The approach, release, spin of the ball, awareness of lane conditions, and number of pins knocked down in each frame are all components that are taken into account when bowling.
Last year, the VHHS bowling program had a record of 14-1 for the girls’ team and 11-5 for the boys’ team.
In the sport of bowling, competitors roll a ball down a lane to strike 10 triangular-shaped pins. It may sound like a simple and easy to do; however, students on the bowling teams would say otherwise.
Holly Faitsch (12) has bowled for all four years of high school.
“Something I wish people knew is how complex the sport is, and it’s not just rolling a ball down a lane; there is a lot of math that goes into every single shot I take,” Faitsch said.
Bowlers play by selecting the correct ball, keeping their form, and adjusting to lane differences.
People at various skill levels are a part of the bowling teams at our school and think it is a sociable pastime.
Zackery Shoemaker (11) has been on the team since freshman year and qualified for state his sophomore year
“I like the team and all the people I have met during bowling; everyone is really nice and I feel like I’ve made some close friends,” Shoemaker said
The bowling team has helped students build connections together through practices after school and matches both on weekdays and weekends, according to Shoemaker.
“The people on the team make it fun and enjoyable, and I’m happy to be bowling with them,” Shoemaker said.
Many places recognize bowling as a high school sport. Students participate in meets and matches as individuals, but are a part of the team and push each other to get better.
Joseph Wascow (11) has played throughout middle school and high school, scoring an average of 193 points per frame.
“I enjoy the camaraderie with my team and pushing myself to perform at the highest level in match play,” Wascow said.
Being a part of bowling has helped students improve their skills and get better individually and as a team.
“Bowling has given me the ability to focus solely on the present moment,” Wascow stated.
This inclusive nature fosters a sense of community, bringing diverse groups together for friendly matches or league competitions, according to students on the team.
“My favorite thing about bowling is the community we have on our team,” Faitsch said.
Bowling with a team can help students make connections and improve their skills.
The pursuit of the perfect game becomes a challenge, keeping players engaged and dedicated to improve their techniques.
Before scoring a perfect score of 300, Carlos Mendoza (12) described his excitement and nervousness, even though he had struck the whole game. The feeling of being able to get a perfect score was something many bowlers look forward to.
Mendoza has been playing for all of high school, yet there can still be nerve-racking moments that bring excitement.
“All that was going through my mind was me telling myself to be calm and that I needed to lower my heart rate as it’s not the best if you’re too excited when throwing the ball, I was also just thinking to myself that I’ve thrown this shot many times before and it’s not different from those shots,” Mendoza stated.
Mendoza continued to relay how he felt at this moment.
“My knees felt like jelly because I was so nervous so I had to take multiple deep breaths before throwing that last ball,” Mendoza said.
To help calm his nerves before the big game, Mendoza made sure to do what needed to be done to make the best shot.
“Once the 10th frame started, I had to take multiple deep breaths before every shot to make sure I was able to throw the best shot possible,” Mendoza stated.
The components of bowling–a smooth lane, a set of pins, and a ball–provide the foundation for a game that is both accessible for beginners and challenging for seasoned players.
Beyond the game itself, bowling creates a social space where shared experiences and lasting memories are made. From getting a perfect score or improving your skills, there is room for improvement and a sense of community.
“I have been able to create new friendships and make new memories,” Shoemaker said.
Shoemaker went on to explain how bowling fosters a feeling of community and shared experiences. Whether you’re aiming for a perfect score or just practicing with the team, there’s always a possibility for growth.
“I feel like all the cheers we do during games brings our team together and creates a sense of community because it encourages all of us to celebrate each other’s accomplishments,” Faitsch said.