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Bowler Barta rolls into record book again
Adam Barta sets mark for most strikes in an hour
By Greg Gulas
STRUTHERS
When Adam Barta set his first Guinness World Record, that for most pins knocked down in an hour, he knew that it would be just a matter of time before setting his sights on another world mark.
After setting the world record for most strikes in an hour Saturday at Holiday Bowl, he intimated that he’s already thinking about his next attempt.
Barta threw 310 balls over a 60-minute timed sequence, registering 191 strikes to shatter the old mark of 176, set on Feb. 27, 2015 by Jason Hicks of Clio, Mich.
“Records were made to be broken and I am sure that someone will go after my two marks at some point, but this was such a perfect night and everything just seemed to come together for me,” Barta said.
Fighting a respiratory infection, Barta scaled back his last two practices to 30 minutes — Sunday and Tuesday of last week — yet said he felt ready to go.
“I just didn’t want to disappoint anyone so staying focused was the top priority. In practice I averaged between 181-188 strikes, yet it took a couple of rolls before getting that first strike,” he said. “After that, everything just fell into place.”
With more than 300 in attendance and streamed live to a national audience on Bowl Stream TV, his efforts raised over $3,000 for Paige Lejeune’s family and his Barta Nation Families Foundation.
“There was never a dollar amount attached to our effort, but we are ecstatic about the generosity of those who donated,” he added.
Barta averaged 5.2 shots every minute and at the end, seemed to be at his strongest when he rolled 14 straight strikes.
“The goal was to average three strikes a minute and we were able to keep that pace throughout,” he said.
It took 20 minutes upon completion in order to verify the record, first with Melanie Patchin and Alan Felmlee, who recording his progress on the “Big Board” and by brother Pete, who charted each throw on spreadsheet.
After cross-referencing both areas the record was verified, but Barta’s focus and loud cheering needed a gentle reminder that he was nearing the 176 mark.
Lejeune’s parents, Boyce and Amy, were flown up from Houston on Friday by Barta’s mother, Barb, while his mother-in-law, Lorri Palac, took care of their hotel accommodations.
“On Friday, we had a nice dinner with Paige’s parents and over the course of the weekend they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from everyone,” Barta said.
He singled out Holiday Bowl owners, Tom and Rose Eframedes, whom he said went out of their way to accommodate his every need from practice sessions to what was necessary the day of the event.
“This doesn’t happen without Tom and Rose’s generosity. They were all in with everything that I needed or asked for,” Barta said. “Tommy Graham and Bob Eisenbraun took care of the lanes, Craig Elliot the live stream, Brandon Allred of Logo Infusion designed the shirts while Ron and Scott Killian donated the signage. Everyone is to be thanked for their part in helping to make this happen.”
As for his next attempt, Barta thought that he would take some time in order to rest, but the record of 12 strikes in a minute remains appealing.
“I like to plan things and want to get the word out before I do anything, but if I do go after another record I’ll do it locally,” he said. “The venues are some of the very best and the support has been absolutely tremendous.”