GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- At Ottawa Hills, bowling is more than a pastime. It’s a disciplined sport, a mental game, and a lifestyle for bowlers on the team. Under the guidance of Coach John Freeman, an Ottawa Hills alumnus and former OHHS bowler, the team has grown from just four players to over twenty. “Bowling is a lifestyle. The structure and discipline it takes to be an awesome bowler is why I coach,” Freeman says.
The team balances competition with camaraderie, often designing shirts with the phrase “WTF,” or “Win the Frame,” as a reminder to focus on each frame as it comes. “Overall, it’s just fun,” says sophomore Amijah Otey. “The environment is really cool, especially when we’re all working towards the same goal of winning.”
Practice is a mix of skill-building and mental focus. Players drill on their approach, release, and accuracy, and they receive immediate coaching from Freeman after each frame. “Bowling is cool because you get instant feedback,” he notes. “It’s all things: mental, physical, and technical. You have to be mentally engaged, disciplined in your technique, and it’s repetitive muscle memory.”
In baker games, where each team member bowls designated frames for a combined team score, strategy is key. Freeman sets his lineup carefully: a consistent bowler leads off, the setup bowler goes fourth, and the strongest finisher anchors the team. Beyond positioning, the right equipment can make all the difference. As junior Bianca Pharms explains, the choice of bowling ball is tailored to both the player and the lane conditions: “One of my balls hooks more, one is better for spares.” And, she adds, “my shoes help me stay consistent, too.”
Players each have personal goals and routines that complement the team’s effort. Andreas Price, a senior, listens to music to get in the zone while working on hooking the ball and perfecting his release. Daniel Gerber, a sophomore, focuses on staying calm under pressure. “Bowling is competitive, but it’s also a game,” Gerber says. Otey wants to beat her average from last year, while Pharms carefully adjusts her approach based on lane conditions. Together, they reflect a team committed to discipline, preparation, and consistent improvement.
Last year, eleven Ottawa Hills bowlers competed at regionals. This year, the team expects even greater success, fielding two full squads of six for team competition, along with additional players in individual events. Freeman credits this growth to strong middle school programs that introduce students to the sport early, sparking curiosity and involvement. “Getting the information out there allows kids to be more excited about and involved in bowling,” he says.
For Ottawa Hills, each frame is a chance to focus, improve, and compete. Whether perfecting a hook, lining up a spare, or cheering on a teammate, the team blends precision, strategy, and camaraderie, one frame at a time.
Important Season Dates
- First Competition: December 4
- Match v. Union: January 16
- OK White Conference Meet: February 14
- MHSAA Regionals: February 18-21
