The Milford Maverick’s bowling team kicked off its season last week with a win at their first match against Waterford Mott High School. Girls captain sophomore Theresa Bashara and boys co-captains senior Jesse Malinowski and junior Ryan Garvey led the team to victory under the leadership of varsity coach James Malinowski. The Milford Maverick bowlers are 2-2 in division games this season.

The Maverick bowlers generally have two matches a week, along with practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6 pm at Century Lanes.

In the past, the Milford High School bowling team has received a state championship title. This year, Coach Malinowski hopes to motivate the bowlers to advance as far as they can.

“Our focus is to be competitive with the rest of the league. [We] have wins under [our] belts.  We’re definitely doing better than expected,” said Coach Malinowski during their match against Howell High School.

Last year’s varsity team was heavy with seniors, resulting in the 2011-2012 players being younger. The grade-level of varsity players vary from freshmen to seniors, a significant change from last year’s line up. The new and improved team’s players have committed themselves to the team, which will help them keep a positive outlook for the future.

This year Coach Malinowski chose the varsity captains based on several characteristics:

“[All three captains] have a lot of spirit and drive to support their teammates.”

Girls captain, Theresa Bashara, has been bowling for almost 12 years, averaging a score of 179. As a first-year captain, Bashara hopes to promote success.

“I’m really hoping to improve from last year. We want to keep our consistency up,” said Bashara. “When everyone has a positive attitude we do really well.”

Boys’ co-captains, Ryan Garvey and Jesse Malinowski, have both been bowling for more than 9 years. Garvey averages a 170, while Jesse Malinowski averages a 174. Winning or losing, the co-captains continue to try their best and give it their all.

“[My favorite part is] tournaments,” explains Jesse Malinowski. “The atmosphere is exciting and we’re all working together.”

This season, Garvey’s main focus is to win matches and improve averages. Without a full varsity team, competing in tournaments and matches can be a challenge.

“[The worst part is] losing. When I bowl badly it puts me in a bad mood,” admits Garvey.

Forming a full squad has always been a challenge for the bowling team. Misconceptions and stereotypes seem to warp the real experience that comes with bowling.

“There seems to be a bad rep about [bowling]. It gets down played. Any ‘Average Joe’ can play. It is a sport with both thinking and a physical aspect,” says Coach Malinowski.

Along with recruiting new members, funding is also a big issue to overcome. The Milford High School varsity and junior varsity bowling teams are both self-funded, paid for by fundraisers and pay-to-play fees.

“Guys 100 years old are bowling, so everyone should come bowl and help the team fundraise!” Coach Malinowski adds.

The bowling team is hosting a fundraiser on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at Century Bowling. There will be a 50/50 raffle and two hours of bowling with pizza and pop included is only $20. All proceeds go to support the MHS bowling team, so come out and bring your enthusiasm!