The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate Unified bowling team logged its best state finish in team history at last week’s state bowling championships in Lone Tree.
The team took 10th out of 29 teams with a total pinfall of 513.
Lakewood took the top spot with a 649, and Bayfield, who sits in the same league as the Pirates and won this year’s league title, took 18th with a pinfall of 450.
The Pirates took 19th at state last year, 11th the year before that and 12th in their first year at state.
“The team’s exceptional performance was powered by high scores from seniors Justus Carter and Juriah Carter, though every player contributed their absolute best to the collective success,” Special Education Teacher Nicky Schneider wrote in an email to The SUN.
Schneider notes the full tournament roster included seniors Justus Carter, Juriah Carter and Samuel Kelly, along with junior Kaillen Taylor and junior helper bowler Felise Valdez.
“Demonstrating improved technique and strong teamwork, the team achieved a memorable feat by rolling more spares and strikes than gutters, with all members consistently encouraging and cheering one another on,” she wrote. “The team extends heartfelt thanks to Coach Ben Vaughn for his unwavering dedication and encouragement, which was instrumental in helping the team reach this significant milestone. We can’t wait to do it again next year. Go Pirates!!”
What is Unified bowling?
Unified bowling became a sanctioned sport under the Colorado High School Activities Association in 2019, with play beginning during the 2020-2021 season. It is in partnership with Special Olympics Colorado.
Special Olympics Unified sports combine students with intellectual disabilities and Unified partners without intellectual disabilities on bowling teams for training and competition.
The Archuleta School District Board of Education added Unified bowling as a sport at PSHS in the fall of 2021.
randi@pagosasun.com
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