Last season as a sophomore, Fenwick’s Olivia Cameron became the first bowler in school history to advance to the state championship. This season as a junior, she aims to make a repeat appearance.
Cameron, who averaged 194 through the 30-game regular season, with a season high of 243, was named first team all-conference as well as player of the year in the GCAC to help Fenwick place 4th in the conference, the highest the girls program has finished in two decades.
“I feel as though my season has been good so far,” she said. “I am really proud of my teammates because they have worked hard to continue to grow in the sport of bowling.”
First year head coach William Aldridge has enjoyed his new role this season, and Cameron has been enjoying bowling for him.
“Although I was sad to see coach Tichacek go, I love my new coach,” she said. “He has been bowling for a very long time and he’s very up to date with his knowledge on equipment, tools, and drills. He is very hands-on and often bowls with our team during practices.”
“My first year as a head coach has been an amazing and fun learning experience so far,” Aldridge said. “In the beginning there were some recruiting challenges, so most members on each team are brand new to competitive bowling. Seeing such accelerated improvements in performance in such a short time and knowing that you’ve had an impact on that athlete’s development has made this a fascinating and rewarding experience.”
At the regional final at Leyden Township Saturday, Cameron took 11th place to advance to the sectional. Also advancing to the sectional were OPRF junior Gracie Maidlow (3rd place) and Trinity sophomore Josephine Rodriguez (2nd place with 1,115 pins). Cameron knows that last years’ experience will help her in this year’s sectional as well.
“Last year, I was unsure of what to expect within my state run,” she said. “This year I plan on repeating my previous success and hopefully going further. I know what to expect now, I just have to maintain focus and stay sharp.”
While Fenwick as a team didn’t advance in Saturday’s regional, Cameron knows that they can still carry over the season’s success into next year and bowl even better.
“The majority of my teammates are first-year bowlers and they’re coming along fairly well,” she said. “I’m proud of every single one of them for sticking with it and not ever giving up on me or our team as a whole. We can achieve our goal of getting even better by staying in touch throughout our off-season and just finding time to bowl together, maybe even for a little friendly competition if they’re up for it.”
Aldridge is thrilled to be coaching a talented bowler like Cameron and knows she will continue to have success in her career.
“[Olivia] has been a key role in the team’s success and loves to share her knowledge of the sport with her teammates to help them become better. I’m honored to have the opportunity to enhance her talents with my experience to prepare her for next levels of her career on her road to college and hopefully one day into the PWBA.”