12-Year-Old Owego Boy Catches the Eye of the Bowling World
12-year-old Evan O'Hara of Owego is raising eyebrows and, in a really good way. You see, Evan is an incredible bowler and the world is taking notice.
Evan is a member of the Owego Free Academy Varsity Boys Bowling team which took the STAC Championship on February 7 and then took the title of Section IV Class B on February 18. In late March, the Tioga County Sports Report named Evan, a 7th grader, with the title of "Newcomer of the Year."
February and March were followed by something else really fantastic. In April, Evan bowled not one, but two perfect games plus a 223 for the 823 series in the Carousel Junior Stars League at Ripics Carousel Lanes in Binghamton. Evan averages 188 and bowled his first and second aces as well as his first-ever 800-plus series.
We had the opportunity to ask Evan some questions about bowling and about his future.
How Did You Get Interested in Bowling?
I got interested in bowling when I would watch the PBA tours with my Uncle Jeffery on the TV. My Uncle Jeffrey and Aunt Beckie own Ripics Carousel Lanes which used to be the old Laurel Bowl. I would go with them to the bowling alley and watch them bowl.
What Does Bowling Mean to You?
I love bowling. I bowl during the wintertime and during the summertime, I race a racecar on dirt at local tracks. Bowling is something that I can do with my little brother and family.
If You Get a Scholarship, Where Would You Like To Go to College?
I want to go to SUNY Binghamton but I don’t know what I want to study yet.
How Long Have You Been Bowling?
I have been bowling for 8 years, I started when I was 5.
Do You Have Any Special Techniques You Swear By?
I don’t really have special techniques. I just tell myself before and during tournaments to stay calm, focused, and reset after each shot. If I miss a spare I have 8 seconds to get over it because that’s how long it takes to walk off the approach.