Mount Vernon’s Austin Ash has talent for bowling

MOUNT VERNON — Austin Ash is an extremely talented senior at Mount Vernon High School.

Most know Ash, 18, as the captain of the Mustangs' boys' basketball team.

What people don't know is Ash has a secret talent.

Ash started bowling around the age of 7. Ever since, he has gone bowling as a hobby. With practice and attending bowling alleys once a week, Ash has become an above average bowler. He is proud of his highest score, 191, and is eager to beat it.

Ash enjoys bowling because 'it's cheap for the most part and a good way to get out of the house and be with friends.'

What is Ash's secret to his success?

'Spin the ball from the outside and throw it slow and steady,' Ash said.

He bowls with two hands on the ball and doesn't use the finger holes. Ash uses the number 10 weight ball because it is the best weight for him. He absolutely does not use bumpers.

But like every skilled athlete, Ash has a rival.

Both are tall, talented and play basketball together. While Ash and Cale Snedden may be teammates on the court, they are opponents at the alley. According to Ash, Snedden is 'good competition.'

'The score goes back and forth the entire game,' Ash said. 'We usually alternate who wins.'

Ash recalls many memories of bowling, but one event sticks out to him most, his 15th birthday. He invited seven of his closest friends to bowl and split into two teams.

'It was kind of devastating, my own team lost,' Ash said. 'But it ended on a good note because everyone got strikes at the end.'

Even though Ash is going to pursue basketball in college, bowling isn't out of the picture. He plans on continuing his hobby in college and is even looking into buying his own bowling ball.

'Maybe someday I'll start my own bowling team and we'll get matching T-shirts.' he said.

Ash's advice for beginners learning to bowl is 'don't bowl too hard and don't get the ball in the gutter. Everyone should try bowling. Anyone can be good or bowl a perfect game if you practice a lot.'