It’s already crazy that a 14-year-old bowled a 300 in a junior varsity match. But when you hear about the circumstances this kid has faced, you will be thoroughly impressed.
This bowler’s name is Jordan Peacock. He lives in O’Fallon, Illinois and grew up bowling thanks to his father Tony. His perfect game came last week just months after his father passed away on the day of his 14th birthday. To add to this, Jordan was born with birth defects that included a partial right arm that was stunted just beyond the shoulder.
But as you can tell, none of these challenges have slowed Jordan down. Amazingly enough, Jordan wasn’t even supposed to bowl in this game for O’Fallon Township High School, but he got an opportunity.
“I carry 15 bowlers and just wanted to give some guys a chance to compete,” said Mike Imes, head bowling coach at O’Fallon for the last 20 years. “Then the kid comes in and bowls a 300. That’s tough to do when you haven’t warmed up.
“As his coach, and for all he’s been through, you couldn’t wish any more for a kid.”
The accomplishment was a great thing for Jordan as an individual. He also got to do something his father never did by rolling a 300. Tony was a long-time avid bowler who four times reached 299, but never hit his perfect game. His wife, Jordan’s mother, said he predicted his kids would get there, though:
“He even told me he would see his boys bowl their 300 games before he got his own,” Pamela Peacock said. “That was three years ago. He knew.”
Older son Justin hit a 300 for Imes in high school as well, and now bowls at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky. Now Jordan’s hit a perfect game as well. Here’s a Belleville News-Democrat video on his accomplishment:
While we can all realize the greatness of this situation now, those in attendance knew it as soon as it was happening.
By the eighth frame, Jordan had drawn a crowd that erupted in cheers with each additional strike he threw. Bowlers from the opposing team were among those who gathered around him for high-fives and pats on the back following his 12th and final perfect shot.
“It was special seeing him out there because he’s always fun and makes everybody smile and have a good time,” said senior teammate Andrew Orf. “We felt like he was deserving, and afterward, everybody on the team told him how happy they were for him.”
It’s definitely easy to have a smile on your face after reading this story. Jordan has the courage we should all strive to have. Here’s to a few more 300 games for this amazing bowler.
[Belleville News-Democrat, via Reddit]
