T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E
(L-R) Evey Martin, Grace Otwell, Callie-Jo Brookes, Abby Wren, Sydney Reynolds
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL BY ANNI BI SHOP PHOTOS BY MATT CORNEL IUS
W ould you believe bowling dates back to 5200 BC? The ancient Egyptians rolled stones at objects aiming to knock them over. Over time, other bowling variations emerged from the original ancient Egyptian game. Today, besides the mainstream version of bowling, two different forms of the game continue to be played, including lawn bowling and Bocce. Several historical figures that have enjoyed the sport are King Henry VIII and Martin Luther. Francis Drake is rumored to have been engrossed in a game at the arrival of the Spanish armada. He did not let their appearance distract him too much, though. He said, “We have time enough to finish the game and beat the Spaniards, too.” Bowling’s popularity has endured for a very long time and has been a much-loved sport by many. It is so loved to this day that it is the number one recreational activity in the United States! Most of us have been to a bowling alley and have knocked down a few pins at a birthday party or two. Whether you are a natural or one whose ball always seems to end up in the gutter, skill and strategy are required to hit the mark consistently.
The Arkansas High School (AHS) bowling team knows a thing or two about that strategy. They have recently ended a very successful season, winning matches against Lakeside and Hot Springs, and four team members qualified to compete in the State Bowling Tournament in Rogers, Arkansas. Those team members include Callie-Jo Brookes, Evey Martin, Abbie Wren and La’Damien Davis. Although the season was cut short because of COVID-19, the team gave it their all and played hard. Coach Roger Rico expressed how proud he was of the team this season. “The team worked so hard every day to get better, even those in their first year on the bowling team.” The AHS team, Varsity and Junior Varsity combined, comprises 15 girls and 15 boys. The season begins at the end of November and typically lasts until the beginning of February. During each season, the team competes against many schools across the state of Arkansas: Lakeside, Lake Hamilton, Benton, Hot Springs, Little Rock Christian, Siloam Springs, Greenwood, Russellville, Van Buren and Alma. AHS has consistently achieved successful seasons and produced top-notch players.
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