From left to right: Michael Pelechaty, Bev Erickson, and Nicole Kupper. (Submitted/ Bev Erickson)

By Nigel Maxwell

Bowling

Prince Albert bowler named to All-Star team at nationals

Mar 29, 2022 | 8:00 AM

Prince Albert’s Michael Pelechaty made the most of his final tournament as a youth bowler.

In addition to helping Team Saskatchewan finish second at the Youth Challenge Five Pin Bowling Championships, the 19-year-old would also be named to the male all-star team. Acknowledging the high calibre of the bowlers in attendance, Pelechaty told paNOW he was very pleased with how he played.

“To be one of the top bowlers in Canada and to be recognized for that is definitely something to be grateful for and I’m just so happy I did it at that tournament,” he said.

For those who frequent Minto Bowl in Prince Albert, Pelechaty will be a familiar face as he’s been honing his skills there since before he was 10. When asked if he had any family influences, he said no.

“I guess I just had the lucky bones in my body to be the one that can be pretty good at it,” he joked.

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The match play style tournament was held in Calgary from March 23–27, and featured athletes who were between the ages of 12 and 19. During the qualifying round, Pelechaty had an average score of 256.4 over 10 games. His highest score was a 352 (a perfect game in 5-pin is 450). Reflecting back though on the competition, Pelechaty said everyone on the team contributed.

“Everyone on our team was just stellar all weekend. We all came in clutch whenever we needed to. If someone was struggling, someone would bowl a really high game and make up for it,” he said.

Coach Bev Erickson, also from Prince Albert, said Pelechaty is a very easy person to work with.

“He always plays with a level head and takes suggestion well. He has attended bowling school for a number of years and is a wonderful mentor and leader,” she said.

Team Sask: Danica Hunter, Nicole Kupper, Akeira Anseth, Michael Pelechaty, Isaac Hollinger, Garrett Christensen and coaches John Ewasko and Bev Erickson. (Submitted/ Bev Erickson)

Also making the all-star team was Regina’s Nicole Kupper, who had an average score of 225.87. She’s heading to Ontario in July for Senior Doubles championship, along with fellow team member Isaac Hollinger.

“This team worked very well together. It’s hard to go from a single mentality to a team mentality. They had each other’s back and continued to support each other regardless of the results,” Erickson said.

Five-pin bowling was invented in 1909 by Thomas Ryan. Canada is the only country that has 5-pin. There has also been a bowling school that’s been held in Saskatchewan since 1987.

The school this year is being held in Regina, from Aug 24–27. For more information contact your local bowling centre.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell