Manheim Township Senior Bethany Jaquith has been bowling as long as she could walk.

“I started bowling at the age of 3, as soon as I could pick up a bowling ball.  222 Dutch Lanes was having a “kids bowl free” program over that summer and my brother and I both picked up the sport. I joined a bumper league and it went from there.”

Jaquith started competitive bowling at the age of 6, and won her first title at the age of 7.

“I still hold the title for youngest girl bowler to win a Pennsylvania Junior Bowlers Tour tournament,” Jaquith said.

Jaquith’s journey through bowling has been influenced strongly by her brother, who also bowls.

“My brother definitely has been my biggest influence when it comes to bowling. He’s a phenomenal bowler and truly has so much passion for the sport,” she said.

After success last year, the senior continued to amaze, qualifying as the sixth seed where she won five straight matches to win the Lancaster-Lebanon League tournament with over 100 pins more than her contestant Taylor Miller.

“I was determined to place first in at least one tournament and it happened to be the LL league girls single,” she said. “It was a tough day but I was able to bowl all day with my closest friends. The final match I was against one of my good friends and I was lucky enough to have a great game and win.”

Jaquith’s strategy to win was to stay consistent.

“We were bowling on difficult lane conditions but I was able to figure them out pretty early which helped me out,” she said. “I knew I was going to have to fight my way to the final match and instead of thinking so far ahead while bowling, I focused on one match at a time.”

MTHS bowling coach Steve Schulz talked about Jaquith’s dedication to the team.

“She is dedicated to bringing our best game every day and has been committed to the team’s success as well as her individual success,” Schulz said.

Jaquith is currently progressing through the college recruitment process with a hope of continuing to bowl.