Bowling team pins hopes on district win
Junior Jimmy Davis was one of the top scorers at Bartlett Lanes against Collierville.
December 4, 2009 • written by Margaret Cross
Filed under Sports
They don’t tackle; they don’t score goals; they don’t swing bats; and they certainly don’t dribble the ball. The bowling team may not play like other sports, but they are definitely striking out—that’s a good thing—and heading into the second half of district competition.
Both the boys’ and the girls’ teams have already completed two rounds of districts. On Wednesday, Dec. 2 the boys faced Germantown and the girls went head to head with Cordova. Both teams won.
During the second round on Thursday, Dec. 3, both teams opposed archrival Bolton High, but only the boys came out victorious. On Tuesday, Dec. 8 they will challenge Germantown once again.
With these two victories to boost their confidence, the boys have no doubt that they will come out on top.
“If we just play our game, we’ll definitely win district,” junior Conor Hillock said.
On another note, although the girls lost against Bolton, they are not yet out for the count. On Dec. 8 they will tackle Millington, and this match will determine their fate in the remainder of district championships.
The teams’ skills this year are a complete reversal from last season. Last year the girls were undefeated in districts, and the boys won hardly any games. However, both teams have played to win, and they have done exactly that, even if the girls have not won as much as the boys.
“It’s been difficult this year,” freshman Kourtney Little said. “We’ve lost a lot of our seniors. It’s like a build-up year for us; we’ve got a lot of freshmen.”
This fact becomes obvious when one knows that the girls only beat Collierville and Germantown before going to districts. However, with help from Little and freshman Courtney Gable, the team may be able to pull through districts.
“I’ve done league bowling since I was five years old,” Little said. “League bowling helps you build sportsmanship and prepares you for whatever you would face in a match.”
Senior Stephanie Klink, a first-year bowler, recognizes the importance of knowing each other’s abilities when playing on a team, and also how difficult playing against another team can be.
“You bowl with [your team] more on a regular basis,” Klink said, “and it’s a little challenging. When you’re going up against a team from another school, you’re not sure exactly what to look forward to.”
Despite their tough season, though, head coach Art Thompson remains confident in the players’ abilities.
“I’m so proud of everybody,” Thompson said. “Nobody has given up. Everybody’s really pulled together as a team. This is probably the closest team we’ve had in the last three years.”
The third round of districts will take place Tuesday, Dec. 8 at AllStar Lanes at the corner of White Station and Quince. The team will be looking for support from students and faculty during this last stretch of matches. If they are successful, they will progress to the fourth round on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
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I like the headline and lead that you guys picked
Go Bowling!
Thank you! I’ve been privileged to watch these young men and women for the last 2 seasons and they deserve our praise and appreciation for bringing the Panthers bowling team to the forefront.