Le Mars Community bowler Taylor Lindner is set to go to Green Bay, Wisconsin this weekend to compete at the Junior Gold National Championships from July 11-19.
The tournament is one of the most prestigious in the country with only the best high-school-aged bowlers getting the opportunity to qualify for a spot in the competition. Lindner says he was introduced to the tournament bowling scene early on in his high school career.
After doubting his abilities as an underclassman, Lindner gave the Junior Gold qualifying a try this year. Thank goodness he did that. He says the first time he signed up for the qualifier, he was accepted to compete.
Competitive bowling is relatively new to the Lindner family. While some bowlers are brought up in the competitive scene from an early age, Lindner does not fit that mold. He says competitive bowling only entered his radar in high school.
Being in Le Mars, the competitive bowling scene is strong both at the high school and adult level. That strength is displayed in the bowlers that competed before Lindner at Junior Gold. Lindner has the chance to do something special this time around. He says being one of the first male bowlers to qualify from Le Mars is an honor.
The tournament lasts over a week meaning a lot of games could be in Lindner’s future if he is to continue advancing in the tournament. He says he has prepared for that by bowling almost non-stop over the last few weeks.
With a trip of this magnitude, the cost is high for the competitors to get to and from the event and stay many days at the tournament. Lindner says there are many ways in which those interested may help make the trip a little easier.
Finally, Lindner has a chance to accomplish a few things while at this competition. He says performing well to win the tournament and to win money for college are big motivators.
The Junior Gold tournament begins competition on July 11 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Click here to donate to the Venmo account that can support the Lindner family’s trip to Green Bay
