As Unified bowling finishes off its 10th season at Millard South, it’s obvious to players and coaches that it’s becoming a more popular sport among students.
“We started out with 9-10 bowlers, and now we are over 40 bowlers. We have had freshmen come out and not be very good bowlers, and know some of them are making it to state and placing, which is amazing.” David Stalling, one of the Unified bowling coaches, said.
With the recent growth in participation, the sense of community becomes more apparent.
“I love the sense of community Unified brings. You don’t have to be the best athlete in the world, you just have to be willing to get out there and try!” Junior Libby Rigg said.
However, with a larger community comes more challenges,
“Numbers, but in a good way. …when first stated, we only had about 10 bowlers. Now we have over 40, and organization is the key. Thank goodness for coach Bachman because she keeps our program organized,” said Stalling.
Even with challenges during the season, it doesn’t stop the team from coming together with their shared love of bowling, creating lasting friendships that would not have happened without the sport.
“Athletes get to interact with partners that they may never have gotten to know. Those relationships go beyond the bowling alley.” Coach Bachman stated.
This is something that the coaches notice even outside of the bowling alley.
“The high-fives and ‘hellos’ exchanged in the hallways with new friends can make a huge impact day to day. They get to participate as a member of a team, which is an opportunity they may not otherwise have had. They get recognition for being uniquely themselves,” Coach Monica Bachman said.
The relationships aren’t just something that coaches are noticing either; students can feel the atmosphere during Unified Bowling and just how close everyone has become.
“I love the atmosphere Unified has. There’s very much a “yet” mindset, and that’s been very encouraging! It’s fostered lots of growth in both the sport and in the relationships!” Rigg expressed.
Overall, as unified bowling grows and reaches new students, the encouragement and positive attitude between the athletes, partners, and coaches remains bright and bubbly.
“I realized how much I enjoyed the people, not just the experience. Ever since, I’ve been as involved as I can be in everything Unified!” Rigg stated.
