The Southern University bowling team, the defending 2004 Southwestern Athletic Conference Champions, and the head coach Karen Couvillion started practice this week with her number one goal set to extend its three-peat championship stint into a fourth.
“This is a rebuilding year, I feel that they are very competitive,” Couvillion said. I think that we will compete in the SWAC without any problems.”
Southern will have to compete without the top bowler freshman Sarah Circle who, according to Couvillion, left for personal reasons. Circle bowled a 300 at the SWAC Championship in Baton Rouge. The Lady Jaguars also lost three seniors from last season’s squad and sophomore Crystal Alexander. Circle and Alexander were both 200-plus average bowlers.
“She (Sarah) had some personal reasons that she chose to move to a different state and go to a different school but I heard that she was going to be competing against us,” Couvillion said. “It hurt, there is no question about it that she was a spectacular athlete.”
But, the Lady Jaguars have junior Erin Williams who will play as anchor and junior Michelle Austin are the only two players to return from last year.
“Although we lost three seniors, and two talented players we feel capable and prepared to bring a fourth consecutive SWAC championship home to Southern,” Austin said. “New players and returners understand that the fight will be hard but we are determined and convinced that we will succeed.”
Couvillion listed players such as Melissa Bryant, a recruit from New Jersey, Nikki Turner and Denise Foster as some of her strong new players.
Twice a week starting at 6:30 a.m. the Lady Jaguars awake to keep the team in shape. They run three miles around campus and go to the weight room on various days.
“The purpose is to build the legs, that’s the primary strength. The legs are where our energy comes from, this will help build endurance,” Couvillion said.
It takes five people to make up the bowling team; Couvillion will take two more with her as backup players.
According to Couvillion, Texas Southern will be some of its toughest competion in the SWAC.
“I hope that we will maintain our three-peat record and make it four but, we still have work,” Couvillion said. “The girls need to really focus, they’re not where I want them to be but they are coming along well.”
The Lady Jaguars’ first bowling match is scheduled against Prairie View A&M University in Tomball, Texas at noon on Oct. 16.
