WICHITA, Kan.—
In the past, the Northwest boys bowling team has always had varsity bowlers from different classes. This season, the team consists of five seniors, most of who have played together in past years on the team. The experience they’ve had has helped them do better in baker style, which is the team format in bowling meets.“We seem to do well in baker style, but not as well individually,” said senior Tyler Darrah. “We are not able to feed off of each other’s energy like we are in bakers.”
This senior-laden team is determined to do their best this season, since it is their last. Senior Christopher Miller sees his job as keeping everyone motivated because he is one of the three bowlers who have rolled for varsity all four years.
“There is a sense of urgency since it is our last year,” Miller said. “We only have this year to do what we want to do, which is to make it to state.”
For some teams made up of mostly seniors it would be challenging to split up the leadership role. However, the boys have not struggled with control issues, and prefer to focus more on team building.
“We respect each other as good bowlers so there is no challenge in power,” senior Anthony Rodriguez said. “We know each other’s weaknesses and try to help one another.”
After taking second place at two tournaments, the boys’ team is excited for the post-season matches. To ready themselves for each team event, the team likes to say a chant adopted from the football team.
“The team has never really been fired up like they are now,” Darrah said. “Saying our chant is one of our big deals we like to do for bakers.”
The Grizzlies next triangular will be senior night on Feb. 4 against South and West at West Acres.
