On October 13, University (Orange City) senior Nathan Tillis achieved a perfect 300 game at AMF Deltona, during a significant senior night match against Deltona Trinity Christian. This emotional accomplishment, which marked Tillis's second perfect game of the season, was dedicated to the memory of his late uncle, Daniel Tillis Jr. The event drew local attention as a poignant moment in Deltona's high school sports scene.
Tillis's first perfect game of the season had occurred on August 26, in a match against Matanzas at Palm Coast Lanes. Just over a month later, the University team, along with Tillis, experienced a profound loss with the passing of Daniel Tillis Jr. Daniel Tillis Jr., Nathan's uncle, was a dedicated supporter of the Titans and had been considered an unofficial assistant coach for the team. His death, after a battle with cancer, deeply affected Nathan and the bowling community.
For the final match of University's regular season at AMF Deltona, Tillis specifically made arrangements to honor his uncle's memory. The night before the match, he reached out to his aunt, Adrienne, and his cousin, Daniel, inviting them to attend the senior night event. Tillis described the event as "very emotional," noting it was the first time his aunt and cousin had been at a match since his uncle's passing. This personal touch added a layer of significance to the competition held within Deltona.
Witnessed by his family, Tillis rolled his second perfect 300 game of the season, following an initial game score of 242. This achievement held a special meaning for Tillis, who recalled that his uncle had expressed a wish to "shoot 300" before he passed. Following his perfect game, Tillis shared a heartfelt moment with his aunt, telling her, "that game was for Uncle Danny," a dedication that resonated deeply with those present at the Deltona lanes.
Looking ahead, Tillis and the University Titans are preparing for the upcoming District 4 competition, with aspirations to return to the FHSAA state finals. University coach Scott Gill expressed confidence in the team's readiness, noting they finished with their highest team game of the season, scoring 1,167. Gill added, "I think we’re ready." The District 4 competition is scheduled for Tuesday at Bowl 360 in Tavares. The field will include other area teams such as DeLand, East Ridge, and South Lake, with South Lake having finished fourth in the boys state finals last year.