The 2013 Seminole Bowling season ended at the FHSAA District 7 competition at the end of October. The girls’ team finished the season with 4 out of 12 wins while the boys’ brought home 1 win out of 15.

This season followed a highly successful 2012 season, which saw the boys’ team qualify for the state competition.

Coach Carlos Merlino said, “[It’s been] a rebuilding year. We lost three kids […] added three freshmen and a junior. It was a very challenging year.”

While neither team went to States, they both tried their hardest to regain the title. Some of the standout players on the boys’ team were junior Michael Krist, junior Wade Jackson, along with freshman Ryan Measures. The boys took down Crooms as their final win.

Measures remarked, “We had some struggles. [My teammates were] good and I’m friends with most of them.”

On the girls’ bowling team, standout players were senior and captain Melissa Vargas-Ramirez, junior Susan Lafler, and senior Kayla Lefrancois, who carried the team. They placed sixth out of ten teams at Districts due to their hard work.

Lafler said, “This season was better expected because for most of the season we had four girls and a full team had five. [The experience] was a rush of joy, adrenaline, and it’s a great time. My average was a 12o.”

The girls’ team defeated Crooms twice, Lake Howell, and Lyman. These wins were impressive feats that allowed them to advance to Districts. It also shows the hard work and dedication that many poured into the sport.

Ramirez said, “My average [starting out] was a 130 and [now my average is] a 165. [Some highs were] meeting new people and making new friends.”

While the season didn’t go as far as many wanted it to go, it still brought people together and provided a great experience. The bowling team will continue to strive for excellence as it continues through next season.