In 2023, head bowling coach Samantha Walls took the job with one goal in mind, to win. With the previous head coach stepping away from the game it was time to find someone new to lead the team.

“Being able to be a part of something cool and connect with students outside of the classroom is the best
part of the job,” S. Walls said.

With the season coming up, it was time to find the most reliable bowlers for the team going forward. Team members dedicated many nights to earn their spots.

“For the boys we have Andrew Colby, Nick Lowe and Conner Quinton, and for the girls we have Paisley Walls,” S. Walls said.

Last season brought milestones for the bowling team that they now are striving to surpass.

“Last year, our boys team went to the state championship for the first
time in school history,” S. Walls said.

Along with the top bowler there are others that contribute to the team’s wins.

“Last season was good,” Dave Patel said. “We made it to state for the first time in a while so that was good
for the team.”

With bowling being a team sport they must work together to top last year’s achievements and top their records.

“Our team goal is to average 180 as a team score, and my personal goal is to go to state and just do well there,” Patel said.

After their great run last year they were looking to do even more this year.

“We had several school records set by both of the teams,” S. Walls said. “We are hoping to meet those same records and create some more this year, with both teams also qualifying for the state championship. The excitement from last season has carried over, and we know the students are ready to give everything they have.”

Coach Walls’ daughter, Paisley Walls, is a standout bowler on the team. Having her mom as the coach pushes Paisley to work harder and do her best every single day, both in practice and during matches.

“My current average is in the 160-170 range,” P. Walls said.

P. Walls practices as much as possible and listens closely to her mom’s advice during both games and practice sessions. She is grateful to be a part of this team and enjoys the close friendships she has made with her teammates. She also said being part of the team has made her more confident and has taught her the value of working hard. The group cheers each other on and celebrates together after every match, no matter the outcome.
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My proudest moment was when we went to the regional match in Southaven last year,” P. Walls said.

P. Walls feels she has grown over the past couple of seasons and is excited to see where this season takes her. She knows the competition will be tough, but she is ready for the challenge ahead.

“Last year I hit a PR of 201 and was ranked 9th in the region,” P. Walls said.

P. Walls is hoping to excel this season, and both the girls and boys teams are excited to see where this season takes them. The upcoming season is approaching fast and the team has to get back into the groove of practicing regularly.

“I really just go out there and throw games and get the reps in,” Patel said.

The team has been working on small details and focusing on staying consistent. Each player knows that every frame counts, and they want to make every game their best.

“We are all preparing and hoping for the best season that Oxford Bowling has ever had,” S. Walls said.