Young Bowler Finds Early Success

Keenan Roberts, 13, of Land O' Lakes recently discovered a sport that was right up his alley. And since he took up the game earlier this year, he has been on a roll.

"He's phenomenal," coach Lucy Sandelin of the World Cup Bowling Academy said. 

The young Bayshore Christian School honors student began taking lessons with Sandelin in August, and has made remarkable strides.

In his first two Burkins Bowling tournaments, he placed second and first, respectively, banking close to $300 in a SMART scholarship account set up by the United States Bowling Congress. Participating tournaments award youth winners money for college, making the rewards last beyond the thrill of victory for young bowlers. 

Keenan's average has risen from 108 to 164 since he began working with Sandelin, his father, Olaf Roberts, said.  Keenan's high game is a 257, Roberts said.

It's going to take "hard work and dedication" to reach his goal of becoming a professional bowler, Keenan said, but his focus now is on enjoying the game. 
"It's a fun activity and you don't have to be all that serious about it," Keenan said. 

Roberts has bowled for about 28 years. Still, he was surprised by the support youth bowlers receive. "I wasn't aware of the scholarship programs" until Landelin gave them the information, Roberts said. 

And there's pretty much a tournament for kids every weekend, Roberts said. 
In addition to his quick mastery of the game, what makes Keenan such a standout is his dedication to the sport. 

"What's really cool about Keenan is that he takes what we're working on and really applies himself," Sandelin said. "He doesn't focus on the score." 
His bowling homework from Sandelin often includes watching Youtube videos.

Keenan is left-handed, Sandelin said, which presents a challenge, because as a right-hander, she can't demonstrate techniques. That means "he has to work even harder," Sandelin said. 

The freshman recently wrapped up his first season with the Bayshore Christian team, and is now concentrating on tournaments, Keenan said. 

"Bowling wasn't big last year, but this year the team had some success, and we're hoping more will be interested now that the team is competitive," Roberts said. 
Keenan also enjoys bowling with his family and friends. 

"At school, everyone wants to bowl with me," Keenan said. Though he often wins -- "Oh, yeah!" Keenan said -- he takes it in stride. 

"We take it all as a game, it's all for the fun of it," Keenan said. 

Keenan's next tournament is Nov. 20 at Lane Glo Bowl, 8631 Old County Road 54 in New Port Richey.