Riverside Lanes

A Pillar Finally Achieves Perfection; Erik McNair shoots 300
By Dustin J. Markowitz

The sport of bowling has always been one to feature a variety of tragedy and triumph. The world loves a good story and more often than not, it’s the horrors of the bowling community come to light. From centers being shut down, the loss of our heroes in the game and questions about the future of the sport, a day hardly goes by where one doesn’t get bombarded with despair and darkness. It’s with this fact that the stories of triumph mean so much more in these trying times. On August 29th, 2023, one of these stories occurred.

Erik McNair is a staple of bowling in Laughlin, Nevada. A competitive bowler originally from Southern California, Erik grew up from the junior program and learned the value of bowling both on and off the lanes. Upon moving to the area, Erik worked hard to help bring together the bowling community. Through his business 928 Powersports, Erik has donated thousands of dollars for causes such as the growth of the Youth and community outreach programs all the way to helping bring the PBA back to Laughlin. He is also the current president of the Colorado River United States Bowling Congress and has volunteered countless hours of his time in effort to bring together a stable and successful association for those who bowl in it.

However, for all of his successes off the lanes, one thing had eluded him on the lanes and that was a perfect 300 game as an adult.

“The last 300 game I shot was when I was 17 years old,” explained Erik. “I was bowling the JAT at the time and I’m now 52. Over the last couple of years, I’ve been struggling so bad I just figured my chances were long gone.”

August 29th was a hot and balmy night in Laughlin when the Quickdraw Trios league took to the floor. A full house filled the summer league as Erik prepared to bowl on the end pair of 33 and 34. Jokes were always abound about the struggles on the end pair and Erik himself was no exception bemoaning the night ahead. However, there were no jokes in the air as Erik took out his Motiv Pride Empire and began the 2nd game with the front 10 strikes. While most bowlers would be excited to be in this position, a small sense of dread came over those who knew Erik. “I had the front 10 twice over the last several years and both times I ditched it on the 11th shot,” reflected Erik. “The mental part just got to me and I felt the same way here.”

This time would be different though as Erik buried the 11th strike and eventually shot his coveted 300 game.

While 35 years between perfect games may not be a record, the impact of this one certainly felt record breaking to those who saw it. The roar of those in attendance defined a moment as this pillar of the community finally achieved the goal he so often sought. For someone who loves the game as much Erik does, it was also a moment of relief and reflection on his view of the game. “The older I get, the more these things mean to me. Bowling is just such a wonderful sport and I’m happy I can continue to be part of it. I love this game and I love the people involved with it too.”