As the fall season progresses, the Boys Varsity Bowling Team currently holds a 2-6 record, with junior Spencer Ng leading the team as captain this year.
Spencer has been bowling since he was young and began to love the sport on a more competitive level at the age of 12. He said his passion first arose as a way to “kill some time during the weekends,” and continued to grow after his parents enrolled him in a youth bowling league. “Right when I joined, I always wanted to get better at the game,” he said. “Bowling for me was one of the first things that I truly enjoyed. It was so simple yet so complicated at the same time, and that’s why I still love the game to this day.”
Several of the team’s players graduated last year, leaving the team with a “lack of identity,” as described by Spencer. To address the decline of returning players, Spencer took it upon himself to recruit new freshmen over the summer and acclimate to a new team dynamic. In regards to his leadership on the lanes, Spencer said, “I do my best to help the coach and teach my teammates how to improve their form.”
Spencer reflected on the triumphs of his season thus far, claiming his favorite memory to be the team’s victory against John Bowne High School. He shared that this game was a pivotal moment that truly united the team and raised their spirits. “I really love it when my teammates are able to enjoy this sport as much as I do, so seeing all of them so happy was amazing,” said Spencer.
Recalling their first game, freshman Albert Khyan said, “during team huddles, Spencer would tell us to not look at the scores or [concentrate on] the outcome of the game. Instead, he would always tell us to focus on what we do best, and everyone took that advice.”
Sophomore James Castrodad expressed that a successful captain is “one who can lead the team regardless of the situation, and be there for the team when needed.” He said Spencer has fulfilled this role: “Spencer has created a welcoming environment and has really helped me when it comes to maintaining a positive attitude and developing a passion to improve.”
Freshman Wilson Lin described a successful captain as “someone who is able to help the team improve and become better at something.” He highlighted how Spencer significantly helped him refine his skills: “I remember when I just started bowling, I didn’t have good form and just bowled without thinking. Now, after Spencer taught us proper technique and form, I’m able to bowl consistently and get spares averaging 110+ a game.”
Coach Kevin Lau described Spencer as a determined individual who is “coachable, willing to adapt, and always in constant pursuit of becoming the best version of himself.” He further adds that Spencer “puts other team members’ success before himself” and “leads by example” through instilling a sense of drive and resilience into those surrounding him.
“It is great being able to spend time with people who share the same passion for bowling that I do,” Spencer said. “I would never want a team that views their participation as a chore.”
