Lloydminster bowlers (from left to right) Jaylyn Elford, Nashalia Sinclair, Hayden Carroll and Baron Robson will be competing at the national level in Regina from May 6-9 with the help of their coaches Amy Campbell and Jeremy Wetsch. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Four Lloydminster bantam bowlers will be giving it their all on the national stage in Regina as they prep to compete at Youth Bowl Canada five-pin Nationals in May.
After a very strong showing at Provincials in Saskatoon on March 5, Jaylyn Elford, Nashalia Sinclair, Hayden Carroll and Baron Robson will be representing the Border City as well as Lloyd Lanes from May 6-9.
“Their performance was amazing. Jaylyn had four strikes in a row in her first-ever provincial competition, which was a really exciting moment,” said the girls’ coach Amy Campbell.
“Both girls performed amazingly. They were hitting centre and cleaning up, which is what we had talked about going into the competition.”
Boys’ coach, Jeremy Wetsch, echoed Campbell stating he couldn’t be more proud of his athletes.
“The boys performed phenomenally in Saskatoon,” he said.
“They showed great sportsmanship with the other teams, kept each other up, and I couldn’t be happier with the way the boys bowled.”
For Campbell and Jeremy Wetsch, the next two months are all about ensuring their athletes are physically and mentally prepared for the upcoming competition, especially considering nationals consist of athletes bowling 15 games over three days.
“The keys are to remain calm, take in the experience and don’t get overwhelmed with everything that’s going on,” explained Wetsch.
“I know the first time I went, it was very overwhelming. You have competitors from all over Canada there, and you also have hundreds of people watching you while you bowl.”
“For the girls, ultimately, hit centre,” added Campbell. “That’s your number-one every time you throw the ball. If you don’t hit centre on that first ball, you want to spare it. If you don’t spare it, you need to pick up those pins because if you don’t, that’s where the competition will take you out with extra points.”
This will be the first national competition for all four bowlers, and it’s something they’re all greatly looking forward to.
“I was shocked when I found out I was going to nationals because there were some good teams at provincials,” said 10-year-old Jaylyn, adding her plan is not to let nerves take over in May.
Nine-year-old Nashalia said she’s a bit nervous but really looking forward to the new experience.
“At provincials, I did pretty well, and my best game was a 179 when I bowled two strikes in a row.”
Nine-year-old Hayden also had a great experience at provincials and bowled a personal best of 180 in his very first game.
Ten-year-old Baron also set a personal best at provincials and bowled a 224.
“I’m looking forward to playing for Saskatchewan, and Canada, I’m also excited to see all the really good bowlers who are representing Canada,” he said.
