NewsLocal News

Actions

Bowling unifies high school student athletes

Posted
and last updated

High schools across the state compete against each other in unified bowling, for the second year in a row. It's now a state-sanctioned sport and students can letter in it.

Monday, Sempeck's Bowling hosted the district finals. The tournament began like every other sport, with the National Anthem.

The players that make up each unified bowling team are what sets this sport apart from all the rest.

Here, students of all abilities play together.

"This is the best group," Jan Lehms, Millard West Unified Bowling Head Coach said. "They work together so well and it doesn't matter disabilities or abilities."

Lehm said her team has been competing and practicing for two months.

"I love it when they succeed," Lehms said. "Of course I want to win, but I love it when they succeed."

Millard West Bowler Jamie Czarnek said his game has improved a lot over past several weeks. He is even throwing strikes.

"Bowl straight," Czarnek said. "You got to like put your hand up, wrist straight."

What's evident, if you take just a few minutes to watch is their team work. It doesn't matter who throws the strike or gutter ball.

"They support each other no matter what they do and they're like a big family," Lehms said.

It's all about giving everyone an opportunity to grow and make new friends.