Cora Nabholz enjoying life on the lanes

CEDAR RAPIDS — Egyptians created the earliest form of bowling more than 7,000 years ago and it's many benefits to the mind and body have kept it relevant since.

"There is a lot less cost without the (physical) contact other sports have," said Stacy Shaffer, general manager of Lancer Lanes for the past 14 years. "It's more of a social thing."

Independence junior Cora Nabholz was drawn to the social side of the sport as a freshman after watching her older sister, Addie, enjoy joining the Mustang's squad two years earlier.

"I like that it's fun and everyone is always positive," Nabholz said.

The 17-year-old who has grown up in nearby Brandon feels the team aspect is the same in bowling as it is in other sports, and representing their school "means a lot" to her and her teammates.

Although Nabholz joined the Mustang tennis team as a sophomore, she is focused on improving her bowling game in hopes of qualifying for the state tournament in Waterloo.

"Right now I'm working on not lofting the ball," Nabholz said. "I'm kind of throwing it out there instead of setting it down. That's today's issue."

This past Saturday, Nabholz and the Mustangs joined 19 other area teams at Lancer Lanes with Shaffer and his staff happy to help Cedar Rapids Prairie host the annual Baker tournament.

"It's definitely a good thing to have the business in here," Shaffer said. "Seeing people get out again and not be terrified to be inside."

Last season was tough on the community as a whole, with student-athletes limited in the amount of family and friends allowed to attend matches and lanes working to rebuild their league numbers that produce the majority of income for the business side of the sport.

"It was pretty rough and it'll be a gradual process," said Shaffer, who has seen a steady increase in weekend and non-league bowlers since August.

One of the key demographics includes Nabholz and other youth bowlers Shaffer hopes make bowling a lifelong sport.

"Our Saturday morning (youth) leagues are full every year," Shaffer said. "It's always important to keep the kids into it and high school bowling just keeps getting bigger each year."

As for Nabholz, she is open to playing in college and definitely wants to continue playing as an adult.

"I think more people should try bowling," Nabholz said. "It's fun and you can't go wrong with it."

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