Bowling is now a varsity sport. Officially recognized by school administration, coach Dave Scillion’s team will receive varsity benefits for the 2017-2018 season.

In previous years, the bowling team has acted as a self-funded club, but with its new inclusion in the lineup of varsity sports, the team will get access to bus transportation and funding from the Athletic Boosters.

“Before, we bowled just like we were a varsity sport—same matches, same caliber,” Scillion said. “The school just treated it as a ‘club’ in previous years. It’s nice in the sense that they are treating it as a varsity letter sport now. We’re hoping that brings more kids out to the program and give us a little more street cred.”

The team practices three times a week. Practices and home matches are held at Five Star Lanes. New and veteran bowlers from Troy High, Athens and International Academy East all have the opportunity to compete together.

“I have no friends on this team,” sophomore and daughter of the coach Brianna Scillion said. “I meet all new faces.”

She says that bowling has become a family affair over the years.

“I started bowling because my dad and my brother do it,” Scillion said. “It’s a family thing. I’ve been playing since fifth grade.”

Some of the bowling athletes think that their new varsity status may draw more students to try out for the team.

“More people are coming to tryouts,” senior Rachel Collins said.

Collins has been bowling for all four of her years in high school and says it’s a great way to make friends.

“It’s pretty much a way to release and to have fun with friends,” she said.

Rachel and coach Scillion think that bowling is a unique sport that requires a different type of training and mindset, but coach Scillion says that it is accessible to everyone.

“Anybody can bowl,” Scillion said “You can bowl at three years old, and you can bowl at 83 years old. My greatest pleasure is watching someone come in as a first-year bowler. By the end of the year, they’re throwing strikes, they know how to make their spares and they’re having fun and enjoying the game.”

Last year, the Colts placed fifth at regionals. Under Scillion’s instruction, the team has produced two collegiate athletes in Emily Moharter and Carter Scillion.

“My goal is to improve all the kids,” Scillion said. “If they want to bowl in college, [I want] them ready. This past year, we have had two bowl in college; there are lots of scholarships out there.”