John Jay bowling builds momentum through mechanics and mindset

CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - On Thursday, Jan. 29, the John Jay bowling teams traveled to Hudson Valley Lanes and Games to face Somers and North Salem. With significant attrition over the past few years, expectations were modest. The final scores reflected that reality — but the Wolves still came away with something more important than wins.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Brody Clark.

Clark, a freshman, rolled a high game of 115, well above his average of 90. Still, he knows improvement will require change. “I definitely want to learn to throw a curve,” he said.

A two-handed approach, however, isn’t on his radar. “I think if I tried that, I’d fall,” Clark joked.

Junior Anthony Bulfamante is more open to the idea. “I’m going to practice over the summer,” he said.

For now, Bulfamante is keeping things simple. “I’ve been tweaking my mechanics, like my arm angle and keeping my wrist straight,” he said. His high game of 88 wasn’t the focus. “I find bowling relaxing.”

Eighth-grader Aiden Zale brought more heat, rolling a high of 132. He credited teammate Nick Maiorana for introducing him to the two-handed style. “When I saw him do it, I learned that my bowling strategy wasn’t that good,” Zale said.

Junior Sawyer Rand is sticking with a more traditional approach. “I just try to remember to keep my wrist straight,” he said after posting a high of 107.

Aurora Goldner topped that mark by 21 pins but stayed true to the team’s easygoing mindset. She also appreciates one particular aspect of the sport. “There’s no running,” the eighth-grader joked.

In her place, junior Sara Martinez rolled a high of 110 and emphasized the team atmosphere over the numbers. “It’s all entertaining, fun and encouraging,” she said. “Everyone on the team cheers for you.”

Ash Kamerman agreed — though she declined to share her high score. “You don’t want to know,” she joked.

Her laid-back attitude matched her approach. “I’m not that enthusiastic about bowling,” Kamerman said. “I’m just here because I like the people.”

Even so, she still had a moment to celebrate. “I had a strike today — yippee,” she said.

Kaylee Jean also enjoyed a solid day, rolling a high of 107. Asked about the key to her success, she didn’t hesitate. “I hit pins,” she said.

Jean uses a two-handed approach out of necessity. “I didn’t have my own ball, and the house balls didn’t fit my fingers,” she explained.

That works just fine in the winter months. “It’s a good way to pass the winter,” she said.