While bowling has rapidly become one of America’s favorite sports, its increase in popularity hasn’t translated to interest in Grand Valley State University’s women’s club bowling program.

Despite starting the season with a small roster, a lack of interest and commitment have derailed the team this season, according to first-year coach Cori Roelofs.

“We started with seven girls on our roster this year,” he said. “Then we started missing people at different tournaments because not everyone could travel with us; people had other things going on.”

Roelofs also explained that a member of the team was involved in a serious car accident in October and suffered injuries that prevented her from participating.

Lindsey Szachta, a junior and three-year member of the team, was disappointed in the lack of commitment but has already been formulating ideas to improve bowler turnout.

“Its a bummer that you’re a club sport and you have to primarily fund your team on your own,” Szachta said. “We pay about $500 in dues, then there is gas and food for when we hit the road for tournaments. Hopefully, the fundraising that we are working on — 50/50 raffles and various bowling events — will lower the costs of participating in our club.”

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