It only took two years for Sean Lacey to spin perfection.
The Camden Catholic High School senior first picked up a bowling ball during his sophomore year. A little over 24 months later, he reached the sport’s pinnacle of throwing a perfect 300 game in a match Jan. 22.
The Irish were entrenched in the heated third and final game of a divisional match against Cherry Hill West, and Lacey came up big in a clutch situation with much more than a personal goal on the line.
“It actually wasn’t that bad,” Lacey said of his nerves leading up to the final throw. “I expected it to be a lot worse. But I was more so just happy we won the game because it was really close. By the 12th shot, I just kind of submitted it to God. Like if it was going to happen, it would. So why be nervous?”
Lacey said his faith helped settle his nerves, and his 300 game helped the Irish win the third game by 26 pins, securing a 3-1 victory over the Lions. He was mobbed by his coach and teammates after completing the rare feat. It was the first 300 game in school history and just the ninth thrown in New Jersey this high school season.
“I think without my faith, a 300 would not be possible,” Lacey said. “I don’t think I’d be able to do that on my own.”
Lacey’s girlfriend and his father were onsite to witness the history-making feat – both with some nerves of their own.
“What Sean didn’t know is that his dad was burning a hole, pacing the floor, as was Sean’s girlfriend,” Camden Catholic coach Joe Nawn said. “I’m literally coaching and saying, ‘Stay calm.’”
Lacey – whose father is preparing for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Camden – is a senior captain and an altar server during school Masses at Camden Catholic and his home parish of Saint Peter in Merchantville. He will attend the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, next year.
Lacey joined Camden Catholic’s bowling team during his sophomore year after the team rejoined the varsity ranks after a 31-year absence. He hit his stride last season, posting a 172 average, which was the second-highest on the team behind Jacob Michaud. Then Lacey decided to make an adjustment.
“I started sophomore year as one-handed,” Lacey said. “At the end of junior year, I had been experiencing some hip pain with bowling, so I decided to switch to two-handed. That is the best decision I’ve made. I picked up on it really quickly with the help of Mr. Nawn.”
Through a dozen matches this season, Lacey is now averaging 208.5 pins a game. Nawn cites Lacey’s studious outlook on the game and relentless work ethic for his improvement.
“Sean has worked so hard and he accepts coaching very well,” Nawn said. “He’s the type of player that doesn’t have any quit in him. His coaches are proud of him. He’s the type of player that if you ask him for more, he will find another gear and find a way to get it done.”
The team celebrated Lacey’s accomplishment with a party and a cake a few days after the 300 game. Lacey said he celebrated at home with a great meal.
Now that he’s had a taste, he’s hoping for a second serving of perfection on the lanes before the season is through.
“Hopefully,” Lacey said with a laugh. “If it’s supposed to happen, it will. I’m not going to worry about it. I’m going to let God take care of it.”
The Irish boys team was 8-4 through Jan. 27 while the girls team was 7-5. Both have been on a roll. The team was also making final preparations for its annual Strike Out Hunger event on Feb. 8 at Westbrook Lanes in Bellmawr, which raises money for the bowling team and collects cans of soup for Cathedral Kitchen in Camden. Last year, they collected 600 cans of soup.
“Faith is a huge part of our team,” Nawn said. “We pray before every practice, every match, every event. And we all acknowledge the fact that our talents are gifts from God.”
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