The Truth Behind Bowling

In high school, there are typical stereotypes that categorize students into different social groups. Whether they are true or not, every type of person has a category of people made just for them. Nobody likes being categorized, especially when stereotypes carry falsehoods with them. There are many wrong assumptions placed on the bowling team that shouldn’t exist. Members of the bowling team are commonly known as nonathletic, quiet “losers” because no one pays attention to who they really are.

“I feel that most people just don’t understand or don’t want to know,” senior Lynn Michalec said. “The stereotype is false and bowlers work just as hard as any other athlete.”

In high school, is is obvious other sports are ranked higher than bowling. There is no true reason why those sports are favored over others besides the fact that is has always been this way for decades. Though the bowlers love what they do and would never quit because of some mean comments, they would love some support – and deserve some too. Bowlers go to practice and compete against others while working hard as all other sports. 

“The majority of people I know today think bowling is a lame sport and they unfortunately don’t get a huge audience,” senior Treshawn Watson. “I think football and other sports are more favored because throughout the decades they have found a way to increase their audience at a high rate and bowling just hasn’t done the same.” 

The accusations may be because non-bowlers don’t know what really goes into a bowling match or practices, but, either way, they should not be categorized in negative ways. Bowling may not be as physically challenging as other sports, however it has more to do with the mental game and precision. Bowling takes a lot of concentration, focus and the ability to handle pressure well. Being able to handle pressure well is a key part of bowling just like any other sport. Bowlers spend many hours everyday throwing 15 pound balls a certain and correct way to succeed in their matches and score for their team. Despite the athleticism bowling takes, it is also a major brain game and peers don’t give them credit for their abilities. Not to mention the hundreds of dollars they have to spend for new, better equipment such as multiple types of balls, shoes, rosin, slide, new skin, shoe covers, wrist guards and much more. 

“Although we don’t get a lot of support, when we do well at our tournaments and meet we feel great,” sophomore Allyssa Tanner said. “We have a great team which we consider our family.”

The girls bowling team doesn’t get a ton of recognition, but because they know who they are and what they do, they stay strong and continue to do amazing in bowling. Other students don’t understand the effort they put into the sport and don’t favor bowling into their customs, but knowing the girls and what they do should earn them support. Just like every other sport, they are a hardworking family.