The Youth Scholarship League at Wink’s Silver Strike Lanes gets rolling again on Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. New and returning members are invited to sign up now at the bowling alley, 1281 Kimmerling Road, Suite 8 in the Gardnerville Ranchos.
The YSL is open to youth between the ages of 2-17 and runs on Saturdays at 10 a.m. for a total of 15 weeks. All bowlers must be able to roll the ball the length of a lane without assistance.
Registration is $20 plus a weekly fee of $10 per child, which covers three games, shoe rental, and coaching led by Max Cutright. Sportsmanship is emphasized, and participation in league play helps young bowlers develop balance, patience, and hand-eye coordination.
Active youth members also receive a discounted bowling rate of $2 per game that can be used at Wink’s anytime outside of league hours.
Wink’s owners, Jim and Stacey Winklepleck, were inspired to start the YSL as a way to introduce youngsters to the sport and share their love of bowling’s recreational and competitive aspects.
Jim was active in the Professional Bowlers Association for seven years, and Stacey enjoys bowling for the fun of it. The Winkleplecks have owned Silver Strike Lanes since 2015, and this is their fifth year hosting the YSL.
Stacey said a unique aspect of bowling is that it’s the one sport in which participants can start earning money for college at an early age. Youth tournaments sanctioned through the U.S. Bowling Congress provide scholarship opportunities that can help players pay for their educational pursuits beyond high school.
Former YSL member Anthony Hernandez earned money for college through his tournament play and was also awarded a partial bowling scholarship to Hastings College in Nebraska, where he’s pursuing a career in teaching. His sister, Janessa, is on a similar path and was the top female qualifier at a tournament in Reno this past weekend.
All bowlers who participate in Wink’s YSL are eligible to start accruing scholarship funds.
“That’s the thing (about the YSL) I am most proud of,” Stacey said.
For information, stop by Wink’s or call 775-265-5454. You can also log onto www.winkssilverstrike.com or find them on Facebook.
In accordance with current COVID-19 guidelines, facial coverings must be worn at all times within the bowling alley.
Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.
