For every bowler, it is a real hope that they have used accuracy and the right amount of strength to attain a strike instead of a gutter ball. Bowling combines competition, strategy, and focus with determination against an exciting background of ten pins just waiting to be destroyed.
Bowling, one of Jefferson’s winter sports, has officially begun. Both the junior varsity (JV) and varsity teams have already participated in four matches this season. Coach Beltran, who has been playing for 37 years, dedicates his mornings to coaching young players. He says he loves helping others improve their bowling skills. Tryouts took place on October 17, 18, and 22. While the team has enough boys, they are still looking for more girls to join. However, those interested must act quickly, as the season is already underway. The team faced challenges in their first three matches, losing to Roosevelt.
Coach Beltran emphasizes that no prior experience is necessary to join the team. “You don’t have to be good at bowling to join,” he says, encouraging beginners to give it a try. He explains that the team may struggle early in the season as they focus on developing new players, but he is confident they will start winning once the players gain more skills. Practices typically last an hour and forty-five minutes once a week, and the season spans approximately thirteen weeks, excluding Thanksgiving and winter breaks.
This season, the team plans to incorporate more drills to target specific areas for improvement. With three coaches, they can provide more personalized feedback to players. “Drills help players improve in areas where they struggle,” says Coach Beltran. While the Jefferson bowling team doesn’t host many special events, they do celebrate their seniors at the end of the season. The team’s greatest strength lies in its camaraderie, as players of different skill levels support and learn from one another. Before every match, the coaches remind the team to enjoy themselves, relax, and have fun—values that embody the spirit of Jefferson bowling.