Bowling has benefits for students

I commend The Chronicle for publishing the Associated Press article on high school bowling Dec. 29 -"Bowling strikes interest of high school students." Now what needs to happen is for Georgia and South Carolina to recognize bowling as a varsity sport.

Bowling is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Like the article said, you don't need to be the biggest, strongest or tallest to excel at the sport. A willingness to learn and a willingness to have fun is all that's needed. There are thriving youth bowling programs throughout the CSRA.

In Georgia, about $123,000 will be awarded in scholarships this season. In South Carolina, $22,000 will be awarded. Children as young as 8 have won scholarships for college through bowling. One area bowling alley offers a $500 scholarship for a graduating senior who bowls in the North Augusta Youth Bowling Program. Along with bowling, each candidate will be evaluated on a written essay, sportsmanship, a willingness to help other bowlers and good citizenship.

Many local bowlers have excelled at the sport. Bowling alley owner Curt Guinn is a Professional Bowlers Association regional champion; Sarah Circle from North Augusta is a second-team college All-American; and Jack Ness from North Augusta will be competing next month in the Team USA qualifier tournament in Reno, Nev., attempting to represent the United States in bowling events all over the world.

Now is the time to recognize that bowling is not just a pastime or something to do on the weekends. It is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed by all. Any school that's interested in starting a school bowling program can contact a nearby bowling alley.

Rick Oelkers, North Augusta, S.C.

(Editor's note: The writer, a professional bowler, manages a bowling alley and owns a bowling pro shop.)