Girard’s Barta sets Guinness bowling record

February 23, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

GIRARD

Don’t tag Adam Barta on Facebook. You might just stir his already competitive juices.

According to those that really know him, that might not be a bad thing.

Last weekend, Barta broke the Guinness Book of World Records for “Highest pinfall in tenpin bowling by an individual in an hour,” posting a 2,708 cumulative total at Wickliffe Bowling Center.

The quest started when the Girard native was tagged in a post to his Facebook wall referencing the previous record of 2,132, set last year by George Frilingos of Australia.

With encouragement from his wife, Marci, older brother Pete and Craig Elliott of Michigan Bowler TV, Barta embraced the idea of pursuing the record. The possibility of raising awareness and funds for his Barta Nation Families Foundation in the process only cemented his decision.

“Craig also saw the Facebook post and contacted me immediately in order to gauge my interest. They do a live television stream with their TNBA [The National Bowling Association] Reed-Hawthorne Memorial Classic Tournament in Wickliffe so along with my family’s encouragement, the timing was just right,” Barta said.

The two-time national leader for high average posted a 253.8 average for 87 games rolled during the 2013-14 campaign and earned top honors in 2001-02 when he posted a 246.3 averag. He is the architect of 183 career 300 games and 143 800 sets.

With all components finally in place after 10 grueling weeks of coordination, he destroyed the previous record by 576 pins.

“I have four different sponsors; Hammer, Turbo Grips, National Amateur Bowler Rankings and AXIS Sportswear and all four companies donated quite a bit of product for this event. When Craig mentioned that we can also raise much needed dollars for my foundation, I was more than willing to take a stab at the record book,” he said.

Barta broke the record around the 48-minute mark, proceeding to throw 291 shots which included 163 strikes, 78 nine-counts, 31 eight-counts, 15 seven-counts, two six-counts and a sole five-count.

With three balls nestled in the rack and a new rack occurring after every ball thrown, Barta averaged 4.85 shots per minute and 9.3 pins per throw.

He actually registered a perfect game in the middle of all of his throws, recording 12 consecutive strikes during one stretch of the session.

“People do not realize how taxing bowling can be on the body. Yes, I was tired but definitely not sore at the end,” he said. “It really was a great sense of accomplishment.”

While obtaining the record was paramount, not to be lost in the shuffle was the $3,500 raised for the foundation, which he started to honor his late father, Peter, who passed away on Christmas Eve in 2012 after a 2 1/2-year battle with colon cancer.

“He was given two to three weeks to live and lasted over 2 1/2 years so it’s easy to see why my father remains my inspiration,” Barta said. “He said he had so much yet to do. He wanted to see me get married and see his new grandson. His attitude was tremendous — just so very positive.”

Barta’s foundation distributes money to families in need of financial assistance and those whose loved ones are suffering from cancer.

He makes it a priority to seek out the needy by contacting local schools, local police departments and cancer treatment centers to obtain possible leads.

“Last year, seven families were recipients of dollars that we were able to raise and that means more to me than anything. It’s great to be able to help those that are less fortunate and as long as we are able to do so, then we will continue to be there for them,” Barta said. “The personal message I am trying to deliver is just one of help, but the power of hope as well.”

Those still wishing to donate to Barta’s foundation can still do so by going to www.michiganbowler.tv and clicking the donation link, or by contacting Elliot at craigelliott@michiganbowler.tv.

You can also access Barta’s sanctioned record-setting hour on the same website.