Ready to roll

Mei Ling Keopuhiwa was at practice Monday afternoon along with members of the Kaua‘i High School girls’ bowling team as they prepared for the opening of the K.I.F. bowling season that starts at noon on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Lihu‘e Bowling Center.

Keopuhiwa is a sophomore this year, and finished last year ninth overall at the state competition, the only Kaua‘i medalist in the competition.

Keopuhiwa is rolling a game in the 180’s following her first year of KIF competition, and along with the girls’ team captain Alyssa Garren, the team is bowling about 155 observed coach Wil Tabian.

Wil Tabian, the boys team coach, bowled his own game while waiting on the arrival of his wife Jaye, the girls’ team coach.

For the Tabian family, coaching bowling is a family affair as daughter Melissa Nobriga is the assistant coach for the program.

Wil notes that he is fortunate to have as many young bowlers turn out for the program, the Red Raiders touting a total of 22 Ubowlers for this season.

“We don’t cut,” Wil said. “As long as they come to practice and participate, they bowl. The younger bowlers do (a good job) of filling in the holes.”

Tabian notes that Waimea has some strong girl bowlers, but they along with Kapa‘a will probably be in a rebuilding situation with a lot of their bowlers graduating last June.

His boys’ team is captained by returnee John Peter Sit with Cedric Macadangdang as co-captain.

The boys are averaging just ahead of the girls at 160, and Tabian is hopeful they will bowl to their potential.

KIF bowling schedule 2003 – 04

Sept. 27, 12 p.m.

Oct. 4, 12 p.m.

Oct. 11, 1 p.m. SAT

Oct. 18, 1 p.m. PSA

Oct. 25, 1 p.m. ACT

Nov. 1, 1 p.m. SAT

Nov. 13-14 HHSAA Bowling Championship BIIF-Hilo Lanes

Nov. 17 Bowling evaluation meeting, Kaua‘i High 7 p.m.

All Kaua‘i bowling matches at Lihu‘e Bowling Center

Start times to accommodate SAT/ACT testing dates