On March 5, a few members of the bowling team competed at the State competition in Wichita. Freshman Bennett VanDyke scored the highest on the team, bowling a 746 series and earning third place overall.
“[There were] a lot of people, [and it was] very hectic, but it was pretty cool to see everybody bowling good and me getting up there in the top three,” VanDyke said.
VanDyke has been bowling since a young age and was the only freshman to make the boys varsity bowling team this school year.
“I’ve been bowling since I pretty much could walk, around 3 or 4 years old,” VanDyke said. ”What started me was pretty much my family. We’ve been from a long line of bowlers, so it’s kind of a tradition.”
The team had 11 bowling meets in addition to the regional and state competitions. Assistant bowling coach Jessica Jurkovac said the team practiced almost every day to prepare.
“We have practice almost every day after school, from like 3 to 4:45,” Jurkovac said. “Our schedule really depends on the bowling alley, and when they are able to get us in, because they have other types of competitions, then they’re obviously open to the public at certain times, too.”
Jurkovac said the bowling team has many talented athletes this year. She and VanDyke said they enjoy spending time with the team.
“My favorite part [of bowling is] knocking down pins and having fun with friends,” VanDyke said.
Although this year’s season is over, Jurkovac and VanDyke are both setting goals for upcoming years.
“[My goal is] to continue growing our program and trying to get more people to come and try out to be on the bowling team,” Jurkovac said.
VanDyke said he wants to continue bowling outside of school as well as with the school’s team.
“I really want to go to more PBA Junior events and maybe qualify for a big state or even national championship.”
VanDyke also mentions the value of not giving up.
“Just keep your head up, even if you’re not doing good, and that’s in any sport. Like, if you’re just not doing good, you still got to keep your head up and keep going.”
