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Michalia Dudley Hubbard | girls bowling
Hubbard senior Michalia Dudley says Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl is as big as you would imagine the site of the state tournament should be.
“Might be 60,” she estimated of how many lanes it has. “Bell-Wick has 32 lanes. It’s a much bigger house. It’s completely different but I’m used to it.”
A four-year letter-winner for Hubbard, Dudley has bowled in individual tournaments at the Columbus lanes.
Two weeks ago, Dudley rolled a 591 series to finished 12th in the state in the Division II girls bowling tournament. Her scores were 212, 204 and 174, making her The Vindicator’s female bowler of the year.
It was the second time in three seasons that Hubbard qualified for state. She also earned a Columbus trip as a sophomore.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Dudley said of the team qualifying two years ago.
Hubbard’s other seniors were Elaina Shipton and Joetta Reed.
“I was really proud of my team,” Dudley said. “During the [regular season], we were undefeated, No. 1 in our conference.”
With the pressure on at state, is it best to stay serious? Dudley said no.
“It’s best to smile and let [teammates] know that the next ball is going to be better. And it’s going to get better throughout the game.
“You can’t be mad because that will bring your entire team down.”
Her coach is Ken Miller.
“He keeps us energized, helps us move if we need to [adjust],” Dudley said. “If we start to get nervous or down, he gives us a little pep talk to bring us up.
“I really enjoyed bowling this year, made some really good friends on the team [and on] other teams.”
Dudley says her dad “taught me how to bowl. Everything I know is from him.”
Her best game ever?
“Two-seventy-nine,” Dudley said, adding that she started with seven strikes. “I messed up in the eighth frame.”
During the season, she said she averaged 20 games per week.
Next fall, Dudley will enroll at Youngstown State for the pre-veterinary program. Her family has two dogs (Maggie and Bailey) and a cat (Ellie).
“We’ve always had a pet at my house. I’ve always been interested in helping [pets] if they are sick.”