Reaching the end of the season, the boys varsity bowling has proved they were willing to make this season a great one whether it was by being the hypest they possibly can be or throwing perfect pocket-shots. They have brought this season to a new level of great after shooting a 1000 series against Benson earlier this season.
A series is the complete total for a game with all the bowlers scores added up, so everyone contributed to this impressive score. When the varsity boys were asked when they noticed this game would be a good one they all said somewhere between 4th-7th frame. That is smack dab in the middle, so no one was completely sure or unsure that it was a good game.
When the boys shot the 1000 series Head Coach Brett Keim actually wasn’t there, so he was proud when he got input from Coach Gregg Smith about this achievement.
“They have gotten close a couple of times, getting 950’s and 960’s. We started the year off with something close to 1000, so it was great to see them start to achieve something everyone thought they could,” Keim said.
“The boys have kind of had an up and down season, but it seems like we are peaking at the right time with metros coming up quickly and districts right around the corner,” Keim said.
Every player gives something to the team, sometimes it may be motivation or tips to success. When Sophomore Troy Peterson was asked what he brings to the team he said, “Motivation and energy, definitely energy.” Keeping energy high can help get rid of performance anxiety, something that is extremely common in sports. When Junior Teegan Chappel, an unsung hero in Coach Keim’s words, was asked how the season has been going for him he proudly claimed to have “Exponential Improvement.”
Not just the varsity boys have had a great season, every bowler has had their own experience. Most of which seem to be good. The girls varsity have gotten runner-up in both metros and districts. A few players have even made their way to the individual state tournament. Mae Martin came in first, Anna Clements in fourth, Kassie Nattrass in fifth, and Dylan Matsunami in second on the boys side. Honorable mentions for districts go to Troy Peterson and Faith Hawkins. This really shows how dedicated they are to their sport and how ready they are to take on any challenges thrown at them.
“Personally, I hit a new high of 213 which I’m proud of and I think I’m doing good so far in the season,” junior Natalie Delaney said. “The group is doing great and we have lots of new freshmen who are being accepted into the group easily. The group has been bonding a lot this year. We are cooking and we are going to cook. I’m excited for the rest of the season,” Delaney said.
The season went well for both JV and Varsity, improvements have definitely been made.
“This season is going well, the varsity teams are doing great and JV is making improvements,” sophomore Luke Ferris said.
“We definitely bring each other up and in my opinion when we are making jokes and goofing off, we bowl better.” Ferris continued. Bringing each other up is very important in any sport and making sure to keep the mood optimistic can help for success to appear. Coming together to form bonds and be a family is one of the most important steps in teamwork.
The freshman and other new bowlers have definitely found their place in the team, some freshman girls even making it to varsity. There are obviously struggles when it comes to sports and especially when joining a new team.
“Keeping confidence up and not letting pressure get to us has definitely been a struggle, but that is part of being an athlete. I’m figuring that out as I go,” Freshman Leah Wigginton said. “I think the rest of the season is bound to be a good one, especially if we keep our spirits up. Motivation and good energy is definitely the key to a good season for the entire team,” Wigginton said.
As the season comes to a close the bowlers made this one good. The boys showed that they were ready to fight for a goal and the girls fought until the very end multiple times. They are ready to improve in their sport next season and keep up the good work. Next year is already looking good just with the outcome of this one, the bowlers will keep up the practice to prepare for a tough fight next season. The bowlers are going to strive to shoot for the highest they possibly can, give it their all next school year, and make themselves and others proud.
