What People Did Over Christmas Break by Abby Neuens
The Saugatuck Bowling Team is coached by Mr. Smith, one of the middle school math teachers. The team was previously run by Mrs. Marcusse for three years until her retirement, and then run by Mrs. Vasquez last year until Mr. Smith stepped up. The team started in 2019 and has fifteen members this year. There are no fees, but Mr. Smith seems to be letting his years of running NJHS and NHS get to him, as members are expected to do some volunteer work in order to earn their spot on the team.
According to Sarah Kimber, a ninth grader on the team, one of the many reasons to join the team is that they’re able to leave early to get to matches. She describes the sport as more of an individual activity, but thankfully the members are able to keep up a great sense of team spirit, which is crucial to help everybody on the team improve and hone their skills. The support from their teammates offers a sense of community, making the sport a great thing to join if someone is wanting to get themselves out there and make some more friends, while also having fun and getting to learn a new skill for free.
The team starts up in early November, and ends around February. To join the team, just talk to Mr. Smith.
The team had a match against Potter’s House on Tuesday, and will be quite busy next week, with three matches. Their first match of the week is on Tuesday against Allegan, then Wednesday against Gobles, and finally finishing out the week by going against Coloma. Of course, the team can win these matches, but the entire premise is based more on self improvement and reaching personal goals. The aim is to beat your own high score and continue to improve throughout the season, much like any other sport. Last year, the boys varsity team made it all the way to state last year after winning the regional championship, with the girls team placing fifth in regionals. Hopefully, this year they can do it again, or even better, secure a win in the state finals!
According to Sarah Kimber, a ninth grader on the team, one of the many reasons to join the team is that they’re able to leave early to get to matches. She describes the sport as more of an individual activity, but thankfully the members are able to keep up a great sense of team spirit, which is crucial to help everybody on the team improve and hone their skills. The support from their teammates offers a sense of community, making the sport a great thing to join if someone is wanting to get themselves out there and make some more friends, while also having fun and getting to learn a new skill for free.
The team starts up in early November, and ends around February. To join the team, just talk to Mr. Smith.
The team had a match against Potter’s House on Tuesday, and will be quite busy next week, with three matches. Their first match of the week is on Tuesday against Allegan, then Wednesday against Gobles, and finally finishing out the week by going against Coloma. Of course, the team can win these matches, but the entire premise is based more on self improvement and reaching personal goals. The aim is to beat your own high score and continue to improve throughout the season, much like any other sport. Last year, the boys varsity team made it all the way to state last year after winning the regional championship, with the girls team placing fifth in regionals. Hopefully, this year they can do it again, or even better, secure a win in the state finals!