Lake City senior to bowl at nationals

Ryan Rohde, a senior at Lake City, threw a 194 on April 25 at the Meridian Bowling Lanes to qualify for the Teen Masters National Championships July 24-29 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev.

"It was a rough weekend," Rohde said of the Meridian tournament. "I could have thrown better. My scores should have been higher."

A total of six boys and four girls advanced to the national competition from April's tournament.

"There is a lot of really good bowling in the Meridian area," Rohde said. "The players down there are really good."

Rohde added he was a little nervous for the state event in Meridian.

"It was a big tournament," Rohde said. "It really means a lot to qualify for nationals. Those scholarships they give are worth a lot of money."

This is his first time to qualify for nationals, and will need to raise $3,000 to make the trip to Reno.

Rohde, who has been bowling for 16 years, said he started the bowling club at Lake City High in 2007.

"It started my sophomore year with only 10 to 15 kids," Rohde said. "This year, we've got 40 to 50 kids. Starting this club has been a good experience and our school has started giving us varsity letters for competing on the team."

Rohde has played in youth leagues at the Sunset Bowling Center since he was old enough to bowl.

"I've been bowling my entire life," Rohde said. "I feel like I grew up at Sunset."

Rohde is seeking donations to help cover costs of the trip to nationals.

Information: 691-2939