Niwot Unified bowling wraps another successful year at Centennial Lanes

On Nov. 15, eight high schools battled it out at Centennial Lanes in the annual regional unified bowling competition, vying for one of three spots in the state championships in Denver. The lanes were packed with spectators cheering on their schools.

For the Niwot High School Unified bowling team, the three bowlers selected to compete for the state championships were athletes Emmett Vertuca and Dallin Easton, along with partner Bela Mendes. Easton stepped in as a substitute at the last minute when the team needed him.

The Cougars placed fourth in the competition, narrowly missing the cutoff for state. Despite the outcome, the team enjoyed an afternoon of camaraderie and friendly competition. "It wasn't our year," Coach Amy Holle said, "but we had a really good time, and the kids had fun."

Though the season didn't end as hoped, Holle reflected on moments that made her proud. "Personally, I enjoyed watching all of my students," she said. "They all really enjoy it, but Emmett really showed a lot of growth. He bowled a few strikes, and so did Ethan (Withnell)." she added. "They were really proud of themselves. It's so fun to watch."

As the bowling season wraps up, the athletes are already looking forward to Unified basketball, which begins soon. "Throughout the season, so many kids have been popping in, asking when basketball will start," Holle said. "That's just around the corner, and it's a good segue because, even though bowling ends, we don't have to stop doing Unified. We still get to maintain relationships."

Holle noted that nearly all the bowling team members plan to join the basketball team, though a few more partners-students without disabilities who assist during play-are needed for the upcoming season.

For Niwot's Unified sports teams, participation and enthusiasm are at an all-time high. Holle is optimistic about the program's future. "It's here to stay," she said. The strength of the programs lies in the relationships they build that extend beyond the lanes or the court.

When asked what she would say to students considering joining, Holle didn't hesitate. "I would say it's one of the best commitments you can make in high school."