It's all about ATTITUDE!

Bowling is a sport that few people understand the difficulty of.

While it is true that anyone can go out and bowl on open lanes, it takes a commitment to bowling to be consistently good at it. The casual bowler often doesn't understand the complexity of the sport. It is also important to note that just because a bowler is good in one house, it doesn't mean he/she can go to another and be as good there. Ability to adjust to new lanes conditions, to choose effective equipment, and to "read" the changing oil conditions are big skills that take time and dedication to master.

THS bowling has a proud tradition. So far, we have sent 5 girls and 2 boys on to bowl with scholarships at the collegiate level: Heidi Tangman, Carrie Harrison, Aimee Sutton, Jennifer Burdick, Savana Carmichael, Gary Caniff and Tyler Vocks. All of those received major scholarship dollars for doing so. The girls team has made 5 appearances at the state level and had two individuals advance on their own. The boys' team has sent this year's senior Alex Clark to state as an individual last year. Each year there are scholarship dollars available to bowlers good enough to compete at the state level, with independent tournaments throughout the year where bowlers can pick up even more dollars. In these economic times, it is smart to be seriously looking for ways to supplement college dollars, and bowling is definitely one of them. Colleges are still adding bowling to their sports programs, with new colleges coming forth every season.

So, really, who can bowl? The answer is twofold. You definitely need someone willing to practice in season and out. Bowling is a sport that most people can learn to do with some degree of success, but the bowler who practices and studies the game is the one who will come out on top. Secondly, and for sure most importantly, ATTITUDE is everything. Bowlers need that positive attitude and commitment to the sport. When the best bowler on your team develops a bad attitude the game is over. The team needs bowlers with an attitude of enthusiasm, commitment and cooperation. Being on a team means being committed to team goals. Having the right attitude is paramount to team and individual success.

This summer I will be bowling a lot in the area and attending tournaments both in and out of state, but I will also be working to put together a camp for the girls and will hold practice days in Taylorville.

In January the girls will be holding their annual candy drive. It is expected that the girls on the team sell a minimum of 4 bags of candy for the team. After that, individuals bowlers may choose to sell candy to "bank" for summer practice games.

If you need/want to chat with me about any aspect of bowling, you can always give me a call. If I don't answer, leave me a message 217-246-4264. I'll do my best to get back with you.

Coach Tapscott