Striking Central

Central seniors remark on the successes of this year’s bowling teams

by Sam Elkins content editor

The Girl’s and Boy’s Bowling teams, headed up by Ms. Sharon Vreeland, consist of 18 members between the two. Both groups were founded when Vreeland decided there was a gap in Central’s high school sports that the bowling teams could fill. They have dedicated themselves to growing in both members and popularity and have gained better skills over time. The members have made their homebase Lucky Jack’s, where they hold all their games and practices. Although they have won and lost, they still remain strong and charismatic.

Brady Lane enjoys the routine of their practices. “My brother used to be on the team before I joined. He introduced me and [I’ve] definitely got a lot more friends,” Lane states. “[In a normal practice], right after school, [we go] over to Lucky Jack’s. [The] first ten minutes are basically just hanging out. We then have a meeting about events and meets and such. From there on we just have fun,” he explains. Bowling is categorized as a winter sport here at Central, so their season is complete for the year, but they came away with many accolades: Big North Conference All-Conference, Great Northwest Bowling Conference Dream Team, and Great Northwest Bowling Conference All-Conference. “A lot of people have had accomplishments. Recently [a member of the team] we call JJ hit almost a 300 game,” Lane recalls. “My [favorite part] is when it gets really loud and high up in the energy. It gets [to be] a lot of fun.”

Lane isn’t the only one; Lucia Izaguirre has had many of the same experiences in the women’s division: “I think it’s fun, and I think people should do it. It’s worth it,” she claims. Izaguirre has been a member for two years and has had countless fun experiences with her teammates. “I learned a lot of techniques and oil patterns. It’s interesting. It’s just hard for the girls’ team to get new people,” she admits.

Between the men and women’s division, bowling can be a fun sport for all. Not only does it provide a place for students to gain social interaction, it also provides a sport that’s more inclusive than other sports such as football or basketball that are high in popularity that require tryouts or a selection process in order to join. The bowling team has never cut a member, and all members have gotten in that want to. Bowling is a sport for all, and doesn’t exclude. “People are nice and it’s a welcoming group,” Lane adds. He is looking forward to pursuing bowling beyond his high school years as well. “My brother joined the Ferris team, and I probably will [join] my first year at Ferris, too,” Lane remarks. While it does cost some money for things like jerseys and your own bowling ball, it is still worthwhile to check out. //