Linsdsay Werner, junior, doesn’t take bowling lightly. She doesn’t rent the multicolored, run-down bowling shoes. She doesn’t pick out a ball because of its color. She doesn’t have to worry about the size of the finger holes, or whose fingers were in there before hers. For Werner, bowling is a sport.
Werner has been a member of the MHS bowling program since her freshman year. She has been bowling for six years total. Werner said her friends and her grandfather influenced her to pick up bowling.
“It started as a recreational activity,” Werner said. “Then I decided I wanted to bowl in college and all of my friends were joining the team.”
Werner is the captain of a team coached by Gary Voss, owner of West County Lanes. Voss said that Werner has one element separating her from the rest of the field: talent.
“She’s one of the best female bowlers of her age that I’ve ever worked with,” Voss said.
Werner’s best score is a 278, and she has an average score of 178 per game, the highest of all her teammates. What gives her an edge over her competitors, Werner said, is the amount of hard work and perseverance she puts into the game.
Over the summer, Werner attended a bowling camp at Wichita State University, which has the number one team in the nation. While she was there, Werner was taught to manage her game and strategize to become a better bowler.
Her practice schedule in the offseason includes bowling in a sport-shot league and attending various tournaments, including Nationals.
There are some aspects of the game that Werner said she needs to work on, such as knocking down the farthest pin to the right.
“[Those pins] really suck,” Werner said.
Werner has her individual game, but she also has responsibilities as captain. Voss said Werner’s talent has served as a model for other teammates.
“I’d have to say Lindsay is the best and most consistent bowler on my team,” Teammate Abby Barnhart, junior, said.
Barnhart said Werner deservers the role of team captain.
Werner said it’s more than just her leading the team, however.
“We’re a team and we all work together,” Werner said. “Everyone is important.”
There’s a lot to love about the bowling team, Werner said, but the best part is being able to spend time with friends.
Of course, winning doesn’t hurt either, Werner said. Voss’ team finished second in conferences, a memory Werner said she is very fond of. But Werner’s favorite memory is when her team went on to defeat the Lafayette Lancers in the Baker tournament.
Looking far down the road, Werner said she’s looking at a few colleges to attend for bowling. Werner said she’s considering Lindenwood University because they have the second best team in the nation.
As for the near future, Werner said she has a few specific goals for the upcoming season in 2010. She said she wants to increase her average to a 190, and for her team to get first place.
With her sights set high for the 2010 season, Werner said she needs to take one step at a time.
“Every pin counts,” Werner said.