BUTLER TWP — When it comes to being a Special Olympics athlete, James Caldwell keeps busy.

Caldwell, 26, of Butler competes in basketball, field hockey and soccer for Special Olympics Pa. Butler County. He is headed to Villanova University in Philadelphia this weekend to play soccer in the State Games.

Caldwell added a little something to his athletic prowess Friday at Family Bowlaway.

Perfection.

He rolled a 300-game during Special Olympics competition.

“I just found my mark and kept my thumb up (upon releasing the ball),” Caldwell said of his perfect game. “I couldn't believe what was going on.”

And when he stepped onto the approach for the 10th and final frame, with approximately 30 people gathered around to watch?

“I was nervous. My heart was thumping ... hard,” Caldwell said.

But he took care of business — then took a little sprint.

“After that last strike, I ran all the way down to the other end (of the bowling alley), then all the way back,” he said, his face breaking into a wide grin.”

Caldwell only began bowling at age 19. His average is 145 and his previous highest game was 214.

His uncle and guardian, Ryan Perkins, bowls in a Monday night league in Grove City. He averages 172 and has never bowled a perfect game. His best effort has been a 258.

“Watching James do this ... When he took the perfect game into the 10th frame, my heart was in my throat,” Perkins said.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for him. When he finished it off, the place just erupted.”

Special Olympics Butler County has been bowling at Family Bowlaway's facility for 58 years. Its bowling season runs every Friday from August through November.

Caldwell is the first Special Olympian in Butler County to bowl a 300-game.

“At the end of the season, we always give a watch to anyone in our organization who bowls a 200 game,” Special Olympics Butler County manager Mary Pitzer said. “Now we have to figure out what to do about this.

“James has been asking, 'What do I get? What do I get?' All of us are absolutely thrilled for him. An achievement like this definitely helps the image of Special Olympics.

“These people may have special needs, but they are athletes. They are capable of accomplishing great things just like everybody else,” Pitzer added.

Pitzer said there are 86 bowlers in the county's Special Olympics program.

“James is the first bowler we've ever had do this,” she said. “It was fantastic. He'll always have this memory.”

Caldwell bowls twice a week. He participates in a league at Grove City's Bowlodrome.

“He's very active. He believes in keeping fit,” Pitzer said.

His impromptu run of joy Friday reflected that.

“I was so excited,” Caldwell said, laughing. “I guess I just went crazy.”

On the pins, that is.