The atmosphere is cheerful at Cherry Lanes Bowling Alley where the Wahlert Girls’ Bowling team practices every Monday and Wednesday. In between every ball thrown, it is common to see the teammates sharing funny stories, giving each other encouragement, and talking about their days at school.
Not only is the camaraderie among the members unique, but their demographics, too. This season, the team’s roster has shrunk to 7, a sharp decline from last year’s 13. The group’s reduced size is the result of fewer underclassmen joining this year.
Along with this, every member is part of the Class of 2025. An entire team from the same grade is a rarity in any high school club or sport.
It may disappoint some that the girls’ bowling team is not able to meet new peers from other grades through their time in the sport. However, the members have their own opinions on what it is like being on a team with people all from the same grade.
“It’s very nice because we’ve known each other for a while so we connect easily,” Morgan Schmitt, ‘25, said.
Emma Kelzer, ‘25, felt similarly. “I really like it because I feel like I can talk to everyone.”
The team’s small size also contributes to a unique environment not typically found in other sports. For example, the entire team can fit in one van for away meets and shares a single table for team dinners.
Isabella Park, ‘25, explained her feelings about the size of the team. “We’re all really close. The social aspect is really fun. We all support each other, and we never shame anyone. It’s a supportive environment, so it helps us to be better.”
The positive impact the circumstances of the girls’ bowling team has had on the bond and environment is undeniable. However, there are some downsides to the small numbers that have caused stress for the team in the 23-24 season.
“This year we’re a 1A school, but we’re going against larger schools who have bigger numbers. This makes it difficult for us to win at meets.” Erin King, ‘25, said.
The team currently has a record of 1-3, with their only win so far being against Iowa City West on November 28.
King mentioned other issues. “We don’t have enough numbers to have a full Varsity and JV, so it’s hard for the people who have to alternate during the meets.”
With only seven members, the team does not have the option to rotate players for each meet like past seasons. This increased demand can lead to exhaustion among the bowlers.
Hannah Tittle, ’25, has felt this burnout. “I don’t like going to every single meet. Before, we got to have breaks,” Tittle said.
Despite the setbacks that come with the size of the team, the Wahlert Girls’ Bowling team maintains a positive and hard working attitude. The girls enter every practice prepared to get out on the lanes and improve their skills with the feedback they receive from trusted teammates and coaches.
Kelzer shared her own encouragement for any student interested in joining. “You have a lot of fun. You get to leave school early for meets, the coach is super nice, and the people are really nice,” she said.
For anyone looking to support the group, the Wahlert Girls’ Bowling team’s next home meet is at 3:00 PM on Friday, January 12, at Cherry Lanes Bowling Alley.
