CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The bystanders at the bowling alley paused their games and watched in suspense as the young fifteen year old entered the 10th frame with a perfect score tallied. The crowd of a more than a hundred people was in awe as the game finished three frames later with a score of 300. Tears in Mom's eyes and a hug from Dad, it was the first of many perfect scores Staff Sgt. Josh Chambliss would accomplish in his bowling career and one of the best experiences of his life.
Following in the footsteps of his experienced parents, Sergeant Chambliss, a communications navigations system journeyman in the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, rolled his first ball at the age of two. Bowling skills undoubtedly run in the family as his dad averages a score of 197, his mom 170 and Sergeant Chambliss surpassing both with an average of 218. Naturally they taught him most of what he knows, however, he has had several coaches over the years. One of his most memorable coaches trained him between the ages of ten and twelve in his hometown of Southaven, Miss., whom Sergeant Chambliss says he still attributes his skill set to. Since his first 300 score when he was 15, he's bowled 11 more perfect games in his bowling career.
Sergeant Chambliss has been a Professional Bowling Association member since 2001, participating in 27 tournaments throughout the southeast region. One of the tournaments, the Southern Region Tour Non-Champion Open, was this weekend at Starlifter Lanes here on base. Out of 77 bowlers, Sergeant Chambliss advanced to the semi-finals and eventually placed 16th.
"I'm very pleased with that score," Sergeant Chambliss said. "The best score I've ever had was 15th place so for only placing one behind that, I'm very happy."
This is the first time Starlifter lanes has hosted a PBA tournament and Sergeant Chambliss hopes they can do it again next year.
"Starlifter Lanes did a fantastic job this past weekend. Rob Collins (Starlifter Lanes manager) and his staff did an excellent job making sure we had enough storage area, access to the pro shop and great employees on hand to accommodate our needs," Sergeant Chambliss commented. "It was a very welcoming environment for the tournament and the kind of service you don't get at a lot of other places."
When Sergeant Chambliss finds the time to practice at Starlifter Lanes he does, but he also conveniently works part-time at Dorchester Lanes in the pro shop which allows him to practice about four times a week.
In the future he hopes to possibly own his own pro shop and catch more tournaments but for now he wants to continue enjoying his work with C-17s until he reaches his 20-year retirement.
"I bowl for the enjoyment," he said. "When I throw a bad shot I just remind myself that it's over and I always have the next one. It's not paying the bills and it's not the end of the world."
For those interested in pursuing bowling, Sergeant Chambliss gave some advice.
"Make sure to find a certified coach and practice as much as you can," he said. "Always give it a chance. Anybody can be tomorrow's winner."