Sophomore, Pablo Ypina, is a returning Mustang on the bowling team coached by Mr. Baron at Shadow Ridge High School. Tryouts are nearing for students to be included in the 2024-2025 bowling season.
Ypina’s first experience bowling was when he was out with his family, just having a fun night out. That night, he learned he was enjoying his time and later convinced his parents to put him into a bowling league.
Ypina states, “I first found out I like bowling when my family and I went bowling for fun. After that, I wanted to join a league and that’s when a coach saw that I had potential and started coaching me. I joined school because it was one of my goals when I began bowling. I wanted to see if I could have made varsity my freshman year, and I did.”
He is looking forward to trying out this year as he wants to see the new people who are coming out. Ypina also wants a chance to test his abilities with more competition.
Ypina comments, “I’m looking forward to seeing how many new people there are going to be and I hope there’s going to be a lot more competition. If there are better people than me, I want to try and make varsity again.”
A lot of the equipment that Ypina uses has come from the Pro Shop, however he sometimes uses items from the Sante Fe Bowling Center. People have donated their previous bowling balls to Ypina as well, growing his inventory for free.
Bowling at the Ridge requires a lot of equipment that most people are not aware about. This sport includes materials such as bowling balls, special bowling shoes, different slide soles, sanding pads, ball cleaners, and ball holders.
When teams are chosen after intramurals, the bowlers have occasional practices. Many of the practices are not mandatory, which helps with flexibility for the players and a warm up before their week of games.
“In the beginning, we have intramurals, but once Mr. Baron is finished choosing the teams we have two games a week, so he might throw in a practice on a Saturday. He doesn’t designate practices, so we say a day and if you can go you can, but you don’t always have to,” comments Ypina.
Even though the meetings are short, Ypina has had great experiences through the bowling program. He has learned key characteristics and skills from Shadow’s team.
“My favorite experience with the bowling team would be that time when we went go-kart-racing and became friends with all the people I have met through the program,” states Ypina.
As Ypina continues to show his devotion to the bowling program at the Ridge, Mr. Baron has enjoyed getting to know Ypina and his contribution to the bowling team. He is looking forward to Ypina becoming an even better influence and role model in the program.
“Pablo was an excellent addition to the bowling team last year. As a freshman, he was the #4 varsity bowler and averaged a 184 for the year. As a team we were one match away from competing in the finals, and Pablo also qualified for the State Individual tournament. I look forward to Pablo becoming more of a vocal leader and helping his teammates win many matches this season,” commented Mr. Baron.
