Ten Pin Bowling
30 April, 2024
Young claims gold at Tenpin Bowling Nationals
Logan Young might be only 16, but he is hoping he has the world at his feet, or perhaps better suited terminology would be in his hands.
Young, from Horsham, has been Tenpin Bowling for only a couple of years, but has already accomplished an achievement in the sport most could only dream of.
He competed recently at the National Title, with Young and his team claiming Gold in the 21 game, three day event.
Young was proud of his performance, adding he feels he played his part in the team with everyone contributing equally.
Young said his selection recently to represent his State was nerve wracking, as there were only six positions available, and he was selected for spot six, being ranked sixth in Under 18s in Victoria.
Heading into the event Young said he was hoping to play his role in the team with a consistent week of bowling and high scoring.
He also participated in an event called The Masters, where bowlers compete individually to be crowned the Australian Master.
"When we arrived in Queensland we started the event called ‘Masters’; an event consisting of the best male Under 18 bowlers in Australia," explained Young.
"Over the four days I averaged 207 in 21 games and finished 11th overall, which is considered top 15 Under 18 in Australia."
Young achieved his best score to date int he event, 298s and recalls his final roll.
"It was stressful picking up your ball and knowing this is the final shot to either shoot a perfect game or come so close and start over again," he said.
"Unfortunately, I shot 11 strikes and eight on my last shot but overall, the trip was great and am looking forward to next year already."
A bowling interest in his family sparked Young's own involvement in the sport.
"I decided to involve myself in Tenpin Bowling because of what my father Warren Young had accomplished, previously representing Victoria in the Australian National Championships in 1998 and 1999," Young shared.
"I enjoy Tenpin Bowling because it puts me in a headspace like no other, it allows me to
completely turn all my attention to the lanes.
"Tenpin Bowling is one of the most mentally challenging sports in the world and can be very easy to take your mind off the game which can make you lose."
Young said living in a small town like Horsham, he has been challenged to learn the skills himself, with no available coaching professionally.
Cost has also been another challenge, with what Young describes as "decent arsenal", including accessories, bags, balls and shoes, coming at a price.
With the Australian National Championships now done and won, Young said his work will increase as he eyes a invitation to join the National Training Squad, to represent Australia through Tenpin Bowling Australia.
He is inspired to do his best by Jason Belmonte, a bowler born and raised in Orange, NSW.
"Jason Belmonte is ranked Number One in the world currently with the most number of (PBA) Professional Bowlers Association Titles," Young said.
Practice for Young includes bowling at Horsham Lanes and Games four days a week.
"Practice includes time spent spare shooting, focusing on movement of my feet,
my form and keeping everything in line, focusing on the lanes and which board I
am aiming to release the ball on and putting that all together to make a great shot," he said.
And while bowling is his passion, it's not the only sport he plays, competing in A Grade volleyball and eight ball pool each week.
"Away from Tenpin Bowling I have a full-time apprenticeship at Carman's Windscreens full time, so it doesn't give me too much time during the week to do things I enjoy but on
weekends I enjoy spending time at home and hanging out with friends," he said.