It was an accomplishment that's been 10 years in the making.
When Dakota Jordan bowled an 875 series at Bulldog Lanes last week, the total was good enough to set a state record.
Jordan, a student at Mississippi State, began bowling when he was 10-years-old. There were two bowling houses near his home in Perlington, close to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and another in Slidell, La.
The competition in those houses sparked Jordan's interest in the sport and believed it was a skill he could develop.
After turning 20-years-old a couple of months ago, being able to bowl his first sanctioned 800 series and set a state record with an 875 turned out to be a nice belated birthday surprise.
"I always wanted to be something great, but I never exactly thought I would get there," Jordan said. "I was astounded that I was able to pull off an 875 and set the state record."
Jordan wasn't even aware he was within striking distance of a state record as the numbers continued to grow.
After bowling a 296 and 297 to start the series, Jordan knew all he had to do was register his average of 225 and he would reach an 800 series. He did that and more.
"I was more excited about pulling off an 800," Jordan said. "I pulled off the front eight (strikes) and when I pulled off that eighth strike, I had my first sanctioned 800 and I was happy with that, then I realized you're still on the road to 300 as well as a state record and everything came together. When I rolled that last ball and it fell off my hand perfectly, I was more excited and speechless. I still think I'm dreaming."
Jordan isn't a member of any particular team at Bulldog Lanes, at least not yet.
For now, he's content to keeping his game sharp on his own.
"I'm practicing some and seeing how things work out," Jordan said. "I don't want to go on a dry spell and not bowl."
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