On January 23, All Star Lanes was bustling with excitement as the Girls’ Varsity Bowling teams from across Puget Sound gathered to battle out in a division tournament for entry into Districts. Cheers of encouragement from both parents and teammates filled the air alongside the crashing of pins. For Central Kitsap, this annual contest is a tradition and a testament to team bonding.

“Ever since I’ve coached this team, we’ve been here every single year,” Central Kitsap Coach Annelito Casal said. “It’s just a fun [sport], so I love it—just a fun atmosphere.”

Casal arrived early to set up the food and equipment, but also to assist fellow coaches with preparations for the tournament. However, as Central Kitsap began to file in, the most crucial measure was to lift their spirits.

“Basically, [I wanted to] get them hyped up to get the game going, and then [I had to] get the DJ equipment ready, so I could get the girls dancing,” Casal said. “They were doing line dances and everything.”

Casal’s main priority was to heighten morale for the team and make the game as stress-free as possible. He bought a trophy for the winning team, hoping his team could share the honor of 1st place; but despite the prior festivities, it was still difficult for some players to summon up the courage to step out there. For some new players, it’s especially demanding to play under the watchful eyes of cheering teammates, judgmental opponents, and expectant parents.

“But what made it nerve-wracking [was] the number of people, and our coach bought a trophy, and none of the other teams knew about it,” Central Kitsap Varsity Bowler Aubrie McKenzie said.

Even though it was a challenge, the girls morally supported one another and resolved problems that came up. Every time someone made a strike, they would roar with approval, creating a team wide effort to collaborate throughout each match. 

“We came into the championship being excited, and we did our best,” Central Kitsap Varsity Team Captain Caroline Peters said. “We worked really hard for it, so I think we did really [well].”

Their determination and tireless practice will pay off on January 31st, when they’ll compete in a 3-game-4-baker style tournament. For now, though, Central Kitsap remains resisting against gutter balls and aspiring to advance.

“Win or lose, we’re growing up, no matter what,” Casal said.