The bowling team of WTHS always has time to spare at the Brunswick Bowling Alley. The teams meets three-to-four times a week for practice, from 2:30 to 4:30 each day. The bowling season has just begun, and they already are off to a promising start.

The first match of the season was against Eastern High School. The girls varsity team won, and the boys varsity lost. The assistant coach, Mr. Dale Biebel took control of the team while Mr. Michael Hudock was unable to make it to the match.

The first ref, Hudock tries to keep the teams as even as possible. He usually strives for about 15 boys and 15 girls, yet sometimes those exact numbers are hard to come by. This season, the teams are 9 girls, and 19 boys.

There are two separate varsity squads, boys and girls yet both teams work side by side while training, and playing a match. Hudock coaches both teams, and enjoys working with all the students.

“It’s a well mixed group of kids, and they become friends,” said Mr. Hudock.

According to Hudock, this years team itself has good dynamics with one another, and are always getting the most out of the sport. Many new members of the team have easily assimilated into the family spirit of the team, and are always learning from each other.

“I like how the team is constantly helping each other, celebrating and learning. Nobody resists help and everyone is open to hearing criticism or giving tips to someone else struggling,” said Jackie Welch ‘18, a new member of the Girls Varsity team.

The captains for this year have not been chosen yet. Mr. Hudock and the other advisors like to see a captain who is well rounded. The student must have self motivation, lead by example, and have respect for the sport and their teammates. These students cannot only be good bowlers, but they have to carry themselves and their teammates as well.

Mr. Hudock stated that last year’s team was underachieved compared to the 2015-2016 team. Last year, the teams each bowled about a 500 for the season. He believes that they did not accomplish everything they could have, and he sees more dedication and potential in this year’s squad. He believes they will surpass last year’s numbers, and he is excited to see what they will bring.

Luck is not what gives these talented students their scores. It comes along with someone who has good form, character, and consistency. In order to get on the team, girls must meet an average of about a 100-160, and the boys about a 180-200.

“Bowling doesn’t require a lot of physical training, but a lot of perfect practice and repetition. We do tons of drills and are in the alley every day improving our skills and adjusting to new challenges and strategies,” said Jackie Welch ‘18.

Mr. Hudock says that a good player must be relaxed when they are bowling. They need to think about what they do beforehand, and relax when they’re going and try not to think. The energy that is required mostly comes from thought, and not necessarily physical exertion. A bowler is always focusing on different things, and has to be aware of what is happening around them.

Some games are extremely close, and a few points can either make or break the match. Mr. Hudock said that spares are often more critical and necessary to the team’s success than strikes. A match usually consists of 3 games. After the 3rd game is finished, the team with the highest points gets an additional point. Lastly, there are 20 matches a season. 10 are at home, and 10 are away games.

Mr. Hudock teaches Electrical technology, Robotics & Flexible Manufacturing, and Materials Processes & Production Systems here at WTHS. He has worked at this high school for about thirty-four years, and has been head coach for bowling for the past decade. Mr. Biebel, and volunteer, Mr. Michael Wong are also involved with the team’s success.

The striking team also is aided by Sam Maccarone. Mr. Maccarone is a professional bowler, and helps the students master the sport better by giving them tips and showing them techniques.

This Year’s team has 6 senior boys, and 4 senior girls. A majority of the veterans of the sport are good role models for the newer members of team. Girls and Boys Varsity teams this year have already shown how dedicated and gifted they are to the sport.