Influx Of Youth Strikes Bowling Team
Co-written by Casey Fitzmaurice
(COVINGTON, La.) — St. Paul’s School has had many sports dynasties in its rich sports history. Recently, SPS has had many successful teams, such as the Soccer Wolves playing in the last four state championship games and Lacrosse playing in the state title game the past three years.
Bowlers from St. Paul’s eye the scoreboard, tracking their progress. (Photo Credit: Jonathan Wellmeyer)
The Bowling team is an unheralded dynasty, winning four league titles (2004, 2005, 2006, and 2012) over the past decade. The team, moderated by Coach Paul Scoriels, has now completed the first half of their season.
“We compete against teams from Fontainebleau, Northlake Christian, SSA, Covington and Hannan,” senior captain Ben Hollingsworth said.
The team is broken up into seven smaller teams, based on skill. The top team is comprised of four five-year senior bowlers: Keegan Lange, Kameron Lange, Jacob Authement, and Hollingsworth.
“I started playing in eighth grade (because) it was fun,” Hollingsworth said.
Tiffany Lanes, the home of the Bowling Wolves. (photo by Casey Fitzmaurice)
While the seniors have provided leadership to the team, two rookies have stolen the spotlight. Pre-freshmen Jonathan Wellmeyer and Peter Bertucci have already become two of the top bowlers in the program, with averages of 156 and 176, respectively, per Wellmeyer.
“I think it’s a lot of fun. Peter and I have been bowling for years together and decided to keep doing it.” Wellmeyer said.
Junior bowler Ryan Meraux takes a shot, aiming for a strike. (Photo Credit: Jonathan Wellmeyer)
At the end of the season, the state has a bowling state tournament in Baton Rouge. To qualify, bowlers must have one of the top three averages in the league.
“I have been to the state tournament four times, and I usually finish right outside the top 20,” Hollingsworth said.
The state competition features only the most elite bowlers from each district.
“Most of the high-up kids score 250-300 a game,” Hollingsworth said.
While the bowlers take their craft seriously, the laid-back nature of the sport gives the competition a friendly undertone.
“I always have a good time just being with my friends and competing just like any other sport.” Hollingsworth said.
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