As bowling has gained more prominence as a sport, local Catholic Leaguers have taken to the lanes
Detroit — The Catholic League has a great tradition in many sports — the Prep Bowl for football, the boys’ and girls’ basketball playoffs and baseball title games at Comerica Park (and previously Tiger Stadium) easily come to mind.But one sport gaining in popularity does not yet have the tradition of those other sports — but it definitely has the interest.
Detroit — The Catholic League has been crowning champions since 2003, with titles determined in two classes. Sixteen schools in the league offer bowling.
While bowling has been offered by many schools for more than 20 years, it was officially recognized as a sport by the Michigan High School Athletic Association starting with the 2003-04 season.
The Catholic League has done well enough to warrant creating a new tradition.
Among the boys’ teams, Catholic Central, Novi (2010) and De La Salle Collegiate, Warren (2006) won Division 1 titles. Divine Child, Dearborn (2008) was runner-up in Division 2.
The girls’ ranks have produced five individual state champions — Sara Richards of Divine Child, 2008; Felicia Goll of Regina, Harper Woods, 2007; Deloria Walker of Shrine, Royal Oak, 2006; Sarah Jaeger of Ladywood, Livonia, 2004; and Breena Schneider of Cabrini, 2004.
Tim Kluka, Cabrini’s athletic director, is pleased to have bowling available for the boys and girls at his school.
“It offers some kids, who would never play another sport, a chance for a varsity letter,” he said. “More important than that, though, it gives everyone an opportunity to compete as part of a team.
“The winning, sure, it’s nice, but giving everyone a chance to compete in a varsity sport is something. To be on a team, to learn about sportsmanship, it’s all a really big deal.”
Bowling also offers a different sort of competitive perspective not often seen in other sports, said DeLaSalle coach Darren Audia.
“The unique thing about bowling is, you can go to a tournament one week and lose to a team,” he said. “And you can beat them the next week. If you have a good day, you can win. It’s unique. And it happens all the time. It’s a matter of having a good week or a good day, so that keeps things pretty interesting.”
At DeLaSalle, the numbers are pretty solid. There are around 16 boys in the varsity and junior varsity mix. A wide cross-section of youngsters competes — some with only bowling on their athletic resume, and some who play other sports, too.
“There’s always someone who plays other sports,” Audia said. “You can bowl in the summer, you can bowl year-round. If you’re a baseball player, you can play when the weather is warm, but not this time of year.”
The Catholic League schedule is underway for most teams, but does not really get rolling until January. Teams compete weekly, with each division meeting for a series of contests at Detroit-area bowling houses.
The league tournament will be held in mid-February, with the state tournament beginning the following week.
