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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Perfect Couple Nelsons Have Matching 300s, But Wife Jamie Is The True Kingpin

Catherine Hannity Correspondent

For Jamie Nelson of Spokane, bowling an 800 series was a farfetched goal - the ultimate achievement she only dreamt about. As luck would have it, Nelson not only bowled her first perfect game a couple of months ago, but she also entered the new year as the first woman to bowl a sanctioned 800 series in Spokane with a final of 803.

Nelson’s series score broke the record of 777 held by Spokane’s Kathy Barach for 10 years.

“Scoring an 800 was an ultimate goal that I only dreamed about, and yet I achieved it,” said Jamie. “Even top male bowlers have a difficult time achieving an 800.”

Bowling a sanctioned perfect game - a 300 - earns a diamond ring. Six weeks prior to Jamie’s success, husband Kevin Nelson bowled his first 300 and promised his wife the diamond ring he earned.

“I felt a lot of pressure to score a 300 after my husband did,” said Jamie.

Her perfect game was Jamie’s way of repaying Kevin. She gave him the diamond ring she earned.

Bowling is a highly technical game, one that requires a great deal of mental discipline. There are numerous elements that are taken into consideration. The lane conditions and weight of the ball are two key factors.

In a sport that requires great accuracy, the Nelsons have learned the necessary skills. Each roll comes down to the best board (with 40 boards to choose from). The speed and angle of the ball as it travels down the lane, as well as the hand position on the ball when it is released are all contributing factors.

“The hardest challenge in bowling is the mental part,” said Jamie. “I need to stay concentrated.” Bowling has been in Jamie’s family for years. Growing up in the Spokane area, she recalls that her family would bowl together, not to compete against one another, but to support and sometimes coach in tough situations.

“Our whole family bowls, not really as a pastime though,” said Jamie. “We take the game seriously and encourage each other to do well.”

Kevin, on the other hand, picked up the game as a pastime. “It was something to do to kill time,” he said.

Jamie and Kevin were bowling in their early 20s when they met.

“We met in a bowling alley and got married after that,” said Jamie. They have been married 4-1/2 years.

Both continue to be actively involved in bowling leagues. For Jamie, there may be a future in the sport beyond that of weekly leagues. “I am going to wait and see how I do these next few years,” said Jamie. “Maybe I can take it farther than league. My main goal is to be a better bowler and take it as far as I can.”

Jamie wants to maintain a high average - she is averaging anywhere from 202 to 209 right now.

Kevin, though, says his career has peaked.

“I am mainly in it to support Jamie,” he said.

Currently they bowl in five leagues, four at Valley Bowl and one traveling league within the Spokane area.

Next up for Jamie is the annual city tournament this month, then she plans to compete in the state tournament in March and hopefully the women’s nationals in Reno, Nev.