Miranda Nolte, Cedar Rapids senior (Cliff Jette/Freelance)
CEDAR RAPIDS – Miranda Nolte has a clear legacy in mind as her time as a high school bowler comes to an end.
It's not about the impact of their individual achievements per se. It's about changing the perception of the bowling program at Cedar Rapids Xavier.
“I think a lot of people just don’t see it (bowling) as a sport per se because it’s also a recreational sport,” Nolte said. “I just want girls bowling to become more popular at Xavier.”
Nolte, a senior and 2023 state qualifier, hopes future generations of Saints can have the same joy in the program that she had.
“I want more people to get involved,” Nolte said. “I think if we have scores that get noticed, or just talk about how much fun it can be, then people will notice and maybe give it a try.”
Given the results Nolte and the Saints have achieved this season, there is reason to believe their legacy will live on.
Xavier ranks ninth in Class 2A in points per game (2,403) and has two top-20 scorers.
Junior Aubrey Sires has the ninth-highest average in 2A (186.10 points per game), followed closely by Nolte (178.50). The Sires' average has increased by 24 pins this season, giving the Saints an impressive one-two punch.
“Aubrey is really starting to get a handle on things,” Xavier coach Russ Camacho said. “She was one of the biggest bright spots.”
Part of their improvement, along with the growth of several bowlers, can be attributed to the coaching of Camacho and Sires' father and assistant coach, Devin Sires.
“I think Devin has done a really great job this year of connecting with the girls, engaging them and giving them confidence,” Camacho said. “He was one of the main reasons for our success.”
Leah Ambrosy, a senior, is another Saint who has significantly increased her average, from 124 in 2022-23 to 159.60.
“Leah shot 235 at our last meet (Dec. 19),” Nolte said. “I don’t think it will sink her much.”
Freshmen Chloe Strunk, senior Audrey Hutchins and sophomore Anna Hutchins round out Xavier's top six varsity bowlers.
Nolte hopes that the returning members of this year's varsity team will continue to make younger, still-developing players feel seen and valued – something she has tried to establish as the team's current leader.
“I just want all the girls in JV bowling to be able to look over and see that they are improving,” Nolte said. “I think it helps that Aubrey's little sister Emma is on JV, so there's already a bond there and we're just making sure we support her and take the rest of the team into consideration too.”
When it comes to passing the torch, Nolte has full confidence in Aubrey Sires.
“She (Aubrey) is definitely growing in her leadership role,” Nolte said. “I think people are already watching her based on her results, so she will be the anchor of the team next year.”
Camacho agrees.
“Personally, Miranda is very welcoming,” Camacho said. “She hugs the people on the team. You know, she's not a direct leader, she just leads by example. I think Aubrey is taking a lot of that from her and getting ready to be that person next year.”
Thanks to Nolte's example, Sires will rise to this challenge.
“I loved being by her side (Nolte) the last few years,” Sires said. “She’s great at getting people to participate in the program. She brought a few of her friends with her and we had a lot of fun. It was really great being with her all the time.”
Before her Xavier bowling career ends, Nolte hopes one message resonates with current and future Xavier bowlers.
“Have fun,” said Nolte. “We’re just there with our friends. When you do good, you do good. If it's a hard day, just do it again next time.
“I just want everyone who goes bowling to feel like they accomplished something when they graduate.”
Comments are closed.