For Fenton High senior Jena Fijolek, bowling has been a passion since she was only 10 years old. She began her love for bowling at such a young age from her father.
“I’ve been bowling since I was 10,” Fijolek said. “I started bowling because of my dad; he bowled a lot when I was younger and I wanted to be just like him.”
On Dec. 9, Fijolek bowled a perfect game, throwing 12 consecutive strikes. Fijolek threw the perfect game during a competition against Brandon for the FHS varsity bowling team Fijolek’s perfect game put the team over the top to get the win.
“During the match I focused myself on supporting my teammates,” Fijolek said, “but also locking in when I was up on the approach.”
Fijolek spent countless hours working to perfect her bowling skills, working between 10-15 hours per week in the bowling alleys; however, bowling a perfect 300 was not her main goal.
“Perfect game was definitely something in the back of my mind, not my main goal” Fijolek said, “It took about 10-15 hours of practice a week to get where I am.”
Although many may be extremely nervous while bowling a perfect game, Fijolek continued to make sure to put her team first. Even after bowling the best match of her life, Fijolek remained humble in the following matches. She didn’t let her perfect game get in her head to be perfect.
“After that match I made sure to try and not force myself to be perfect and hold myself to the expectation I would be perfect every time I bowled,” Fijolek said.
Fijolek continues to work hard while currently bowling for the Fenton girls varsity bowling team. The Tigers will have their next match against Linden on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.
