Bowling Hopes to Strike Perfection

Team Prepares for First Ever Tournament

Claire Mallet

Addy Bates

Focusing on his shot, senior Kyle Redfern practices for the team’s first ever tournament. Redfern has been on the bowling team for three years and is a starter on varsity. “I feel really good about the team this year,” Redfern said. “We have a really strong group of five that we feel can really compete, so we’re expecting big things this year”

Addy Bates, Reporter

After failing to advance to regionals last year by one position, the bowling team has changed the way they practice and has added five new players in hopes of advancing to regionals this season. They also look to win their first ever tournament on Nov. 2 as they compete in the Bryan Burr Invitational in Georgetown.

With this being the team’s first tournament, many players, such as senior Ian Cheek, have been changing up their own game and have made many adjustments in hopes of succeeding this year.

“I am feeling nervous, but [I’m] ready for this tournament,” Cheek said. “I have been preparing for this tournament for about a month by practicing and focusing more on my form rather than just knocking down the pins.”

Since the team can only bring seven members to the competition, they have worked on being able to work well together during baker games, which consist of five members each bowling in two frames a game, working towards a high score, and have taken into account the importance of doing well when other members are struggling, according to senior Kyle Redfern.

“Our practices are more focused as we’ve gotten to be able to focus on harder skills since we’re better as a team,” Redfern said. “I’m definitely looking forward to spending time with people that are fun to hang out with and build our team camaraderie as we grow through the season.”

Because this season is different than seasons prior, with the addition of more players and the tournament, Redfern said the mindset going into this season is more positive. 

 “I feel really good about the team this year,” Redfern said. “We have a really strong group of five that we feel can really compete, so we’re expecting big things this year”

Because the team consists of six seniors, this season is very important for the team, Redfern said, for this is the final chance that many of the bowlers have at making a run in playoffs as a team and individually.

“There have definitely been ups and downs throughout the seasons and we’ve all had some really good games and really bad games, but it’s been a really nice experience getting to meet everyone and really work as a team together,” Redfern said.

The tournament will be held at Mel’s Lonestar Lanes in Georgetown this Saturday and will begin at 11 a.m.