Uncertainty abounds for college-bound area bowlers

Shuttered bowling centers and continued uncertainty about returning to classrooms and campuses in the fall have caused concern for recent high school graduates who have their sights set on a collegiate bowling career.

“It’s been pretty tough seeing all the bowling balls I have just sitting there,” Gabe Taulbee said. “Honestly, I don’t know what to expect this fall.”

The Lebanon High School graduate — who averaged 210.5 during the high school season — plans to attend Tusculum University in the fall, competing for the Pioneers.

Taulbee is not alone in his angst. Dustin Warmoth, of Monroe High School, will compete for the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky. While he is excited to get started in the collegiate ranks, there is uncertainty regarding the fall term.

“So much still seems up in the air,” Warmoth said.

The Monroe graduate, who averaged 205 last season, isn’t just missing the sport, he is missing his paycheck.

“I work at Eastern Lanes, so I’m not bowling and I’m not working,” he said.

Tipp City resident James Ridgeway, an online student, will attend the University of

Northwestern Ohio in the fall and bowl for the Racers.

“It’s definitely uncertain what’s going to happen,” Ridgeway said.

Uncertainty aside, these bowlers are doing everything they can to prepare to compete at the next level.

“I feel like I need to keep my mental game in check,” Taulbee said.

Ridgeway, a state qualifier, is looking at the bowling hiatus similarly.

“I usually bowl every Sunday but, since I can’t, this is a good mental break for me,” he said. “I want to focus on the mental aspect of my game right now.”

Once bowling centers reopen, however, these collegiate bowlers know they will have some work to do.

“I need to get more experience on sport shots because most high school bowling was on a house shot,” Warmoth said. “I will also need to get used to some new equipment, but I can’t wait to get back.”

GDUSBC updates: Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress Hall of

Fame ballots have been mailed to all HOF members. Completed ballot must be returned to the office prior to May 29. Hall of Fame members not receiving a ballot should contact the office as soon as possible. There will be no in-person voting.

The committee and board are working on the Kurt Gostel Scholarships, awarded to graduating seniors. A lack of availability of school records and information has delayed the process but an announcement will be made as soon as possible.