West Milford bowling captains lead by example

So much focus is placed upon individual success and improvement in competitive bowling that it’s sometimes easy to forget that bowling is a big-time team endeavor.

Glenn Dowson and Ezekiel Pena, captains for the West Milford High School bowling team, are looking for ways to become better bowlers, but they are very considerate when it comes to helping their teammates improve as well.

“I chose these two because they are senior leaders with experience to share with the team,’’ West Milford coach Alex Caillie said. “Glenn has been with the team for four years while Ezekiel has been with us since he came to West Milford his sophomore year. Glenn keeps pushing towards more 200 games, with a 207 this year at the Crusader Classic preseason tournament.’’

Both student athletes have improved in a variety of ways throughout the course of their careers.

“Glenn has improved incredibly since his first year with us, really honing into what makes a good bowler great,’’ Caillie said. “He truly is a role model both for dedication and ability. Ezekiel has also improved his average from day one, as well as keeping a cool head always.’’

Caillie is impressed by the encouragement the captains give the rest of the team’s bowlers.

“Glenn and Ezekiel both cheer on their teammates and have great bonds, especially with incoming bowlers,’’ Caillie said. “They do a great job in making them feel welcome and encourage them to improve their game skills, as well as mental toughness.’’

The Highlanders are scheduled to participate in the Roll for our Veterans Tournament at Boonton Lanes on Saturday, Jan. 17.

“Once again we have a team that gels together nicely and complements each other,’’ Caillie said. “They cheer each other on and share thoughts and ideas in improving their games. It’s been a great season so far and I only expect it to get better. “

NOTES: Any individual statistics are from matches through Jan. 9.