On May 6, 2023, PHS’ bowling club went to the Missouri State Bowling competition in Union, Mo. The team placed 3rd in the state after bowling over 24 games that day. This broke last year’s record of placing in 8th place. They lost 2nd place to Saxony High by one pin.
The tournament was Baker style, meaning five bowlers bowl a game together, each bowling two frames. Coach Darrell Langston said that this format can prove challenging for bowlers.
“It is difficult to adjust how you throw the ball because each game of the tournament is bowled on a different lane leaving little time to get used to the lane,” Langston said.
Students chosen to participate in the state competition had mostly competed before, either on PHS’ bowling club or other clubs.
“They compete in the high school league, various youth leagues as well as Gateway Tournaments where they regularly compete against the best bowlers in the area and state,” Langston said.” On top of their involvement in the many events they are some of the highest average bowlers in the Club with averages ranging from 160 to 220 pins per game.”
Senior DonMonique Simpkins has been bowling since she was nine years old. She bowled almost every game at the tournament and was excited about the team breaking the school record.
“Placing third is the best Pattonville has ever done in these types of tournaments which I love being a part of a team that breaks these records,” Simpkins said.
Senior Charlie Burns also bowled in every game during the state competition. He prepared by “bowling a few Baker games for the past couple Wednesday’s with the rest of our team,” he said.
Senior Jacob Baalman only played in about eight of the games but still felt he helped the team out. In order to prepare, he said he “worked on my spare shooting to prepare for what I would be doing mostly in the tournament,” Baalmann said.
The bowlers enjoyed this season, especially the seniors. Simpkins really enjoyed their senior night.
“My favorite part of my bowling season was definitely my senior night that I planned for all of us seniors and winning the conference for the 2 year in a row, also being named all-star for the second year in a row which is pretty hard to do according to my coach,” Simpkins said.
After the tournament, the team headed to an awards banquet. They were able to celebrate the season together with food and awards. Langston said he loved “seeing the camaraderie between all of the bowlers on our team and between teams.”