Kulseth rolls rare 300 game at Trapper’s Lanes
PERFECT - Paul Kulseth accomplished a rare feet the other night, bowling a perfect game at Trapper’s Lanes in New Richland. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
“There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place — and the universe opens itself up for a few seconds to show you what’s possible.”
Author Terrance Mann first penned those words, made famous in the timeless 1989 movie Field of Dreams.
For Paul Kulseth, those words became reality on Wednesday, Nov. 28.
The 56-year-old Kulseth, owner of a career average in the upper 180s, rolled a perfect 300 game during the Wednesday Nite League at Trapper's Lanes in New Richland.
"Everything was right," said Kulseth of Waseca. "Every ball I threw was just spot on. It was wonderful."
It also came as a big surprise. Kulseth, who bowls in one other league in New Richand, brought in a 198 average. He flirted with 300 before, rolling 279 about 10 years ago, but, considering his age, Kulseth knew this might be his last shot at 12 strikes in a row and a perfect 300. So he was determined to do it right. There were no Brooklyns or cheap shots.
"Every ball was a pocket shot," said Kulseth. "Everything was right."
Kulseth's wife, Sue, an administrative secretary at NRHEG Schools, often accompanies him to bowling and was there that night. But she was reading a book and was oblivious to the situation.
"I tried," said Kulseth. "I told her after my sixth strike that my knees were starting to shake."
By the next frame he was sweating, which he said is unusual because it's normally on the cool side at Trapper's lanes.
"I told her my hands were sweating," said Kulseth.
Five strikes later she heard the cheers and knew something special must have happened.
"I've said that was probably an advantage to me," said Kulseth. "If she had been watching, I probably would have been more nervous."
The Kulseths have two children. Courtney is a sophomore at Gustavus-Adolphus College in St. Peter and Mallory lives in Mankato.
Other than his marriage, which is going on 20 years in January, and the birth of his children, Kulseth said rolling the 300 game was just about the highlight of his life.
"It was very, very exciting," he said. "I was very, very fortunate to be in that position. It's very humbling. A lot of people bowl their whole lives and never do that. I'm very fortunate."
Unlike some 300 bowlers, who were admittedly extremely nervous in the final few frames, Kulseth managed to keep his cool.
"I've had a couple 279s, so I told myself if I ever get the opportunity to do it again, I'd do everything in my power to keep myself calm," he said.
The first ball of the 10th frame got stuck in the ball return, giving Kulseth some time to ponder the gravity of the situation.
"It's kind of like the coach icing the kicker in football," he said. "I had all that time to think."
But it didn't faze him.
"I just tried to stay focused," he said. "The 12th ball felt wonderful when it left my hand."
How rare is Kulseth's accomplishment?
Albert Lea used to have 300 bowlers on what seemed like a monthly basis, but Kulseth's was only the second in recent memory at Trapper's Lanes. He was told there have been no 300 bowlers in Janesville and he maybe witnessed a couple while bowling many years in Waseca.
And though Kulseth finished his 300 night with a lot of strikes, he was reminded early the next game just how difficult it is to string together 12 in a row.
"The first ball in the next game was just like the previous 12," said Kulseth. "It hit the pocket perfectly."
But the 10 pin remained standing.
Said Kulseth, "I was very fortunate to get 12 in a row."