Maybe there is no perfect time for a personal best, but it would be hard to imagine a better one for Michael Harmon.
Michael Harmon of Edgewood bowls during matches Thursday at Shore Lanes Merritt Island.
The Edgewood eighth-grader set a Cape Coast Conference record last week with a 797 series. It was also his personal best, by 41 pins, and his opening game of 299 was a personal best in sanctioned competition, by 20 pins.
“I was making good shots in practice, and I just said to myself that if I can do the best of my ability, I can have a great day,” he said. “I had a great day, and that’s all you can ask for.”
That it was at the CCC tournament made it all the better, but it also came in the year of the 30th anniversary celebration of his family’s ownership of River Lanes in Titusville, where the tournament was held. Furthermore, his grandmother, Shirley Levens, was on hand to see his performance. Levens was a 2013 inductee to the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame.
This year, 14-year-old Harmon has averaged 194, pacing the Edgewood team with teammate Theo Bell, who has averaged 183.
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Edgewood coach Valerie Lance said family legacy hasn’t been the only key to his success.
“Part of it is natural talent, and part of it is dedication,” she said. “Anybody can go up there and throw a ball, but you’ve got to be dedicated to your sport. For someone his age to be able to steel yourself against the pressure is something you have to learn. You have to learn how to block out everything and focus.”
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Edgewood started its season 5-8, but Lance said the team has begun to peak late in the season.
“We are feeling pretty strong,” she said. “We have a district title to defend, and I think we have as good a shot as anybody. Conference was a great gauge for going forward.”
On Monday, the Indians and the rest of the District 10 programs will gather back at River Lanes to determine the top two teams. Those two will advance to the state tournament next week at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando.
The Titusville girls, a CCC team champion, will also compete. On Tuesday, the District 11 champion Bayside boys will compete with other south Brevard teams for their shot at state.
Top CCC girls bowlers
As is his nature, Harmon is optimistic about Edgewood.
“Everyone has a chance when you go to district or conference,” he said. “There’s always going to be a Cinderella story.”
Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.
Today’s high school bowling
District 10 tournament, Titusville, 8 a.m.
High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/