Rising above personal challenges

Bowling helps winners raise spirits, gain confidence

Lauren Aggen, Shane Smith and Nicole Kubiczki live hundreds of miles apart, but they share a common bond. All have found fun and acceptance through the sport of bowling.

They also have written about their experiences and earned scholarship awards in the USBC/BPAA National Bowling Week Essay Contest. Kids from across the country submitted entries about their favorite bowling memory or how the sport has impacted their lives.

First place winner - $2,500 scholarship

Lauren, a 16-year-old from Algonquin, Ill., wrote, "Often I dream about my first 225 game and the ultimate excitement of bowling a perfect 300 game. Oddly enough, I got a very special, unforgettable memory sitting out, bowling zero."

As a freshman on her junior varsity high school bowling team, Lauren attended a regional qualifying meet as one of two alternates.

"It was the sixth and last game at regionals and so far I hadn't had a chance to bowl. I wasn't even thinking about that because I was having so much fun with my teammates," Lauren wrote.

Then came the moment that all coaches worry about. One of the players hurt her leg.

The coach sent in the other alternate, leaving Lauren on the bench.

"My coach came up to me and wanted to have a talk," Lauren wrote. "I asked whether I was yelling too loud for my team because I would lower my voice. Or was I making too big of a deal about the beads I was stringing.

"I strung necklaces in recognition of marks and great plays my teammates were making. I made a necklace for each of the girls bowling. Every great play, another bead was added. I used different colors for different achievements and different patterns for special spares or turkeys. It encouraged the girls to bowl better because all of them really wanted to have a long necklace. The longer necklaces proved we were getting closer to qualifying for state. I enjoyed making the necklaces because I felt I was really part of the team instead of functioning as a sitting-out cheerleader."

Actually, the coach just wanted to apologize for not choosing her as the replacement bowler. The coach's decision was based on the other alternate's better practice performances, not personal preferences.

"I took a puzzled moment for myself and realized this was true," Lauren wrote. "What a surprise that I came wishing for the opportunity to bowl, but I find myself feeling happy while sitting out. I glanced over at my teammates and realized how happy they were about the necklaces…

"The last game was great! We didn't make it to state but we all knew we tried our very best. My team was not as heartbroken as they thought they would be. They said they enjoyed the beads that showed how much they accomplished."

The high school bowling season drew to a close and Lauren got a heart-warming surprise during the team's Awards Night.

"One trophy was left and we were all wondering what it was for and who it was for," Lauren wrote. "Coach called out my name and I paused, wondering whether my hearing aides were working. She signed for me to come on down! As I walked to get my trophy for team spirit, coach started telling the story… (of) regionals and how I had started a new tradition of the marks necklaces."

In her typical other-centered way, Lauren illustrated how her hearing difficulty did not deter her from enjoying a welcome and respected role on the team with her peers.

Second place winner - $1,000 scholarship

Shane, a 15-year-old from Palm Harbor, Fla., wrote, "Last September, I walked into Tarpon Lanes thinking I was signing up for a recreational bowling league and not having any idea how crossing the threshold was going to change my life."

Shane had not bowled in a league before and knew little about the game, but he was put on a team with three other rookies. "Our lack of experience united us and, slowly but surely, we became a team," Shane wrote. "I was a little luckier than the other guys on my team because I had my dad there for support every Saturday.

"It could be said my dad and I have had a rocky relationship when it comes to sports. My dad is an ex-jock and excelled at football, baseball and basketball. I'm sure he hoped I would follow in his footsteps and enjoy and excel at those sports as well. That dream did not come true. I tried, I really did, but baseball and football just weren't for me.

"Little by little, month by month, Saturday mornings became the highlight of my week. My mom and dad had recently separated and it was great knowing that on Saturday mornings I would have special time with my dad. Even though he did not know a lot about bowling either, I could tell he was proud of me. My confidence grew through his support and all the great coaching I received.

"It was the greatest feeling getting to know my dad as a friend and mentor rather than someone who was disappointed in me for not playing the right sports.

"It's funny how when you truly enjoy something, everything gets easier and is exciting. My average is now about 150…. My team shirt is decorated with award patches and pins and I have made so many great friends.

Shane's enthusiasm was contagious. "My dad was totally inspired and joined a Sunday night league with me. It is a great feeling when my dad is asking me for bowling tips."

Third place winner - $500 scholarship

Nicole, 17, is from Pittsburgh and wrote, "Bowling changed my life at a time when I felt as though nothing could help. I was born with a heart condition that had been quiet until my teen years, and then it became very active. The foundation of my existence revolved around being smart and athletic. My identity evolved from this athletic competency. When my sense of well-being was threatened, bowling let me know that I could still be an athlete, that I could still be me."

In her early teens, Nicole bowled on her grade school league and, in what is now known as the Pepsi USBC Youth Championships, she advanced from the league and regional levels and was looking forward to competing at the state level.

"Shortly thereafter, I had a life-threatening episode that required surgery," Nicole wrote. "Even though I was scared, afraid to do any physical activity, I continued to compete. To my surprise, in March, days after my episode, I won first prize at the state level and had a chance to compete (at the international finals) in Winter Haven, Florida.

"In spite of my physical and personal anguish caused by my illness, I persisted, proud to be representing my school and my state. I had heart surgery in early June. It was difficult to rehabilitate my body in one month so I could compete in Florida. Slowly but surely, through lots of therapy and practice, I was able to regain my skill.

"When I arrived at the tournament, I was amazed at the level of competition. Most of the kids competing there had been bowling for years, whereas this was my first year. I didn't let this get in my way. I was inspired to do my personal best.

"Being there in Winter Haven was more than a competition. It was an experience that gave me newfound hope and inspiration to live. The diverse atmosphere was astonishing. Never in my life did I imagine using my limited Spanish skills to talk to Stephanie from Puerto Rico or asking a boy from Quebec if he knew Mario Lemieux. (As a Pittsburgh Penguins fan, I admired Lemieux and my father had always said that Mario is practically a deity in Quebec.) I talked to Catherine about what life was like for her living on a military base. The competition in Florida extended beyond a lane and 10 pins; it was about meeting new people and sharing life experiences.

"Bowling revived my aspiration to be an athlete. It reassured me that I could continue to do what I love. Bowling gave me hope when I could not find it elsewhere. This experience marked the beginning of my journey to a lifetime without limits."