Young bowlers ready for nationals

By Lethbridge Herald on April 30, 2024.

From left, Kolby Kreutz, Tracy Shipka and Kale Smith will all enjoy the nationals experience next week in Ottawa and Gatineau. Herald Photo by Justin Seward

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Two local bowlers are preparing to take to  the lanes as a part of Team Alberta’s senior boys  category at the Youth Bowl Canada Fivepin Bowling Nationals next week.

Lethbridge’s Kolby Kreutz and Taber’s Kale Smith are heading east after successfully getting through the recent zone and provincial qualifiers.

“You just kind of got to do your own thing,” said Kreutz, on approach to nationals and the unknown.

“You shouldn’t be looking at what that guy’s doing … You just [do] eyes forward and do your stuff.”

Kreutz is looking forward to the opportunity to go regardless of the outcome.

“That’s the biggest part and that’s an honour,” he said.

What was the most impressive about Kreutz’s win at provincials was his game.

“I bowled a 416,” said Kreutz.

“The max score is 450. So almost a perfect game.”

Smith thought the  duo bowled their hearts out at the qualifiers.

“I bowled well, but at the same time, compared to how I normally bowl, it was a bit underwhelming,” he said.

“I pulled through and just made it.”

Smith bowled his highest of 260 and averaged  225 at provincials.

Smith is looking forward to seeing other places while at nationals.

“ [The] bowling is going to be amazing,” said Smith.

“But going around and seeing more places is just going to be awesome.”

Coach Tracy Shipka is excited for her bowlers.

“It was quite emotional at provincials when they won and I’m expecting the same result at nationals,” said Shipka.

Shipka has been having conversations and holding practices prior to the big stage with the bowlers.

“I really believe it’s believing in you and having fun because you know what everything else comes into place,” said Shipka.

“If you pressure yourself too much, you just don’t throw well.”

There will be 18 bowlers from Alberta at nationals.

The nationals is from May 6-8 in Ottawa/Gatineau.

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