Increased roster numbers put Shaler girls bowlers in fast lane

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, November 18, 2017 | 7:51 PM

Sam Smyers' recruiting efforts helped make the Shaler girls bowling team immune to the common cold.

Last season, the Titans had five girls, enough for a team. But if someone was sick, missed school or was indifferent to attending, Shaler would have to forfeit a spot.

A grassroots effort had the Titans with between seven and 11 girls showing up to open practices. Shaler is hoping increased numbers will help the team climb into WPIBL playoff position.

“We put some announcements up saying we are looking for players,” Smyers said. “No experience required. It's something fun to do in the winter, and we wanted to advertise our sport. We got other bowlers through word-of-mouth. We had the guys on the team reaching out to the friends who are girls.”

Through this movement, Smyers was able to hook a few newbies. Shannon Roche, who plays softball and used to play basketball, decided to come out despite never having bowled competitively.

Love of the sport, however, was a family trait. Her 75-year-old grandfather still bowls.

“I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” she said. “I don't play with them, but they taught me everything I know when I was little.”

Being consistent has been Roche's biggest challenge. Every time Roche releases a shot, she wants to be consistent.

“At first, it was frustrating, and I couldn't do it,” said Roche about throwing a ball with spin. “Now, I have it down and know how to do it without thinking. I'm in the process of learning everything.”

Fellow first-time Sydney McBurney feels like she's in the same boat.

Shrugging off the missteps is vital on the path to success.

“When you throw a gutter ball, it's a disappointment,” McBurney said. “I'm still trying to figure out how to walk and get it right. You have to figure out how to hold the ball and get everything straight.”

It's not something that will happen instantly.

Smyers said Shaler runs practices focused on building skills.

“From the beginning, the focus is to build these bowlers up,” Smyers said. “At the end of every season, we reflect back and think what we could do differently. We want to lay the foundation and allow the bowlers to have the form to gain experience.”

McBurney's excited to try to add a hook shot.

“It's something you work on for a while,” she said. “I'm working to figure out what works best for me.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.