Senior Robbie Weber has been a bowling fanatic since he joined a cosmic bowling league in elementary school to have something to do on Friday nights. Almost ten years later, Weber is now a member of the newly added varsity bowling team.

“I’ve always loved bowling and when I heard we had a team, I was ecstatic,” Weber said. “I decided not to wrestle this year and needed something to fill my time.”

The bowling team has been a new experience for everyone involved. Weber wasn’t entirely sure how the team would turn out, but has been happy with the time he’s spent with everyone so far.

“For the odd group of kids that’s thrown together, and it being the first year and everything, we get along really well,” Weber said. “It’s a fun group of kids.”

The team had their first meet Monday, Jan. 9. Even though Weber is an experienced bowler with a personal best game of 239, he didn’t do as well as he would have liked at the meet.

“I didn’t do as well as I expected, but I’ve been practicing a lot lately and hope to improve,” Weber said. “I have to work on my form and work on a smoother release.”

Bowling is a family activity for Weber’s family. His grandpa is one of his biggest inspirations to continue his improvement at bowling.

“My grandpa has bowled his whole life and he can’t bowl anymore. He’s even bowled three or four perfect games,” Weber said. “He comes out and watches me at my meets. He offers me tips when he can and he’s given me balls.”

Bowling balls aren’t the only equipment needed to be a competitive bowler.

“I’ve got a couple grease rags, three balls, my own shoes, a two ball bag on wheels with a joey to hold the third ball, and a resin grip bag,” Weber said, as he listed off all the equipment he owns.

Bowling hasn’t been all fun and games for Weber though. It has come with a few hardships.

“One time my pants ripped!” Weber said. “It was freshman year I think. I got down on my hands and knees to push the ball and my pants straight-up ripped. It was a four inch vertical tear. It was pure humiliation.”

Weber has been able to overcome the embarrassment though, and has high hopes for the rest of his season.

“I want to stay on varsity and getting a score higher than 250 would be nice,” he said. “And this might be a little ambitious, but going to state would be rocking.”

Regardless of wins or losses, Weber thinks he will be a life time participator in the sport.

“Bowling isn’t just a lifestyle,” Weber said. “It’s a way of life.”