By Brandon Bennett
STURGIS—Meade County News has found out three more kids are going to the Junior Gold Bowling Tournament in Minneapolis later this month. Jayce Joyce, Iria Baker and Livionna Harms all qualified for the event so we sat down with them and their mothers, Misty Joyce, Amanda Baker and Jericha Harms.
Why did they get their kids involved in bowling? “I was enrolling my other son in bowling so said why not get Jayce involved too?”said Misty.
Amanda Baker is a bowler and figured it was a good fit for Iria. “She has the knack for it and enjoys it,” she said.
Jericha Harms has bowling in her blood as her father Max owns Sturgis Strikers bowling alley. “I’m a third generation bowler so that makes her fourth generation,” said Jericha.
The mothers spend a lot of time traveling but it pays off with good competition and qualifications for the bigger tournaments like Junior Gold. The kids spend time practicing and Jayce and Iria use the two handed method which takes practice since a dominant hand is necessary.Livionna uses the one hand method and it works for her.
Max Harms of Sturgis Strikers is pleased with the performance of the bowlers. We have two that are serious players and one who is nonchalant but they’re all ready to go when they need to be,” he said. He added he hopes the next generation can keep the sport alive, as it’s a lifetime commitment for many.
“We’ve got senior bowlers who are approaching 70, 80 years of age. They help keep it alive,” he said.
