the rest of the team loves having her around as well.
‘She’s just a bundle of energy,? Lafnear said. ‘I’m real proud of her.?