Bowling team captain aims to improve self, others

Make no mistake about it: Ryan Locascio, the accomplished senior captain of the Vernon Township High School bowling team, is doing a whole lot to improve his skills in the sport.

He is also very committed to helping his teammates get better, and he stays well above average with his studies.

“Ryan is a leader by example in the alley, in the classroom and in the community,’’ head coach William Panfile said. “He is on the Honor Roll and High Honor Roll.

“Through a tough time (the Covid-19 pandemic), he has emerged as a mature young man who holds himself and others accountable for their actions. He is self-motivated, passionate and competitive.

Ryan has a 213 average and a 688 series. He placed second in Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Athletic Association tournament and third in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference and was Athlete of the Week.

“He has improved by staying calm during adversity, being focused and making spares. He has improved with being a confident and vocal leader to his peers,” the coach said.

Ryan began his career as a competitive bowler in the eighth grade.

“I always loved to just go bowling and my dad was a very good bowler,’’ he said. “I wanted to beat him in the worst way and I started to take it more seriously, buying my own balls and shoes ... . I love bowling under pressure and I feel like no matter what has happened in the past, I can beat anyone on any given day. My confidence has gone way up since last year.”

He plans to work on picking up spares.

“I am confident in shooting my spares, but on spares that are more than one pin and extremely different to convert, I would like to work on getting the count in a way that gives me a better chance to make the spare. There is always work to be done and things to improve on.’’

He has goals for himself and for the team this year.

“One of my personal goals this year is to shoot a 300 game and a 750 series as well as making the (NJSIAA) state final for individuals,’’ he said.

“I would love to see the team be top two in the group at sectionals and make the state finals. I believe this is one of the best teams we have had in a long time at my school and we are finally coming together and bowling as a team.’’

Ryan credits his father with much of his success. “My dad has been a huge part of my bowling career. He was the one who inspired me to start bowling.

“My high school bowling coach, Mr. Panfile aka Pan, has also been a huge part. He has been my only ‘coach’ that I’ve ever had for bowling. My dad and my coach have played huge roles in my career.’’

The individual state championships are scheduled Friday, Feb. 24 at Bowlero in North Brunswick.