Kaneland junior Christie Crews is busy with numerous extracurricular activities, including playing saxophone in the school’s band, so the Sugar Grove resident didn’t come out for bowling as a freshman. But Crews really wanted to bowl and said she “literally just made time for it” these past couple years, as she’s ascended to the top of the Knights’ lineup. Shaw Media sports editor Jay Schwab spoke with Crews, who is averaging around 160, and touched base on her approach to the sport, now and in the future. The following is an edited transcript:
How old were you when you got your first bowling ball?
I was 13 years old.
Have you taken lessons over the years or are you more self-taught?
Some of it was coaching from my dad (Scot) but recently I’ve gone to [lessons] once a week.
Do you go bowling much socially or is more just when you’re in competitive mode?
I would say more when I’m in competitive mode. Typically I go at least once on the weekends with my family just to go have some fun.
I know Kaneland’s home lanes are Mardi Gras in DeKalb – is that where you usually go when you’re on your own, too?
I actually like to go to Parkside Lanes in Aurora.
What’s the most games you ever have bowled in a day?
Nine. (In a tournament).
People don’t think of bowling as a grueling sport per se, compared to some of the other sports, but can that be a pretty big challenge from a stamina and endurance standpoint?
Definitely. ... When you use a higher weight ball, it’s hard to keep the same technique over and over when you begin to feel strain in your back and arms, especially your back, I’d say.
Do you talk much with bowlers on other teams during matches or are you more just locked in?
If they’re willing to, sure. I try to just keep it light. ... that’s really what it’s all about here.
Do you think you’ll be in an adult bowling league when you’re 35, 40 years old? Do you think that will hold appeal to you?
I definitely think so, but again, [not to be competitive]. It would just be for fun.
