Oxford resident Joe Bires only began bowling last fall and has already made an impact on the lanes.
During the Pepsi Tournament in May, the freshman qualified for the national finals by taking fourth place out of 577 bowlers.
‘We are very proud,? said mom, Cathy. ‘He has made unbelievable strides.?
Joe will compete in the nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 24-25.
The family was bowling at Collier Lanes with friends when Cathy saw information on youth leagues and asked if Joe wanted to sign up. He agreed and his meteoric rise as a competitive bowler began.
‘He has improved so much,? said Coach Doug O’Berry. ‘He keeps getting better and better. Over the years we have had winners, but this is the first time someone has qualified to play in the nationals.?
JR Lafnear, the high school bowling coach was also at the tournament to watch Joe and other Oxford bowlers compete.
‘We wish him the best,? he said. ‘You only get the opportunity once.?
Heather Lafnear, a sophomore on the high school team, finished fifth out of 270 in the Pepsi Tournament. Also, finishing on a high note was senior Sean LeBlanc, who tied for 17th place out of 443 competitors.
‘Heather and Sean played extremely well,? said Lafnear. ‘Heather had personal highs in her games and in the series.?
Both also competed in the USBC Michigan State Youth Tournament in Grand Rapids along with bowlers from Colliers youth leagues and high school teams.
‘The youth bowlers from Colliers represented themselves very well,? said Lafnear.
For the mixed team division, Wildcat #3 team, Heather Lafnear, Steven Lafnear, Brady Wynkoop, and John Taylor finished fourth out of 80 teams.
The Wildcat #2 team, LeBlanc, Brandon Wynkoop, Cnerio Peterson and Donquell Graves finished third of 85 entries in the boys team division.
LeBlanc finished 22nd in the All-Events category out of 508 bowlers in the B Dvision.
‘Sean was in the zone and competed very well,? said Lafnear. ‘He is a leader on the JV team and carried his game over into the state tournament.?
Lafnear noted the performance of the week for the Wildcats was Taylor. He finished 18th of 518 bowlers in the singles division and finished third in all events for the tournament.
During every tournament the bowlers accumulate points to get scholarships. Upon graduation they will be rewarded scholarship money to put towards college.
O’Berry and Lafnear noted a lot of the high school players once played in the youth program at Collier Lanes.
‘The support Collier Lanes has given is very much appreciated and will help for the future,? said Lafnear.
Besides picking up tips and working on their skills, young bowlers also learn a very important lesson at the bowling alley.
‘When you have fun, you win,? said O’Berry.