Having grown up in the youth bowling community, I thought I had seen it all—but the atmosphere at the Storm Youth Championship (SYC) tournament in Michigan this past weekend still surprised me. I’ve never seen such a large group of athletes not only get along, but also genuinely support each other. These bowlers cheered each other on, shared laughs, and had fun—regardless of how they were performing.
Looking around, I saw groups of supportive parents who’ve formed friendships of their own. And something about the parents—how much they give—stood out. The dedication these families have to getting their kids where they need to be and helping them succeed in this sport is really inspiring. Many of them drive or fly across the country just so their child can compete. Some families attend every SYC stop of the season.
One moment that stuck with me was watching the boys in the U12 division. They looked like confident athletes—rolling in with their two triple totes, getting their gear ready, wearing jerseys with their names on the back. But during the six-game blocks, I noticed them doing little handshakes, cheering loudly for friends who were struggling, and turning to their parents to find that familiar look of approval. It was heartwarming. It reminded me that even when you’re competing, the people around you are often just like you—people who love bowling and want to see others do well. Our community is truly special like that. The passion is contagious.
What makes the SYC stand out from other youth tournaments is the levity and joy of the game you feel the moment you walk in. These kids take their games seriously, but they also handle low scores and tough losses with impressive maturity—better than most adults, honestly. I didn’t see a single outburst, a kicked ball return, or any harsh words between bowlers. That kind of sportsmanship reflects real love for the game.
The tournament format plays a big role in this environment. Each SYC event includes three five-game rounds, with a champion crowned in each age division per round—and then an overall champion for the entire tournament. This format gives bowlers the freedom to shake off a bad block and still aim for overall success. It rewards consistency and perseverance, and keeps things competitive without being overwhelming.
And then there’s the scholarship money. The amount of support these kids receive is incredible. When I was a youth bowler, scholarship opportunities were still gaining traction—but now, many of these young athletes have real pathways to college bowling. Past SYC champions like Jillian Martin have gone on to succeed at the highest collegiate levels. With so many chances to earn scholarships in each round, even newer or less experienced bowlers have a shot at walking away with something meaningful.
Storm’s commitment to youth bowling is more than just equipment and events—it’s about building a community that cares deeply for the sport and for each other. That was on full display in Michigan, and I left feeling proud to be a part of it.