Freshman Isaac Arciniega has made history as LFHS’s first competitive boy’s bowler. Coached by LFHS staff Kim Jones and Ray Werner, Arciniega is already making his mark through exceptional skill and true Scout pride.
Isaac began his bowling journey at the age of 14, taking after his older sister who also bowled. He brought his skills to LFHS a few years later when he was connected with a teacher who shared his interest.
Early in the school year, during a “get to know me” activity in his English class taught by Mrs. Jones, Isaac brought up that bowling was one of his favorite hobbies.
“I mentioned bowling and that’s when Mrs. Jones got interested in me. From that point on, I practiced bowling at LFHS,” Arciniega said.
Jones, who doubles as the intramural bowling sponsor and an English teacher, began her bowling career practicing in her own league. Her two sons took after her and began bowling competitively at a young age. She credits much of her knowledge of competitive bowling to her sons’ time mastering the sport.
Although LFHS doesn’t technically have a bowling team, Arciniega competed as an individual under the sponsorship of Mrs. Jones and Mr. Werner.
In competitive bowling, many aspects of the sport contrast with other competitive high school sports.
“Bowling is a different kind of sport and community where everyone cheers for each other. By the end of the day, he had teams cheering for him at matches, who were very supportive,” Jones said.
In addition, Jones describes bowling as a “different” kind of sport in regards to skillset over time. Unlike other high school sports, bowling allows beginners to quickly improve and become competitive within a few years with practice.
Arciniega admitted he felt both excited and a little nervous at the beginning of his bowling experience at the high school. Over time, he eased into practicing and competing, all while dedicating himself to craft his skill.
Arciniega stuck true to his passion regardless of being a part of a one-man team.
“I wanted to prove to the school that I could do it,” Arciniega said.
Jones describes bowling as being an inclusive sport regardless of physical disabilities. Bowling offers opportunities for students who don’t have the physical ability to participate in other sports.
With an increase in enthusiasm around the bowling community here at LFHS, there’s potential for the sport to become an inclusive environment for all students.
Mr. Werner, sponsor of the intramural bowling program, describes his goals for the bowling community at LFHS.
“We would love to have two varsity-level teams. A female team and a male team,” Werner said.
With that vision in mind, the LFHS intramural bowling league has begun with the hopes of continuing the spirit of bowling. The club meets every Tuesday after school until Spring Break. If you’re looking for an opportunity to meet new people and learn more about bowling, intramural bowling could be right up your alley!
