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Despite returning only one peer mentor, the Unified Bowling team is building relationships, having fun and eyeing a trip to the state championship.
Junior Janice Nelson is a returner and said the team has grown close together despite having some new members. She said much of the team already knew each other outside of Unified Bowling, so it was easy to start bonding as teammates.
“Being here and seeing them all improve is so much fun,” Nelson said. “And then seeing their smiles after they do good is really fun.”
She said she is hoping the team can put together a good day and clinch a spot at state.
Head coach Daniel Hoschouer said he loves how close the team is and how they all help push each other to be their best.
“All of our bowlers, our athletes and our peer mentors, they get along great,” he said. “It’s a great chemistry, and it’s a lot of fun seeing them, seeing everybody interacting together and having fun.”
He said the mixture of trying to win while creating an inclusive environment helps make Unified Bowling a special place.
“Ultimately, we’re all here to have fun,” he said. “But we want to try and compete the best that we can. And it’s a good mix of fun and competition.”
Junior Alex Goodrich said the team has had a mix of stronger and weaker performances, but staying consistent will help ensure success at regionals.
“We’ve had our ups and downs, but I really feel good about this team,” Goodrich said. “It’s really gone good this year.”
He said the team has found a way to come up big in the most important moments. Goodrich has been bowling since he was young and said he loves the competition Unified Bowling offers.
Hoschouer said the season has flown by fast, but he is excited by what he has seen from the team.
“We’ve had a really good year,” he said. “Our top team has been up near the top in just about every competition we’ve been in. I like our chances going into regionals next week.”
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]
