BUTLER TWP — After posting a personal high average of 225, compiling six perfect games and a pair of 800-series, Kurt Huff gave up league bowling 10 years ago.

He wanted to devote more time to his kids and coaching the sport.

It's been time well-invested.

“I had some back issues, too,” Huff said. “But, primarily, I saw my sons developing the same passion for the game that I have and I wanted to help them along.”

Huff's oldest son, Nick, a sophomore on the Butler High School bowling team, rolled his first-ever 300 Saturday during youth league action at Family Bowlaway.

Nick Huff, 15, is averaging 190 on Saturdays, 185 for the high school team. His previous high game was 280, bowled two weeks earlier.

His father and grandfather, Les Huff, were on hand to witness the perfect game.

“That was by pure coincidence we happened to be there,” Kurt Huff said. “It was a special, emotional time for our family.”

Butler High bowling coach Bob Cupp was also on hand to witness Huff's 300. It marked the first perfect game bowled in youth play at Family Bowlaway since Justin Cookson rolled one two years ago.

“I was impressed by the poise Nick showed,” Cupp said. “It's easy for a kid — for anyone — to get off his mark or let nervousness affect your shot late.

“He handled that as well as any adult could have.”

Huff said the strikes “just kept piling up” and he didn't think much about them until the final frame or so.

“I was just trying to maintain my concentration, put each shot where it needed to be,” Huff said. “I don't want to sound arrogant, but each strike was pretty much spot on. I felt locked in.”

He also felt relieved.

Huff's younger brother, Chris, is a seventh grader carrying a 163 average. He bowled a 268 a few weeks ago.

“I was worried he was going to beat me to a 300,” Huff admitted, laughing. “He's very good. But I'm glad I got to do it first.”

“I guess there is a bit of a brother rivalry there,” Kurt Huff said, laughing. “Both of those guys will probably roll a few of them before they're done. It's all about mentally getting that first one and experiencing what it takes to do it.”

Two years from now, Nick Huff will be a senior while Chris is a freshman on the high school team.

“And our dad will be an assistant coach,” Nick enthused. “Those will be some fun times.”

The times right now aren't too bad, either.

Nick Huff is also a member of the Butler High School golf team and averaged 45 per nine holes last fall. But make no mistake, bowling is his No. 1 game.

“He's coming on strong after a slow start — like he did last year — and is headed toward regionals,” Cupp said. “Nick is a competitor. Experiencing the pressure of regionals last year probably helped him polish off that 300.”

Huff's father agreed.

“It always helps when you experience bowling when something big is on the line,” Kurt said. “The tendency is to rush things. Before his 12th strike Saturday, Nick stepped back off the approach to kind of reset himself.

“He didn't feel ready to go, so he paused and regrouped. That's a sign of maturity in a bowler.”

Also working three days a week at Sherwood Lanes, Nick admitted it takes him a while to find his groove once bowling season starts.

“Between work and schoolwork, juggling everything, it's an adjustment,” he said. “My mind's not totally on my bowling game when the season first rolls around.”

Nick Huff doesn't expect to be a professional bowler later in life. He wouldn't mind bowling in college, though.

“If I get that opportunity, I'll be thrilled,” he said.

Just like he thrilled his father and grandfather Saturday.

“Watching him bowl that 300 was a bigger thrill for me than any of the ones I bowled ... absolutely, no contest,” Kurt Huff said.