Bantam bowler Cooper Smith is in St. John’s, Newfoundland this weekend competing in the 2012 Youth Bowling Canada 5 Pin National Championships.
Smith won a gold medal at the provincial championships in Langley last month to earn a spot at the Canadian finals. It was the third step in what youth bowlers refer to as the “four steps to stardom.” Smith also won his local and regional championships this year, his final in the bantam division.
This is the first time Rainbow Lanes has had a YBC youth bowler compete at the nationals in 53 years, owner Dave Rutherford said. Special Olympics bowlers have competed nationally from Port Alberni.
Smith practiced frequently leading up to his trip to the nationals; he left Wednesday morning with his family.
Smith, 10, began bowling about five years ago, explained his mother, Tina Smith. Not into team sports, Cooper Smith prefers the individual challenge he found in five-pin bowling.
“He’s a natural at it,” Tina Smith said.
While Smith is aware the pressure will be greater at the nationals, all he is concerned about is having fun. “He never gets frazzled,” his mother Tina Smith said.
One of Smith’s coaches, Jim Rutherford, will also be in St. John’s.
STRIKE TALK…Smith thanks the Rainbow Lanes league bowlers who donated 25 cents for every strike they bowled last month, raising $185 toward his trip to the nationals.
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