Sounds of pins clashing echo throughout the alley as the Legacy side display rows of 200 scores.
On March 2, the varsity boys' bowling team secured a spot in the state tournament after securing the first spot in the district and advancing to region where they placed second. Adam Obhmalay qualified to compete for an individual state title.
“What I enjoy the most about bowling are my teammates,” Obhmalay said. “Everyone always has a good time, and it was never too serious unless it needed to be.”
Obhmalay plays football and basketball recreationally; in his junior year, he primarily focused on bowling after earning a spot on the all-district bowling team.
Adam played for the Bronco Bowling team his sophomore and freshman year with his older brother, Alex.
In the future, Obhmalay plans to pursue bowling in college alongside majoring in business and administration.
“I would like to keep pursuing bowling because it’s a hobby I’m already good at,” Obhmalay said. “So [I thought] why not take it to the next level?”
Similarly, Will Lenamond, who bowls on Legacy's team with is brother Luke, also has goals to pursue bowling in college and plans to major in pre-med.
“My future for college is still a little blurry,” Lenamond said. “[Although,] I definitely plan on bowling on a good college team that will offer scholarship money because I enjoy bowling with a team, and I think I make a good leader.”
Lenamond is the only freshman from the DFW South district to advance to region. He also spent most of the time in the #1 spot in district over the current state champion.
In summer of 2021, Lenamond spent a good amount of time bored at his house, not doing much. As a result, his dad suggested that they’d pick up bowling as a hobby.
Will and his brother Luke, picked up the sport and quickly became competitive raising their averages weekly. Luke and Will both advanced to region in individuals. Will had the #2 spot. Luke had the #5 spot.
“[Bowling] started out very casual,” Will said. “And to be honest I didn’t really enjoy bowling, it was very slow starting out.”
As time passed, Will's passion for bowling grew as a result of his parents’ support.
“I got my first bowling ball for Christmas that year,” Will said. “That’s when I really started to like going bowling and asked to go just about everyday. My parents were really supportive and took me to practice many times a week.”
As Lenamond’s passion for bowling grew, eventually the decision to prioritize bowling over other sports had to be made. Lenamond played basketball before bowling and continues to play the trumpet alongside bowling. His brother, Luke, balances playing on Legacy's soccer team and bowling.
“I just enjoyed bowling the most [compared to basketball] because I get to meet new people and hang out with friends that share the same interests. And I enjoy bowling with my brother,” Will said. “The feeling of accomplishment and scoring high motivates me [to keep playing.]”
The region bowling tournament is 8 a.m. Sunday, March 2 at Forum Bowl in Grand Prarire. Legacy's team competes for the top three spots to state. Individuals tournament starts Sunday at 1 p.m.