Stepping into the approach area at Leisure Lanes, Lancaster Catholic High School senior Keira Eshelman took a long pause, raising her bowling ball to her shoulder as she set her sights on the lone pin standing 60 feet away.
“Go get it!” The shouts came from her supportive teammates during the Crusaders’ home match January 17 against Lancaster Mennonite in a Lancaster-Lebanon League match.
Eshelman knocked the solo pin for a spare on her way to 354 points for the three-game series.
When she returned to the seating area, it was high-fives all around for the first-year player.
“I’ve always enjoyed bowling with my family and friends as an activity to share with them, so I decided to join the team here while enjoying fun with my friends who are also on the team,” she said.
“It’s been great to be part of it. I’ve enjoyed learning more about bowling, and I feel that I’ve made improvements in my game. I’ve been able to learn off other people who’ve helped me with technique, and my teammates have been very supportive,” she said.
Eshelman is one of 11 members of Lancaster Catholic’s co-ed bowling team, joining fellow seniors Arianna Fisher, Reese Magyar, McKenzie Matters, Selena Krimmel, Ciara Coronado and Yirandi Rodriguez; junior Patrick Fertal; sophomores Ryan Eberly and Javier Robles; and freshman David Johnson.
In high school bowling, teams of five compete, with each bowling three games. Two points are awarded after each match based on total pins, with an additional point awarded at the end to the team with the most overall pins.
Johnson serves as team captain for Lancaster Catholic’s rollers; the freshman has quiet leadership, composure and a desire to improve his scores and that of his teammates.
“It’s been a great experience to be team captain. I want to help my teammates get better and continue to be supportive,” said Johnson, who bowled a 516 that night, beating his average score.
Johnson started bowling a year ago, after one of his brothers decided to buy a bowling ball and join their dad, an avid bowler, at the lanes. When Johnson arrived at Lancaster Catholic, he signed up for the team.
“Bowling is an individual sport, a team sport and a family sport, and I really enjoy that about it,” he said. “We have a great team, and I think our team has the most unity. We’re always so uplifting and happy, even if we’re behind in a match. We’re just out here having fun.”
Lancaster Catholic is led by Derek Lefever, first-year head coach who also coaches golf and teaches Theology. The team practices twice a week and typically has matches on Mondays and Fridays.
“They put in a lot of hard work, and show up to practices to learn and to support each other,” he said. “This team is all about lifting each other up. They’re very supportive of one another, and a great group to be around. I couldn’t ask for more.”
(Photos by Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness.)
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
