The Jupiter High bowling team attended the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championships on Oct. 29-31. Both teams came up short, finishing 24 out of 30 teams for the boys and 25 out of 34 teams for the girls.

“Seeing the skill level at the beginning of the season and the team’s willingness to learn made it a great season,” David Anderson, girls head coach, said.

Both teams won their district games representing District 13. The girls defeated Palm Beach Gardens, while the boys took down Palm Beach Central to advance to States.

“As always, I am extremely proud of the boys and girls for both repeating as district champions and making it to states,” Daniel Blasky, boys head coach, said.

The boys team placed 25th overall, with a number of 3,444 total team points. 

“We are working to get a few potentially new records verified. Jake [Muller] setting a new county high school bowling league record of a 247 average, and Connor [Ecker] setting a new District tournament record of 781,” Blasky said. 

The girls team placed 24 overall with a number of 2,709 total team points. Breanna Grudinsky, senior, had the most points with 771. 

“I knew if the girls worked hard and put in the time to make improvements ,we would be a successful team and have a successful season,” Grudinsky said.

The abilities to control and make the average bowling ball go the distance, requires a combination of many different skills.

“For a top level bowler, or if you are bowling 20-30 games a week, that in itself improves muscle memory, strength and flexibility,” Blasky said.

Sports like bowling need hours dedicated to practicing, with most not having the natural ability to be a strong bowler.

“Natural ability can only get you so far. Practice is crucial to success,” Anderson said.