Recent Oxford High School graduate and varsity bowling standout Heather Lafnear signed a letter of intent with Alma College on June 11 in a small signing ceremony held in the OHS Media Center.
Ms. Lafnear admitted she’s a ‘little nervous,? about the move to college, but not because she’s afraid of the higher level of competition. She said she ‘does well under pressure,? so she’s not woried about her play.
What worries her is being away from home and not knowing anybody on the new campus. She said the only person she’ll know at Alma College will be Anthony Cappuccilli, 2012 recipient of the Bud Rowley scholarship.
She looked at a lot of colleges, and though many had one or two elements she desired in a college, only ‘Alma had everything (she) was looking for,? the ace bowler stated.
Heather has been bowling since she was four, mother Karen Lafnear said. Ms. Lafnear bowls nearly a 200 average, with a personal high score of 277.
OHS bowling Coach J.R. Lafnear said he had mixed emotions about his daughter’s transition. He said besides any personal attachments, he will miss his daughter’s presence on the team, as the team now lacks an anchor and a captain. Though there remain plenty of ‘opportunities for girls to step up,? he knows replacing Ms. Lafnear will be difficult.
On the other hand, Ms. Lafnear’s success is exciting and good for the bowling program’s reputation among potential Wildcat high school athletes, Coach Lafnear said. This is the sixth year OHS has offered bowling as a varsity sport.
If you’d like more information on the Oxford bowling program or would like to try out for the girls team, contact Coach J.R. Lafnear at jrlafnear@charter.net or by phone at (313) 350-4691.
Alma Coach Ken Shunk advised Lafnear to ‘take some time off; enjoy your summer, but then get plenty of practice.? Shunk said he’s got plenty in store for Ms. Lafnear.
He said there are great facilities up at Alma and he’s got plenty of travel planned for his girls bowling team–maybe even a Vegas trip!