Bowling preview: These Broward County bowlers are close friends … and intense rivals
Call them …”frivals.”
Kellie Monahan and Joss Collins are friends – they bowl together on Saturday mornings and in the summers.
But they are also rivals as they compete for different Broward County high schools – Monahan at Western and Collins at South Plantation.
“It’s tough because we’re both competitive,” Monahan said. “The rivalry is huge, but we’re never mean. In fact, we make light of it.
“When we’re teammates, it’s nice to have that time together to hang out.”
At state last year, Monahan and Collins were the top two Broward bowlers.
Monahan finished in 18th place with a 792 series and a high game of 235.
Collins finished in 42nd place with a 728 series and a high game of 208.
For the regular season, Collins was slightly better with a 176 average and a high game of 249. Monahan averaged 175 with a high game of 229.
“There were days during the regular season when (Collins) beat me bad,” Monahan admitted. “But at state, I wanted to prove myself. I wanted to exceed what I did in the regular season, and it felt good when I did.
“My mindset at state was, ‘OK Kellie, you can do this!’”
Both girls are seniors this year, and Collins seems to be making up ground.
For example, in a July tournament in which the top eight female Broward high school bowlers were invited to compete, Collins earned the victory.
In addition, Collins recently rolled a 247 game.
“I’m definitely confident,” Collins said. “I just won a tournament averaging 216.”
Collins said mindset is vital in bowling.
“I’m a positive bowler,” she said. “Some bowlers miss a shot, and they get into their own heads.
“But when I miss, I smile, I look away, and I prepare for the next ball.”
Collins is coached at South Plantation by her mother, Jennifer. But Joss Collins, who only took up her sport in the eighth grade, said it was her first coach, Luis Salomon, who taught her how to spin a bowling ball.
Monahan said she admires Collins.
“She listens to coaching while I’m sometimes stubborn,” Monahan said. “She practices a lot, and she applies what her coaches tell her. She’s just very determined.”
Not many colleges – outside of NAIA schools – have college bowling teams. But Collins is determined to attend one of those schools, mentioning Bethel University in Indiana; Campbellsville University in Kentucky; and St. Thomas University in Miami as possible destinations. She plans to major in English Education.
Meanwhile, Monahan, who wants to study Psychology with the goal of becoming a therapist, said she does not plan to bowl on an official college team.
But that’s for next year.
For this season, it will be interesting to see if this “frivalry” will take another step forward in the state championships – set for Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando on Oct. 29-31.
Western coach Ashley Chisano said Monahan and Collins compete against each other … but always with great sportsmanship.
“They are pretty similar to each other,” Chisano said. “Whomever is more consistent this season will come out on top.”
MORE OUTLOOKS
▪ Palmetto’s girls’ team returns most of its bowlers including juniors Erin Rodriguez (125 average) and Halle Meltzer (127 average).
On the boys’ side, senior Evan Viener had a high game of 267 last season, averaging 216.
▪ Coming off a 9-1 season, Columbus will be led by junior Sergio Alonso, who averaged 200 last year, and senior Orlando Hoyos.
▪ Ferguson’s girls are led by junior Emma Jaramillo (180 average) and seniors Karla Portillo and Briana Cananuate (both with a 150 average).
▪ Colonial Christian’s boys are led by junior Hunter Chaney and senior Alexander Ovalle.