It’s Friday night and you are sitting in front of the computer, clicking “home” over and over on Facebook until your eyes start to blur. No naïve freshmen are having parties with their parents home and you have already seen the newest James Bond movie. Suddenly, an idea strikes you harder than a pin at Imperial Lanes. It’s something you haven’t done since your best friend’s birthday party in the fourth grade, but it was fun then, right? Go bowling!

Aside from being a childhood pastime, bowling can be an incredibly highstakes competitive game. Did I say game? I meant sport. A hazardous, perilous, death-defying sport. And this year, Garfield hopes to advance all the way to state in its cutthroat league.

The legacy of the Bulldog bowlers, however, has yet to be established. In fact, until this past week, I was not even aware that bowling was an official Garfield school sport. Last year, the team had a winning record, finishing out the season seventh of 16 teams. Two years ago they even made it to state but were unable to compete because two of the star players were out of town during the tournament.

This year is shaping up to be a promising year for the squad. Adding to the core group of seniors Ian Collicot, Jonas Meyers, and Matt Bricker-Mounts are two new players with talent: Calvin Moland II and Phillip McCarthy, both seniors.

“Our A Team [this year] has great potential, I expect to see us in the top five,” said senior captain Ian Collicott. “Phillip and I are the most experienced bowlers and will lead the team.”

Last year, the rules of state competition were changed in the Bulldogs’ favor. Four teams will now be accepted into the tournament rather than just three in years past. This gives Garfield a chance because even if they do not win state, making it there in the first place is not too shabby.

Despite what anyone may think, bowling is not just for the incredibly talented. Bowling Club meets every Wednesday at three o’clock sharp at Imperial Lanes. You can bowl for free. 4 FREE!!!! And even if you can’t make it to the club, bowling is not as boring of a spectator sport as one may think.

“I encourage everyone to attend one bowling match in their high school career,” said Collicott. “It is an eye-opening experience filled with surprises.”