Bowling has always been a rainy day activity for most, but for some THS students, it’s a competitive sport that they compete in every Saturday morning.

Just like football or baseball, bowling takes hard work and dedication to become skilled in the sport. The students who are involved in the Youth JMS league include: Ayrton Bowen (9th), Blake Bowen (11th), Coby Dellis (11th), Emma Hale (12th), Hannah Hale (12th), Casey Toney (11th), and Logan Zaher (9th). Some students have been participating in the youth league since elementary school and plan to continue until high school graduation.

“I was probably around 7 or 8 when I joined the youth league. My best friend, Blake, asked me to join with him and be his partner. We have been partners ever since,” said Dellis.

Riverside Lanes has been operating its youth league since the 1970s. The price to join the league is $15, which includes a t-shirt and a city tournament fee. After the entrance fee, it’s $11 a week to bowl. Practice starts at roughly 11:15 a.m. until the time of three games is completed. Bowlers also have the opportunity of making new friends from all across Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville. When choosing teams, it’s as simple as picking someone around the same age who shares the same passion for bowling.

The league also provides several opportunities for scholarships and prizes.

“We won about $200 in scholarships at a state tournament,” Bowen said.

Other students have had the opportunity to visit different states for bowling competitions.

“I competed in the State Games of America, hosted in Nebraska, and won the Gold medal for the Girl’s U15 division,” said Emma.

There are three different age divisions for the competitions. The age range is 4-years-old to 20-years-old. Bantam is the youngest division, running from ages 4-7. Prep ranges from 8-14 years old, and the JMS league ages’ are 15-20.

Getting to participate in bowling competitions can be refreshing after a long week of school.

“I love being able to see all my closest friends and socialize and share in doing something we all love,” said Ayrton.

Even though there is a sense of competitiveness in the atmosphere at Riverside, students have undoubtedly grown to see each other as family.

“I came into the league very young and with next year being my last, it will definitely be hard to let go of some amazing friendships I have made along the way,” Dellis said.

Scott Tate, head of the league, says the duration of the leagues is about 24-28 weeks, starting in September and ending in May.