No matter what accomplishments an athlete has, it is only those who are the most elite at their sport who can break and set record performances. Senior Neko Manna has just proven that he is elite at bowling as in a match against Gretna High School earlier this year he bowled a school record 279 coming within one frame of a perfect game while shattering the previous record of 265.
“I knew he had an opportunity at a great game immediately after the first two frames,” Head Coach Nate Wragge said. “The first ball was very smooth and hit just right. His second ball was the same way and that is when I knew he had a great opportunity.”
“I felt really good following that game,” Manna said. “I started to relax a little bit too much after that game, but then I reeled it back in, and turned out to be a really great day overall.”
Even though this record was broken in 10 frames, it has been in progress since last year as it was the hard work and dedication that led to the improvement of Manna’s game to break this record.
“The biggest difference between Neko and his opponents is his level of consistency,” Wragge said. “He is able to hit the same mark and make the same throw throughout the competition. Neko is also great at adapting to the lanes and when his ball is not reacting the way that he expected.”
“I feel like I have really improved my speed and my release,” Manna said. “I’ve gotten a lot better release and more revolutions to improve from struggles last season. Overall, compared to last year I’ve gotten a lot better.”
However, for Manna, the biggest part of breaking the record was being able to stay focused and keep bowling his best even when the potential of breaking this record came into view.
“After the sixth frame was when I realized that this game had a lot of potential,” Manna said. “I got a strike in the first six frames but then I had to pick up a spare in the seventh frame. After that, I collected myself and managed to strike out to finish the game.”
Even though the record is now his, Manna has set his sights even higher as he finishes out his career on the bowling team.
“This season I want to be the first to ever shoot a perfect game during competition,” Manna said. “Even if it isn’t me, I want someone on the team to be the first one to ever do it. That is what we have been striving for and working hard for.”
Manna and the rest of the team will look to finish out the season on top when they travel to the state bowling tournament which begins Feb. 7.
