BY HARRY KNITTER
Clarkston News Staff Writer
If you asked any group of high school students to identify the sport that they would be likely to pursue while a teenager, bowling would most likely be rated somewhere near the low end of the scale.
But the sport is making a comeback and dozens of high schoolers are involved in competition on the lanes each week in the Clarkston area.
Dave Davis of Cherry Hill Lanes in Clarkston is one of two coaches for Clarkston, creating a new level of interest in bowling at four establishments in this area — Cherry Hill in Clarkston, 300 Bowl in Waterford, Airway Lanes in Waterford, and Wonderland Bowl in Commerce Township.
‘For the first time this year, we’re being sanctioned by Clarkston High School,? Davis said. ‘We held open tryouts in November and now we’re into a ten-week season against school teams from Waterford Kettering, Waterford Mott, Walled Lake Central, Northern and Western.?
Scoring is just as you remembered it, but each team consists of seven players. The kids furnish their own equipment, including bowling balls and shoes. Uniforms are provided.
Practices take place Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Davis said only one player on last year’s team dropped out.
The Clarkston record for boys is 14 wins and 16 losses, while the girls? squad is off to a fast start with 28 wins and only two losses.
The girls? squad is coached by Kim Steele, who carries a 190 average of her own in adult leagues.
Davis mentors the boys? team and carries a 216 average in adult league play. Steele has participated in the women’s professional tour.
‘Most of the coaching is in the spare-making area,? Davis pointed out. ‘With the younger kids, we spend more time on form and technique.?
The leading individual bowlers are Steve McGarthland with a 199 average and Tracy Episano, with a 160 average.
Davis said he is hoping to qualify both teams for tournament play at the end of the season. For the youngsters, there’s still plenty of fun ahead before that time comes.