The first LT student to ever bowl a perfect game in LT history has his name mounted high on the wall at Rolling Lanes Bowling Alley in Countryside: “Jack McGuinn 300.” On Nov. 24, varsity bowling captain Jack McGuinn ’16 bowled a perfect game against Hinsdale Central.

“I was basically just numb throwing the ball,” McGuinn said. “I couldn’t feel or think anything, and they just all fell.”

Breaking records was not always the case when McGuinn began his LT bowling career, however. McGuinn tried out for LT bowling his freshman year after occasionally bowling in middle school with his parents who bowl for a local league.

“I thought it would be something fun to do in high school, so I tried out and made the team,” McGuinn said. “I was very bad my freshman year.”

What started off as a fun activity soon turned into a challenge accepted, however, when as a freshman, McGuinn was told by doctors that he should stop bowling due to an elbow injury. The injury was caused by overuse from bowling and playing baseball. After surgery and hearing medical warnings, McGuinn found a solution that spared his bowling career.

“I had surgery and was told not to bowl anymore,” McGuinn said. “I wanted to, though, so I started using two hands which didn’t hurt my arm at all.”

Three years later, still bowling with two hands on the ball and a 300 in his pocket, McGuinn continues to perform as he has often scored in the 270s since the historical November match.

“Jack developed a knowledge for the game,” head varsity Coach Gary Morrill said. “It’s not just about throwing a ball. He actually developed a knowledge by studying the game to figure out where he can improve, and that’s not common in our program.”

Not only has Morrill seen McGuinn’s advancements over the years, but Colin Temple ’16 has shared a lane with him for two seasons, and shared history as the second LT bowler to ever score a perfect 300 at sectionals on Jan. 23.

“Jack is more of a quiet leader,” Temple said. “He has a high demand of what he wants from his teammates, and leads by setting a good example for the team. He sets the standard.”

Although serious and focused before matches, McGuinn said jokes are often passed among him and teammates between throws.

“I try to be calm when I bowl but I’ve found that I bowl a lot better when I’m full of energy,” McGuinn said. “My teammates definitely bring the energy.”

Jokes aside, LT took third at sectionals on Jan. 23 with individual team members averaging a score of 204.26. McGuinn averaged 231.83, and achieved a fourth place individual finish, propelling the boys towards state on Jan. 29.

“Jack is like another coach on the team,” Morrill said. “[Scoring 300] has made him more determined, and when you hit some kind of a milestone for a sport, its all about what’s next.”