photo credit: Cate Woolard
According to Bowling Life, the International Bowling Federation (IBF) has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee since 1979. Many people say that bowling is not a serious sport, but this is simply not true.
Bowling Life goes on to say that the sport requires accuracy and control, with the up to 16 pound ball being able to fly down the lane anywhere from 20-35 mph. Additionally, some of the rotations in bowling can put serious stress on athletes’ wrists, shoulders, knees and leg muscles.
Bowling is such an underrated sport. It is way more serious than people would expect. It requires lots of skill. According to pin chasers, to get the ideal strike, bowlers are only supposed to hit four pins with the ball, meaning that to get a perfect score of 300, they’re only supposed to hit 48 pins the entire time.
Another challenging aspect to bowling is that different lanes can massively change the way bowlers play. Depending on where they are, the different oil patterns and alleys can make athletes have to completely change their strategy for each game, according to Bowling Life. The equipment for bowling is taken seriously, just like any other sport.
The high school has its very own bowling team. Last year, the girls team finished fourth in its conference with a record of 1-3, and the boys team finished third in its conference with a record of 2-2.
In my opinion, the bowling team does not get all the recognition it should. Think about how much attention sports like basketball and football get. Bowling should get the same notoriety.
Last year, the previous captain of the girls team, Ashlyn Nichols, advanced to state, where she placed 74th. The boys team did not advance to states, but it did go to districts and ended up placing 16th. Overall, the girls team didn’t go to state either but scored a score of 2357 at districts, which is especially impressive considering that teams aren’t allowed to use the bumpers.
Tryouts were on Nov. 3, and the team was nice enough to let me come. The bowling season is starting, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year for the team. From what I saw, a lot of the players have so much talent, even the youngest players are really good, and they’re only going to get better from here.
The bowling team is small but mighty; this year only a total of around 19 people tried out, with the boys having 12 and the girls around seven. However, the team is not defined by its small size, and it will continue to excel throughout the season. The varsity lineup has not been announced yet for this season, but soon the team and captain for this year will be known.
Considering the small size, both teams but especially the girls are looking for new members. Tryouts are open all season, no experience is needed, just interest in the sport. It’s a great opportunity to start a new sport and meet lots of new people.
Going to school sporting events is such a fun way to hang out with friends and support the school. This bowling season is just starting, and going to watch bowling would be a great way to have fun during the winter and support the high school.
The schedule for this season has not come out yet, but the team is holding a tournament on Dec. 20. If you’re ever bored this winter and missing Friday night football, consider going to a bowling match. You’ll find it just as fun.
