When someone considers joining the bowling team at Elizabethtown Area High School, coach Frank Telenko tells them three things: They'll become a better bowler than when they started, they'll make new friends and they will have fun. This year, the team members can add a fourth item to that list: They'll compete in the U.S. High School Bowling National Championship.
Eight bowlers will be going to the competition, which will be held from Saturday to Monday, June 18 to 20, in Louisville, Ky. The team qualified when five of the bowlers scored a total of 3,617 points during a section title competition, breaking the state record by more than 100 pins. Those five students - Alaina Telenko, Derek Deardorff, Daniel Eberle, Zack Wentzel and Ayden Pope - will be joined by three additional bowlers. Hannah Griffie, Connor Alleman and Eric Barnes will round out the group going to nationals.
The team is looking for sponsorships and donations to make the trip financially affordable for the students. "We've sent letters to businesses asking for sponsorships," Frank noted, adding that the team has also been holding fundraisers such as a whoopie pie sale. The team will host a car wash at JB Hostetter & Sons, 1225 W. Main St., Mount Joy, on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Frank said watching the students on the team grow in their bowling skills has been a privilege, especially as the seniors prepare to graduate. "It's going to be tough to see them go," he remarked. "They all have become great leaders, fantastic bowlers and just great kids."
For Frank's daughter, Alaina, being coached by her dad has been extra special. "Bowling is my second sport," she said, noting that she also plays field hockey. "There's a different atmosphere with the bowling team. The chemistry we all have together, I really value that."
Eric said his coach has made all the difference for the team. "He always drives me to do my best," he remarked. "He's probably the best coach I'll ever have."
Daniel noted that Frank, whom the bowlers call "T," supports all of the team members, no matter how skilled they are. "You don't have to be a superstar," he commented. "When I started on the team, I was horrible. I worked hard, and he supported me because I wanted to get better."
His teammates echo his sentiment that winning is important but working together as a team matters more.
"We're all competitive, but we also want to help each other out, and it's really awesome to be able to have each other by our side to support us," said Ayden. "I like the bonds we have."
Connor agreed, adding, "Even if we don't do that great, we still enjoy it. As long as we have a good time and we get to be together, we're happy."
To donate to support the team, contact Mackenzie Deardorff at 717-475-0290, Beci Pope at 717-989-2774 or Frank Telenko at frank_telenko@etownschools.org. For more information on the bowling team, search for "Elizabethtown High School Bowling Team" on Facebook.
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