COLUMN: Feeder program draws 49 bowlers

     They fill up Legacy Lanes between the time school ends for the day and league bowling begins.

     The program began two years, ago, following a model established by programs in Illinois and Indiana. Monticello had 12 participants that year, and there was no program a year ago due to COVID-19.

     This year there are 49 of them, grades 5-8, participating in a middle school bowling program.

     It’s a win-win on several levels. The youngsters get coaching and practice with the goal of developing and improving their bowling skills.

     The coaches, all Monticello High School students who have been part of the MHS bowling program, gain coaching experience as well as Silver Service hours.

     And for Legacy Lanes owner and MHS bowling coach Brian Meyer, it serves as a feeder program for the successful Panther bowling teams.

     That success – the Monticello boys reached the state tournament two years in a row, while the up-and-coming girls’ team showed its potential – is part of the reason why the program more than quadrupled its total of participants from 12 two years ago.

     “I think the reason this went so much better this time,” Meyer said, “was because our boys paraded through the school on their way out the door to the state tournament, two weeks before we had the signup for this.”

     That, Meyer said, apparently led to several middle schoolers thinking, “Hey, I want to be part of that.”

     Each participant paid $75 to be part of the program, which began when the high school state tournament ended, and wrapped up April 19. In return, they got weeks of instruction, a new ball, a ball bag, and a t-shirt. Meyer said he loses money on that proposition, but added, “it’s a long-term investment.”

     The high school bowlers helping with the program include Gary Pasker, Logan Farmer, Brendan Pasker, Easton Lee, Aubree Fairley, and Emma Sperfslage.

     Meyer said the students have done a great job.

     “I’ve tried to let them run it,” he said. “I thought it was a learning opportunity for the (high school) kids. If you coach other people, it will help you become a better player. It looks like we’ve got some (leadership) potential there.”

     Because there are so many participants, the program was split, with grades 5-6 bowling Mondays and Wednesday, and grades 7-8 bowling Tuesdays and Thursdays.

     Meyer said he likes what he sees from the young bowlers.

     “We’ve got talent,” he said. “Three of our best players right now are fifth-graders. And we’ve got some eighth-grade girls who I think will contribute (to the high school team) right away next year. It looks promising.

     “I’m hopeful that this will continue. Hopefully we’re keeping this fun and educational, and it will make them better so they can contribute right away.”