Dennis Ryan

Dennis Ryan (12) poses for a photo in his OHS bowling shirt. He bowled a 244 his first game back after two years. “The third week of bowling, I bowled my first 600 — a total of 600 points in three games — two 200 games and a 198 game. That was during a league game, so it counted,” Ryan said.

 Many people at OHS don’t know we have a bowling team, but in fact, there are about 25 students who make up the team. Dennis Ryan (12) started his bowling journey on the OHS bowling team after not playing for two years and was inspired by his family and friends to start bowling.  

“My dad has always been a bowler such as my grandma, whole family and my best friend,” Ryan said.  

Even though he didn’t play for two years, when he returned to bowling, he managed to score well. 

“I bowled a 244 my first game back after two years of not playing,” Ryan said.  

Just like many athletes have a favorite brand of shoe or equipment, Ryan has a favorite ball that he bowls with every time. 

“I use the storm Nova ball anytime I am bowling, and I use it because it gives me the break I need and a good rev rate,” Ryan said.

Ryan has been  bowling since a kid, but he stopped for baseball and started back up again his junior year.

“I have been bowling since eighth grade and I played all the way up till freshman year, then I quit and started playing baseball, but I got eye surgery, so I had to quit,” Ryan said. “So I started bowling back up junior year.”

Ryan struggles with bowling sometimes just as many other athletes may struggle with their sports. 

“My struggles are being consistent with how and where I throw the ball,” Ryan said.

 Despite the struggles, bowling has helped Ryan  improve and grow as a person. 

“Bowling has helped me by using my head more and also taking criticism from coaches and teammates,” Ryan said. 

Since bowling is not seen as a mainstream sport at school by many people, there are many things about it that Ryan thinks people should learn. 

“Bowling takes a lot of consistency and learning what the lanes are doing that day and how you are going to throw the ball because the lanes are never the same,” Ryan said. 

Throughout his time on the time, Ryan enjoys many aspects of bowling because of the outcome of every game. 

“I personally enjoy thinking about how I’m gonna throw the ball at a spare and thinking what the pins are gonna do,” Ryan said. 

Ryan enjoys the sport so much that he is planning on bowling after high school also.

“I will probably bowl in a league in the future like when I am a little older…But I will probably bowl for fun a couple times a month after high school,” Ryan said.

Ryan has some advice he would give to new players or players who want to improve their skills.

“Pick the right size ball, keep your swing relaxed,” Ryan said, “find your speed when approaching the lane and throw the ball.”