Hastings High Bowling practice facility.
The Hastings High School bowling team closed its season at the state tournament, highlighting a year defined by team chemistry, and personal growth. For both veteran leaders and rising underclassmen, the season reflected progress that went far beyond final scores.
For senior Elizabeth Baker, qualifying for state followed a mix of confidence and challenge.
“When I qualified for state, I felt confident that I would finish in the top three at districts, but taking second was a surprise,” Baker said.
While her first game at state started strong, pressure soon crept in.
“People often ask how I stay calm during the most important frames, but the real challenge is staying collected during the entire game,” Baker said. “My first game was amazing, but it went downhill from there. I let the stress get to me and became a bit too cocky—it definitely wasn’t my best day.”
Still, Baker viewed the experience as part of a longer journey.
“Since the end of last season, I knew I could redeem myself, both as a person and a bowler,” Baker said.
Baker emphasized this season stood out because of the team’s culture.
“Throughout the season, the team has bonded, both the girls and the boys. That hasn’t really happened since 2021, when the bowling program first started,” Baker said.
She credited the absence of negativity and strong relationships — especially with seniors — for making the program stronger and more enjoyable.
“We got to know every bowler on a personal level and were truly there for each other,” Baker said.
Support and mental discipline were key factors in the team’s success Baker added.
“One of the most helpful things in reaching this point in my career was the constant support, whether we marked or not,” Baker said.
She added that Coach Kent Rothfuss’s supportive approach helped build trust during practices. For fellow state qualifier and senior Mackenzie Tate, the season represented a comeback.
“Making state felt amazing,” Tate said. “I didn’t do very well my junior year, so having a comeback this season felt very fulfilling.”
Individually, Tate relies on small routines to stay composed during competition.
“I always take a quick breath before I start my approach to push everything out before I throw my ball,” Tate said. “During the game, as weird as it sounds, I like to chew on ice to focus my mind on something other than my score. It also helps keep me cool.”
But, like Baker, she also credited the team’s practice environment for helping maintain confidence throughout the year.
“We try to have lots of fun at practice to keep tensions and pressure low for our underclassmen,” Tate said. “But our coach, Kent Rothfuss, always has us working on different shots and spares to help us prepare.”
Tate noted that the team’s mindset often determined its performance.
“We always try to enjoy the moment,” Tate said. “I always tell the team that I don’t necessarily mind what the outcome of the game is, as long as we try our best. We always end up bowling really well when we relax and have fun.”
An influx of new bowlers early in the season helped change the team’s outlook.
“… From their attitudes alone I could tell that we were going to be a great team,” Tate said. “We’ve struggled with staying positive in past years, so having lots of positive energy made me believe we could really strive.”
Both bowlers emphasized how bowling shaped them beyond the lanes.
“Being part of the bowling team has taught me how to be a leader, stay calm-minded, and remain positive,” Baker said.
Tate echoed that sentiment adding more about how bowling has shaped her.
“As a student, bowling helped me gain lots of friendships and manage my time,” Tate said. “As an athlete, it showed me that it’s not always about winning. We didn’t win every match this season, but I’m still very proud of how everyone bowled.”
Tate encourages future Tigers to give bowling a chance.
“I would want [students] not to be scared to join,” Tate said. “A lot of people avoid sports because they don’t know how to do it, but bowling is very laid back, and with our coach’s advice anyone can join and become very good at it. The goal is just to play and not worry about the scoreboard.”
