2023-2024 Bowling Season and Physics

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars" - Oscar Wilde. 

A sport is defined as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” By this definition, bowling is a sport. After all, the objective of players is to knock over as many pins as possible. More pins down equals more points gained. With this in mind, players must strategize to defeat their opponent. Bowling’s athletic influence is apparent on both the local and national level. The Niskayuna high school has bowling teams for girls and boys. Professional bowlers from across the globe compete year round. Despite its similarities to other sports, bowling differs from others in its own unique right. 

Bowling is impacted by physics in interesting ways. Through friction, a bowling ball following the course of the lane will slow down over time. Then, variables like the ball’s location and spin impact this direction, as well as a lane’s oiling patterns. The ball pushes the oil around as it zooms down the lane, altering the areas of concentration and how other bowling balls will travel. This process is dubbed as “breaking down” by Mrs. Favata, who is the coach of the Niskayuna boys bowling team. “I enjoy teaching from beginners to seasoned athletes,” said Mrs. Favata. She discovered her passion for bowling in high school, when she herself bowled on the boys team. 

The sport also has a hefty entrance fee: the payment for your own ball. Prices for this equipment range from just under $100 to a startling $250. However, that's nothing to scoff at. A ball fitted to your own hand is important for release, which is an essential action in this sport. This movement is the final step before the ball speeds down the lane and hits the pins, thereby requiring players to be diligent with release.

In addition to diligence, bowling requires devotion. Here at Niskayuna, the bowling team practices Monday to Thursday after school until 5 pm. So far, this devotion is paying off. The boys’ team has won their first game of the season. “I’m hoping we win our division,” said Mrs. Favata. Her team consists of 16 skilled players, from 7th graders to seniors. 

The bowling season runs from November to February. Notably, 7 of the 16 players are seniors, which means this is their final year bowling for Niskayuna. Senior Night is Monday, January 22nd. The other matches are January 4th, 9th, 16th, 23rd and February 1st. Their remaining six home games are at Boulevard Bowl, so if you’re available, come watch them yourself!