Luck is a small but important factor in sports, as a simple fumble could lead to a game-winning opportunity. But luck doesn’t compare to the hours of training, matches and perfecting the art of bowling.

Traveling through tournaments, the men’s club bowling team has entered their last round of sectionals, which will roll into nationals and eventually hit a strike at the championships. The team is still performing well even though the pressure is starting to simmer as all eyes are on them to continue their streak of gold.

“We are ranked fifth this year compared to last year’s ranking,” men’s bowling coach Brandon Mooney said. “Our work ethic has drastically improved this year. The drive, along with the focus, is clearer as we continue to aim to win.”

This year, the bowling team has gained new members and lost old members, as they have graduated or stopped after the last championship win. But that doesn’t deter the team as they are working harder and growing closer through every practice leading up to the final stages.

“We have a decent chance this year as we are ranked fifth instead of 11th, and I’m sure we’ll make it out decently,” bowler Dawson Peterson said. “I am confident that we will finish in the top three as our team communication has improved.”

Dawson is one of the few returning bowlers who experienced the championship last year. With his prior knowledge from last season’s championship, he has the capability to help improve the team in spots that seemed less supported during their previous journey to the championship.

“It’s nice to have fresh new faces,” president Nate VanderBeek said. “They help keep the energy pumping, and they have the drive to bowl.”

The new members on the team seem to boost morale within the whole bowling experience as they are there to perfect their craft, not only for their individual expertise, but for the team. The team seems to have more cohesion, along with a closer bond, as they have been seen hanging out away from practices and joking around in practices. With the odds at hand, the team seems to be ready to make it into the top four in nationals and bring their huge accomplishment back to campus.

The team seems unbothered by the spotlight on them. In fact, the fire in their eyes seems to glow more as the campus helps fuel their focus and desire to win. As the men’s club bowling team gets closer to entering the championships, they look to secure the gold for students to acknowledge their work and sense of camaraderie. The team looks for motivation to keep that streak alive, along with spreading that luck to other club sports.