Senior Sam Tigges and sophomore Olivia Harris are both captains and the top scorers for the Ankeny bowling teams.
Tigges leads the boys’ squad with a 336 series average. He bowled a season-high 378 series in the Hawks’ loss to Bondurant-Farrar on Tuesday at Great Escape.
Harris leads the girls’ team with a 322 series average. She bowled a career-high 382 series to lead the Hawkettes to a win over Greene County on Dec. 14 at B-Roll Bowling.
Here is some inside info on the duo:
How is the season going thus far?
Harris: This season has gone really well thus far, and we have really come together as a team.
Tigges: It’s definitely been difficult adjusting to new lanes and a new venue. It’s definitely been a roadblock, but the team is working to overcome it and hopefully we start winning more meets and make it to state.
What has been the highlight for you?
Harris: I would have to say that my biggest highlight of the season so far would be during our first meet against Greene County when I bowled my high series of 382 with a high game of 204.
Tigges: Nothing has really stood out to me as of yet. I’m just excited to go to conference and hopefully reaching my goal of making it to state as a team or an individual.
When did you first start bowling?
Harris: I first started bowling on leagues with my sister Emma when I was around 10 years old, but I have been bowling since I was young.
Tigges: I started bowling my sophomore year so about three years ago.
What do you like about the sport?
Harris: I love bowling for all sorts of reason but what comes to mind is the community. Through bowling leagues over at Great Escape, I was able to meet lots of people from many different schools, and I can say I would not have met some of my closest friends if I hadn’t participated in bowling.
Tigges: The thing I like most about bowling is that there is no right or wrong way to bowl and seeing the big range of styles made me want to have my own style. I didn’t even know bowling was competitive until I joined and started seeing people who hooked the ball and took it seriously and made me want to take it seriously as well.
Your team has a new head coach this season in Nick Payton, as well as a new home venue at B-Roll Bowling. Has it been a smooth transition to the new lanes?
Harris: The transition from Great Escape to B & B Lanes wasn’t great at first, but the more we practiced on the lanes the better we got. Also, coach Payton has been a great addition to the team, and he pushes us to be better. Even if we are having an off day, he picks us up and cheers everyone on. I know we all love having him around and hope he stays here at Ankeny in the future.
Tigges: The new venue has definitely been a struggle this season getting technical things worked out. However, most things to this point have been solved. Coach Payton has been helpful this season helping certain people improve. He definitely has a different coaching style than previous years, but that’s not a bad thing.
Do you have a favorite place to bowl at?
Harris: My favorite place to bowl would have to be Great Escape. This is because I have been bowling there on leagues since I was 10. I also like Great Escape because I get to see my friends who live all over the metro.
Tigges: My favorite place to bowl at is Bowlerama, although Great Escape is a close second.
Olivia, your mother sent me a photo of the girls’ team with a blue elephant. What’s the story behind your mascot?
Harris: Now, about that elephant. Thanks to our student section comprised of Maddie Dietz and Eleanor Crawford, we now have a new addition to our team, Mr. Popeye! He was given his name by Brooklyn Dietz, a fellow varsity bowler, after he was won in an arcade game.
You earlier mentioned your sister, Emma, who bowled for Ankeny a few years ago. So are you the best bowler in the family now?
Harris: Great question, but I wouldn’t say I’m the best bowler in the family. That title would go to my dad John, who taught both Emma and I to be the bowlers we are today.
Sam, you are one of the most experienced bowlers on the boys’ team. Have you tried to be a leader for the squad?
Tigges: I’ve never been too much of an outward person, but I try my best to make the rest of the team better and make improvements over the season.
What are your plans for next year?
Tigges: My plans are to go to Iowa State for Electrical Engineering, and hopefully I’ll be able to join a bowling club there and keep competing.
