Bowling Head Coach Kevin Crowther says their focus this year in practice is to focus on practice.
‘I know it sounds funny,? he said, ‘but kids like to show up and bowl just for scoring. This year we’re working on our weak areas. If you get the skills, the score will come later.?
Crowther predicts a good season for the girls? varsity team, with five varsity players returning from last year. They’ll be lead by Kate Gladstone and Tessa Tomlin.
‘They’ve all improved ? a year older, a year wiser,? he noted, adding that freshman and sophomore players have the potential to ‘do good things, too.?
The boys? team might be on slipperier footing after graduating three solid bowlers last season.
Crowther says the team will rely heavily on returning senior Brian Yang and junior Trae Bonds, adding that two sophomores ? moved up from number one and two spots on junior varsity ? will prove helpful.
Younger members will have to learn perform more consistently under pressure, according to the coach.
‘There is quite a big difference between a JV and varsity match,? he said.
The team’s goal for this season is to win the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) title, or at least be a contender in the championship.
‘I like to set high goals,? Crowther said. ‘It’d be nice if the boys come together for the county tournament because we’re the reigning champs.?
The coach noted regular-season play isn’t important in comparison to how a team performs at the regional level.
‘You could lose every single [regular season] match, but if you show up a regionals, you could go to the state championship,? said Crowther.
But what is important, is improving skills throughout the regular season, he added.
The coach says bowling is a unique sport with an interesting dynamic between athleticism and sportsmanship.
‘It’s a very technical sport,? he said. ‘I compare it to golf. There’s more moving parts. It’s not just trying to keep your feet still and address the ball correctly ? you have to move while taking your shot.?
Crowther added bowling is unlike other sports, like football, because of its involvement with other players.
‘You don’t see a football player giving someone on the other team a high-five, saying ‘nice tackle!?? he said, noting in bowling, occurrences like that happen.
The coach also encourages any interested students to give it a try. The teams will take new players, even though tryouts are over.
‘If we can take a kid who just likes to bowl with his friends and make him a life-long bowler, we’re pretty happy,? Crowther said.