‘Pure excitement’: Biggar teen achieves perfect bowling game

Tanner Pollock began bowling a year ago with one goal in mind — to play a perfect game.

That goal became a reality for the 14-year-old this week when he rolled out 12 consecutive strikes, hitting a score of 450.

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“It took a long time. I’ve been going bowling pretty much every day for multiple games and I’ve gotten very close, sometimes to the point where it’s 10 or 11 strikes and I missed the last one or two throws,” Pollock said.

Though his goal often seemed just out of reach, he never let doubt interrupt his practice.

“I didn’t feel discouraged. I felt even better, because I knew I could get closer and closer every time,” he said.

The owner of Biggar Bowl was the only person who had the opportunity to witness Pollock’s accomplishment.

“It’s not very common at all. In fact, I’ve never seen one before. This is my first witness to a perfect game,” said Melissa Raschte. “Tanner has been dedicated and focused, and he really likes to bowl. He does it with a smile on his face, even when he has had a few attempts prior, and even when he missed it, he still had a smile on his face.”

The bowling alley owner said Pollock’s motivation came mostly from his own dedication, but also the $1,000 payout she was offering the first bowler to complete a perfect game.

“It hasn’t been done, as far as I know, in my alleys and definitely not since I’ve owned it. We wanted to promote people getting out and being active and striving towards getting that perfect game,” she said.

Pollock plans to spend the money on bowling shoes and his own bowling balls. He will continue to perfect his skills and hopes to attend the upcoming 2026 Saskatchewan five-pin provincial bowling tournament in Regina.