Knocking down unsuspecting pins while lounging with friends, laughter and competitive spirit fill the air. There is a calming sound of the bowling ball contacting the pins at just the right angle to secure a strike for the team. This vicious pin slaughtering group is Bellevue East’s bowling team.

Unless a person eagerly wants justice for all the poor fallen pins, bowling is one of the most relaxed and inclusive sports that East has to offer, according to bowler junior Nolan Jones.

“I think the team does a nice job working with each other. It’s a real positive environment with a lot of our kids having a passion for bowling, especially the kids that have been playing for all 4 years or more,” bowling coach Kent Crossley said.

When playing with a group or on a team, lots of time is spent together, resulting in a strong relationship or connection between the players. According to Jones, friendships are made, making the experience all together more enjoyable.

“I think that the bond is pretty strong because it’s a lot of close friends that all do it and so most of the teams, like the varsity and the jv, are separated and it’s two good friend groups,” Jones said.

Who would pass up the chance to hang out with friends and channel an inner competitive drive, especially when it counts as a school extracurricular? Bowling can be a way to boost school experience and it will look good to colleges.

“I found a lot of my love and passion through bowling and I think being able to do it in school is phenomenal,” senior Chloe Fisicaro said.

While bowling can be a competitive sport, not only at the professional level, but also at the high school level, it is also a sport that is configured to connect people. Many people bowl recreationally for the social interaction.