Youth Bowling

Allen Alsman started a youth bowling group 12 years ago.  They bowl on Saturdays and had 53 bowlers the first year.  Now they have over 160 youth involved, ages 3-22.  They have coached over 1000 youth.

Allsman’s daughter is in college now.  In high school she finished second in the state tournament and was one of six All State bowlers.

Alan was named coach of the year in Iowa in 2000.  He is Vice President of the State Board for bowlers.  His wife was named coach of the year in 2006.  She is in charge of regional bowling competitions in Southwest Iowa.

The Allsman’s have three goals for youth bowling:  A safe environment, make sure youth become better bowlers, and that they have fun.  They tell the youth two things every tournament:  bowling is a game so have fun, and put a smile on your face.

State youth bowling tournaments are enjoyable.  Everyone from Thunderbowl travels as a caravan and try to stay in the same hotel.  The only requirement is that there is an indoor swimming pool.  They eat a lot of pizza when they bowl.  This year is the first year they have a bowling team from Iowa School for the Deaf.

In 2009 the tournament will be at Thunderbowl in Council Bluffs.  They expect 1300 youth.  Three of the last four years Thunderbowl has had the highest percent of youth in the State Tournament.  They have raised over $30,000 in scholarships for youth to bowl.  Some scholarships are given based on participation and others on skill.