Buffalo News - Perfection on the lanes runs in the... -
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Published on: 12/14/2002
Last Visited: 12/15/2002
When Fred Back, Jerry and Janet's oldest son, now 45, bowled a 300 game last week at Thruway, he became the fourth member of the family to record a perfect game.
Jerry Back rolled a 300 in April 1956 at Airport Lanes.
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"I've been close a number of times," Fred Back said."It feels good to get it.I've had two 299s, a 298 and 296 (and several 279s).It seems like if I were to get the first nine, I'd leave a solid 10-pin.The 10-pin was my worst enemy."
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Fred admits: "There was a little teasing, but nothing I couldn't handle.Yes, I had doubts.When I was close, either I didn't get lucky enough or the final ball was always tough."
After he finally broke the barrier in Thruway's Scratch Trio League, he said: "I think every ball was in the pocket.But the last ball I didn't think I threw it as well as the others.I was amazed when (the 10-pin) finally fell down."
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Among the three brothers, "Fred is the most talented," Greg Back said.
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I think that irked Fred a little."
Greg averages 195, Chris has 206 and Fred is 222.
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"Dad was a professional for a while," Fred Back said."He taught all of us the fundamentals, and we all enjoyed bowling.He taught us good sportsmanship.Dad always had the reputation of being a good sport.He tried to impress that (aspect) on all of us.
"I fill in in other leagues, and a lot of people ask me if I'm his son.