Senior Nico Puglin had only been on the bowling team for a year and a half when he bowled an impressive 267 in January.
“I felt super accomplished bowling my highest score ever, especially because I joined the team last year,” Puglin said. “It feels really good to help out the team.”
That first year on the team went well, with Baldwin making WPIALs. Bowling has since become a large part of Puglin’s life, both competitively and socially.
“My favorite part about bowling is being around all of my friends on the team,” Puglin said.
He has been happy with how his bowling season has gone.
“I have bowled well this year,” Puglin said. “I made single WPIALs, which is a great accomplishment for me.”
Puglin sees bowling as a tough sport with many challenges.
“One of the challenges I face is adjusting to different oil patterns (on the lanes) and trying to bowl as best as possible,” Puglin said
Puglin’s style of play helps him adjust to these challenges. He throws the ball down the middle lane as a two-hander.
His style consists of him grabbing the ball with two hands and throwing it on the side of his body. This style is becoming more common among players, Puglin said.
“I switched to two hands because it is more comfortable for me,” he said.
Senior Chase Mussomeli enjoys watching Puglin succeed.
“My favorite memories are when Nico bowls in the 200’s,” Mussomeli said. “Seeing him getting that many strikes in one game is awesome.”
Puglin’s teammates see him as a great person to be around.
“Nico has a unique attitude towards the game and our other teammates,” Mussomeli said. “He can change the attitude of players when they need it most.”
Senior Kelson Kleinhampl agreed.
“Nico is a great teammate and fun to be around. He is always keeping the spirits high,” Kleinhampl said.
Puglin also has great leadership qualities, they said.
“I would definitely consider him a leader,” Kleinhampl said. “He always has high morale even if we’re having a rough day.”
Even with a lot of success in a short amount of time, Puglin doesn’t plan on pursuing competitive bowling in college.
“I don’t plan on being on a bowling team in college, although I will continue to bowl for fun throughout the rest of my life,” Puglin said.
