By: Michaela Etienne
Apopka High School is known for many wonderful things, one being their outstanding bowlers. Their boys held the 2013, 2014, and 2015 state championship title. They’ve even had one of their outstanding bowlers, Peter Panagiotis Vergos, appear on The Today Show to show his skills. The Apopka High School bowling team has currently been doing an amazing job. The boy’s team is currently an undefeated 3-0. They are a very hard-working team, dedicating at least 6 hours per week practicing and mastering their skills. Their games typically last 2 to 2½ hours and start at 3:00 pm and end around 5:30 pm at Brunswick Zone Wekiva Lanes.
Eddie Jenkins is the coach for Apopka’s Bowling Team, with the assistance of Coach Bud and Coach Doug. Jenkins became the coach of the Darter Bowling Team after the departure of a longtime coach, Mr. Hauser. I sat down with Jenkins and asked him why he decided to become the new bowling coach. He responded, “They needed a coach and I have coached some other sports, and I’ve never coached bowling, so I thought it was a chance for me to be the team’s bowling coach. I also thought it was a really good opportunity to spend time together with my son.” Even though it might be his first year as a bowling coach, he has actually been coaching a variety of sports for about 20 years. So far, they have competed in four matches and have had one match canceled against Jones High School due to the inconvenience of Hurricane Irma. They’ll have to reschedule the match because it’s a district match.
I interviewed some of the players on the bowling team to ask for their opinions and feedbacks on bowling.
Captain Gage Sterling shared his thoughts about this season.
Why did you decide to join bowling?
I joined the high school team because throughout middle school I wanted to be a part of a team. I chose bowling because it’s more than just an after-school activity it’s also a sport.
How long have you been bowling?
I started bowling when I was 9, and ever since it just grew on me as something I wanted to do as a professional sport and one day make it my job
What do you enjoy most about bowling or your team?
What I enjoy most about the team are the fun and jokes that we all have during practice and that there’s always someone helping someone else.
How do you feel about the championships now that Petey Vergos is no longer on the team?
Not just one single person makes the whole team. It takes 5-8 strong bowlers to make the team who they are. Without Panagiotis, we are still just as strong as a team and are still able to get the work done and come out on top. We do what we have to do we put in the hours of practice and make it happen. No matter who is on or off the team Apopka is known for dominating
I also spoke with Diego Pulice.
Why did you decide to join bowling?
I chose to join the bowling team because I love bowling and with such an amazing program Apopka has it was a must for me to join.
How long have you been bowling?
I’ve been bowling my whole life but when I decided to take it seriously the summer going into sophomore year.
What do you enjoy most about bowling or your team?
What I enjoy most about my team is that we all have each other’s back and push each other to be great.
How do you feel about the championships now that Panagiotis Vergos is no longer on the team?
The championships that we’ve gotten through the years are amazing. But now that Pete (Panagiotis) graduated high-school we still have an amazing team and a great chance to win more championships as the years go on.
Finally, I spoke with the captain of the girls’ team, Mireya Smith.
Why did you decide to join bowling?
It was a combination of factors that got me into bowling. Coach Hauser has been the wrestling and bowling coach before he left Apopka. He was my wrestling coach and I noticed how he got another wrestler to join. My other friend, Bryan, had also told me how he was interested in doing bowling last year. Unfortunately, when I asked Coach, he had said it was too late so I planned to join the next school year. I guess one of the girls had a commitment and was going to leave and they needed a girl to fill her spot. Coach emailed me and then the same day, I was at the lanes bowling with everyone.
How long have you been bowling?
This is my second year bowling but I wish I had join freshman or sophomore year.
What do you enjoy most about bowling or your team?
I am team captain of the girls’ team this year which is a pretty awesome experience. I feel so much more a part of the team and I just love my teammates. We’re close, have fun, and cheer everyone in the littlest way possible. Even if someone’s having one of those days, we’re there to help them, guide them, and give them some tips if needed. With being team captain, I get so proud when we win and even if we lose. Obviously, I love it when we win but if we lose, at least I know we put forth our best effort, have exemplary sportsmanship, and lose with respect.
