900… twice!

Two 900 series rolled by a New York teenager were officially approved June 19 by the United States Bowling Congress.

The two perfect three-game series - three consecutive 300 games or 36 straight strikes - by Robert Mushtare, 17, of Carthage, N.Y., were rolled during pre-bowling sessions for the Pine Plains Junior/Senior League at Pine Plains Bowling Center in Fort Drum, N.Y., on Dec. 3, 2005 and Feb. 19, 2006, respectively.

Due to the extraordinary circumstances of having two 900 series rolled during pre-bowling periods in the same bowling center by the same person, USBC conducted a thorough investigation into the score submissions. In keeping with the current rules of the sport as approved by USBC delegates - which allow for the recognition of honor scores rolled in pre-bowling sessions - USBC approved Robert's scores. 

“USBC did conduct a thorough inquiry. Based on the information derived in the interviews, USBC concluded that the rules of the game were followed, and therefore the scores were approved,” said USBC Director of Sport Jeff Henry. 

After learning of the approvals, Robert said, "I was waiting for so long but, overall, I'm ecstatic. Back when I rolled the scores, I was thinking, 'Is this really happening to me?' It's an unbelievable feeling."

Although both 900 series were rolled in pre-bowl sessions, Robert's mom and other people at Pine Plains Bowling Center witnessed the record-setting accomplishments.

Earlier this season, USBC administratively rejected a 900 series by Robert submitted as having occurred on Nov. 5, 2005 during a pre-bowling session in the same league at Pine Plains Bowling Center. That decision was based on the fact that the league was not certified and that Robert was not a USBC member at the time the score was bowled. The administrative decision was appealed and ultimately denied by the USBC Legal and Legislative Committee.

With his two 900s, Robert becomes the first person to have rolled certified multiple perfect series and the youngest to roll an approved 900. He also becomes the first youth bowler to shoot a certified 900. Robert is the 10th person to roll a certified 900 series, making it 11 approved 900 series that have been recorded in the 111-year history of certified league bowling.

Following is a list of the 11 USBC-approved 900 series with the locations and dates the scores were bowled: (Note: All scores before Robert's first 900 were approved by the American Bowling Congress, one of the organizations that merged to form USBC.)