Though the ranks were thin on the McCaskey High School bowling team, this season, Tyler Schickel pushed to make his team competitive.

The team had only four bowlers, but Schickel, a sophomore, is hoping for a big turnout next year to bolster the team's competitive edge.

Schickel, who averaged 186, said he enjoys the camaraderie and competition of high school bowling.

Background: Tyler, 15, is the son of Terry and Susan Schickel, of Lancaster.

Leagues (averages): Leisure Saturday morning junior program and the McCaskey team (186).

High scores: Single, 275, which I bowled in January at Cain's Lanes at the Lancaster USBC Youth Doubles Tournament; series 686, which I rolled in a high school match last year.

Other bowling experiences: I bowl all year-round, generally enjoying an adult junior league over the summer with one of my parents. I also bowled in all of the Lancaster County youth singles, doubles and team tournaments, as well as several state youth tournaments. I currently serve as a youth leader as well.

My greatest moment in the sport: When I converted the 7-10 split on lane 3 at Leisure Lanes in a high school match on Dec. 3, 2007, against rival school Penn Manor.

Achievements: I have won several medals at the Keystone State Games, one gold, two silver and one bronze. In January, I placed third in the PJBT held at Rocky Springs to earn a $75 scholarship, and last month, I placed sixth in a PJBT to earn a $35 scholarship. I placed second in the Junior All-Star Tournament in 2005. I also was runner-up in the junior division of the Pennsylvania Elks Tournament.

Favorite bowling center: Leisure Lanes.

The persons who taught me the most: Scott Ulmer, Tom Sears, and Neil Stemplinger.  I have also received help during high school bowling  from my coach, Tom Huber. My biggest help and support has come from my mom.  As well as helping me with my game, she helps me to keep me levelheaded about the game.

Bowling has helped me: Meet friends.

My interest in the sport began: At age 2, in a bumper league at Leisure.

My secret to success is: Listening to my mother and coach.

Suggestions for others: Start with the basics, stay levelheaded, keep a good attitude (which I don't always do) and, most of all, enjoy the sport.

Other bowlers would describe me as: Fun to be around.

My long-term goal is: To be consistent, to average 200 some day and, of course, to shoot that elusive 300 game. I would like to be as good as, if not better than, my mom.

Bowling and this food go together for me: Pizza and a Pepsi.

People would be most surprised to learn that I: Sing with my church choir and enjoy bowling duckpins at the Elks Club.

When I'm not bowling you will find me: Playing video games with my brother or sharing time with my girlfriend.

Alley notes: Perfect games were rolled by Harry Rogers Jr. at Dutch and Wil Kellenberger at Leisure.

Near-perfect games were rolled by John Kirkner (299) at Garden Spot and Sean Wyandt (295) at Dutch.

High series (800, men; 700, women) were rolled by Brandon Lapp (804), Laura (749) and Val Burrell (717) at Garden Spot; Lisa Farwell (793) at Clearview; Susan Schickel (726) and Ann Rummel (700) at Leisure; and Samantha Santoro (724) and Janice Meckley (710) at Dutch.

Tourney trails: Garden Spot invites bowlers to a PBA no-tap tournament at 10 a.m. March 9. The Shark pattern will be used. Top two finishers will take on Parker Bohn in April.

• Bowlers are invited to compete in a PBA Double Elimination Tourney March 30 at Garden Spot. The Scorpion pattern will be used.

• Ultimate No Tap Doubles at Blue Ball are held the last Saturday of every month through April. Bowlers are automatically entered into scratch and handicap divisions, but can win only one. Cost, $25 per person. Check-in at 1:30 p.m. Teams may be men, women or mixed; four games, move after each game; nonsanctioned tournament but all tournament rules apply.

Note: If you have suggestions or comments for the column or a recommendation for a featured bowler, call me at 786-2620 or e-mail deckrunner@aol.com.

High scores

AMF Rocky

Men: Bob Huyard 605 (Holtwood 10 Pin); Ken Herr Jr. 644 (What Not); Ron Speece 662 (Nut).

Women: Carol Bushman 693, Donna Kurtz 611, Gail Fetterhoff 603 (Retail Ladies); Sarah Bachman 494 (Rainbow Ladies); Jean Balderston 454 (Friendship).

Mixed: Ray Yake 600, Bobbi Myers 509 (Rocky Early Birds); Vince Nieves 591, Betty Cunnane 504 (Monday Night Travlers); Duane Thomas 717, Audrey Steinmetz 546 (General Contractors); Curvin High 648, Carol Beiler 532 (Winter Flower); Steve Ewing 566, Liz Knerr 419 (Media Heights); Jeff Liek 461, Carol Beiler 587 (New Beginnings); Troy Lint 763, Kirk Goodling 719, Tim Roth 712, Linda Goodling 652 (Semi-Classic); Mike Chant 424, Amie Ream 388 (Ticket Master); (Johnson and Johnson);(Just 4 Fun II).

Seniors: Joe Paparo 526, Enos Bleacher 510, Lou Sparacino 505, Heck Eckenrode 504, Martha Boose 519 (Bob Rudisill Srs); Bob Brubaker 570, Beryl Coccio 460 (Club 55); Sherry Sierer 475 (Duffy's Ladies); Gene Kley 528, George Engle 510, Enos Bleacher 502, Annie Yake 474 (Rocky Springs Srs).

Juniors: Frank Kirk 668, David Shoop 642, Rob Scarpone 631, Troy Miller 631, Lorne Hess 583 (Dick Webber Jrs); Chuck Fournier 412, Lisa Keller 252 (Homeschool); Evan Vazquez 266 (Marvel Heros).

Cain's

Men: Corey Kaylor 660 (Sun. Mixers); Alan Sides 672 (Church); Ron Krause 694 (Merchants); Dave Farmer 742, Jamie Eberhart Jr. 737, Todd Montgomery 737, Randy Miller 730 (City/County Travel); Gary Hardy 638 (Lititz); Dale Kurtz 619 (Thurs. Winter Mixed).

Women: Trudi Hensley 520 (Sun. Mixers); Rose Tshudy 494 (Church); Deb Nauman 556 (Thurs. Winter Mixed).

Juniors: Joshua Pridgen 297, Jeremy Maurer 277, Carl Carpenter 260, Matthew Lemley 169, Kyle Fjeldsted 572, Travis Frysinger 523, Darren Fjeldsted 476, Jordan Wingle 447, Quinton Meil 397, Bo Wolfe 377, Garette Martin 365, Stuart Youndt 356, Austin Hart 322, Austin Barilar 313, Michaela Allamena 254, Lauren Michael 238, Amy Carpenter 219, Emily Erickson 177, Brianna Myers 124, Lexy Cain 392, Amy May 308, Shelby Smith 298, Brittany Lantz 294, Shannon Pridgen 282, Ceara Merkey 265, Vickie Vazquez 224, Melissa Lemley 219.

Clearview

Men: Carl Meachum 737, Dale Young 705, Mike Sheeler 681 (Monday Handicap); John Meyers 671, Gene Funk 617 (Monday Towne A); Len Mumma 695, Dave Hershey 631 (Men's Church); Doug Hosking 736, Henry Blough 732, Dale Young 713, Brian Alleman 708, Andy Moyer 706, Rick McCaulley 681, Jack Stockdale 673, Win Randler 667, Henry Gepfer 664, Don Wagner 658, Steve Halbleib Jr. 657, Dave Caskey 653 (Tuesday Businessmen); Dave Atticks 737, Kelly Flowers 724, Rory Shiffler 710, Paul Foy 676 (Wednesday Sportsmen); John Leonard 633, Larry Mullen 613 (Donegal HDCP).

Women: Lisa Farwell 657, Cindy Telenko 614, Sherri Margucci 613 (Ladies Classic); Darlene Anderson 531, Dawn Brooks 515 (Pinbelles); Karen Wolgemuth 518, Sandy Christian 434 (Kennels).

Mixed: Mike Sheeler 734, Jim Ritzman 705, Tim Livingston 704, Bob Miller Jr. 701, Josh Becker 699, Carl Meachum 699, Kelly Flowers 692, Henry Blough 687, EJ Farwell 680, Tim Mertz 672, Darlene Anderson 666, Frank Telenko Jr. 663, Lisa Farwell 638, Sherri Margucci 607 (Hennigan's Majors); Brendan Ford 687, Marlon Bashore 610, Steph Frick 522, Patsy Reed 451 (Monday Mixed); Gary Hoffer 638, Bill Byers 619, Lori Straub 485, Doris Knaub 427 (Clearview Leisure); Doug Keller 751, Alex Bairos 666, Sam Weber Sr. 658, Pat Weber 656, Dawn Brooks 551 (Mixed Outlaws); Curtis Gruber 609, Jim Gruber 603, Mimi Agnew 503, Rose Stasko 496 (Thursday Industrial); Dave Shelly 639, John Welk 554, Laura Bleacher 454, Stacey Welk 429 (Thurs. NASCAR); Keith Coble 633, Jerry Yeagley 629, Sherri Margucci 628, Kayla Reber 538 (Thursday Mixed); Cory Winters 618, Steve Decker 615, Donna Decker 497, Michelle Williams 496 (Sunday Crackers); Brian Alleman 639, Camrin Krzykowski 554, Beryl Kuhn 496, Nona Geib 446 (Sunday NASCAR); Lisa Farwell 793, Josh Becker 740, EJ Farwell 708, Russ Alleman 667, Jeff Wintersteen 662 (Friday Mixed).

Seniors: Dorie Schaeffer 510, John Lee 485, Arlene Mummert 472, Bill Parry 464 (Early Birds); Milt Heilman 593, Tom Mulleavy 573, Charlie Goodling 550, Al Lancaster 536, Bill Gottschalk 531, Sandy Leach 523, Arlene Mummert 486 (Tuesday Seniors).

Juniors: Garrett Johnson 694, Mark Strausbaugh 649, Ryan Lightner 638, Jeff Strine Jr. 626, Dan Chaffins 601, Jonathan Lee 588, Jesse Rothweiler 569, Megan Lee 554, Aerika High 498 (American); Darren Miller 587, Austin Telenko 472, Austin Brinser 353, Kyi Greenaway 303, Kayla Halbleib 257 (Prep).

Dutch

Men: Rick Reed 635, Jerry Nessinger 629, Tom Hammerstone 628 (Sunday Night Mix); Scott Leister 686, Tim Watterson 679, Sam Smucker 667 (Industrial); Harry Rogers Jr. (300) 748, Dan Peachey 738, Bob Kennedy 696 (Service); Mike Witwer 695, Don Peifer 638, Steve Popolis 637 (Brownstown Mix); Tim Watterson 680, Marty Flegal 672, Sherwood Miller 661 (Tri-Town Church); Cory Getz 742, Charlie Heinaman 701 (Lancaster County Travel); Sean Wyandt (295) 747, Marty Flegal 706, Andy Boehler 674 (Woodstream); Tom Davis 741, John Dimeler 723, Buddy Dimeler 703 (Hi-Fliers); James McDonald 684, Joseph Bilger 677, Craig Becker 668 (Ephrata Mix); Dave Farmer 769, Mike Lesher 710, Charlie Wolfersberger 629 (Anything Goes); Andy Wierzbicky 704, Kelly Metz 702, Marc Johns 685 (Color Tile Classic); Doug Andrew 768, Bryan Kauffman 702, Bob Kennedy 690 (Lincoln Forest); Steve Martin 704, Glen Habecker 662, Mark Wagner 654 (Lancaster North End); Kirk Shenberger 756, Todd Montgomery 735, Dave Adams 729, Rick Miller 712, Dick Goss 705, Jim Dinicola 700 (Commercial); Lee Zimmerman 696, Randy Haldeman 689, Jim Miller 688 (New Holland Men); Matt Stover 731, Darryl Hostetter 661, Andy Huss 650 (Simply Everything); Jeff Arment 662, Matt Buckwalter 630 (Ephrata Church); David Yutz 651, Darren heindel 641, Garry Seidel 622 (friday Night Mix); Joe Mitchell 668, Rick Yocum Jr. 605, Mike Reichwein 600 (T.G.I.F); Dale Pannebecker 720, Steve Keen 722 (Redrose Travel).

Women: Nancy Hafer 519 (Sunday Night Mix); Chelsea Weik 679, Donna Snyder 662 (new Holland Ladies); Lorraine Deibler 673, Donna Pannebecker 647, Christy Ayres 628, Ellen Merklinger 620 (Brownstown Mix); Becky Nickels 554, Jeanne Peters 501 (tri-Town Church); Jessie Pierce 569, Vicky Boehler 512 (Woodstream); Pat Schappell 623, Deb Current 617 (Hi-Fliers); Janice Meckley 710, Chelsea Weik 619 (Ephrata Mix); Cindy Farmer 566, Shauna Mattson 529 (Anything Goes); Denise Woodworth 686, Janice Meckley 669 (Ephrata Ladies); Pat Schappell 590, Terri Andrew 550, Sandy Harnish 512 (Lincoln Forest); Terri Andrew 647, Lisa Stover 584, Carol Garman 549 (Simply Everything); Allyson Snyder 458 (Ephrata Church); Tabby Heindel 541 (Friday Night Mix); Jamie Miller 514 (T.G.I.F).

Seniors: Jim Shober 586, Glenn Miller 561, Elmer Pierce 554, Mary Lilley 511, Ruth Eddy 485, Jan Shumaker 482 (Young At Heart); Mike Wolfe 570 (Monday Srs); Harry Stigelman 610, John Darrenkamp 608 (Thursday Srs); Ginny Gerhart 523, Ann Dowie 505, Anna Mae Pickell 505 (Dutch Maids).

Juniors: Kaitlynn Hart 332, Tommy Sciscento 217, Thomas Hart 117 (Junior Adult); Kaleigh Kreamer 114, Cameron Zwally 113, Parke Haws 97 (Bumpers); Nic Skoronski 391, Zach Young 299, Shane Johnson 297, Grace Chon 403, Rachell Waddell 352, Katie Redcay 318 (Zoo); Matt Cover 491, Ian Groff 473, Scott Janoshak 466,  Brandi Whitmyer 381, Anna Costa 294 (Co-ed); Austin Kissinger 643, Joel Reichard 593, Justin Eberhart 581, Samantha Santoro 724, Christina Leid 588, Crystal Connelly 568 (Seniors).

Garden Spot

Men: Rich Ferrier 691 (Family Twosome); Chase Hall 693 (Streamliners); Scott Bartram 681, Charlie Rhoades 673, Dan Young 671, Dennis Walker 671, Sam Piper 661, Dave Brooks 657, Jason Frable 656, Joe Nagy Jr. 654 (Breiner Canan); Dale Bollinger 661 (Wildcat); Don Parmer 698, Brad Lutz 691, Kevin Buchanan 681, Chris Jensen 669, Jim Davis 668, Dan McCauley 657, Ron Summers 656, Eric Hiller 653 (Garden Spot Men); Jeff Waller 693, Lou Fidanza 676, Tony Leister 668, Mike Anderer 657, Tim Weaver 656, Alan Shaub 651 (Central); Keith Buchanan 661 (Noisemakers); Ron Summers 681, Troy Lefever 654 (Cop-Outs); Dan Brobst 671 (RPM); Charlie Wooten 696, Bruce Snader 677, Chris Jensen 674, Dan Bailey 663, Tom Pollack 661, Jim Markward 651, Mike Pollack 651 (Strasburg Community); Lloyd Murphy 666 (Levi's Classic); Joe Abrams Jr. 687, Tommy Abrams 682, Gregg Tavalare 678, Andrew Abrams 652 (Mechanic Grove); Bob Wagaman 661 (Thunder); Corey Caudill 687, Rudi Binkenstein 660, Roger Harv ey 655 (Quarryville Mixed).

Women: Tammy Wimer 570 (Trio); Donna Jackson 566 (Streamliners); Charlie Ballantyne 573 (Nickel Mine Ladies); Mary Kay Carrigan 558 (Strasburg Community); Helen Walters 561, Kathy Harvey 564 (Quarryville Mixed).

Seniors: Glen Lutz 655, Lois Miller 550, Pat Dinicola 531, AJ Anderer 459, Betty Nissley 454, Clay Cummings 454, Walter Pickel 446 (Swingin' Seniors)

Juniors: Coty Johnson 653, Kody Ford 433, Kayla White 400, Justin Chansky 322, Karly Peifer 307, Jordan Chansky 165 (Family Twosome); Sean Obetz 761, Gregory Lehr 669, Becky Rudy 660, Colin Obetz 635, Stephan Englehart 628, Seth Lindsey 619, Eric Erb 615, Josh Wakefield 584, Taylor Lindsey 565, Robert Muckel Jr. 509, Dan Miller 507, Andy Heft 503, Tony Williams 493, Ross McCauley 480, Jordan Wakefield 449, Kody Ford 397, Jimmy Lysle 329, Thomas Coveleski 317, Stephanie Crist 176 (Saturday Juniors).

Leisure

Men: Wil Kellenberger (300) 694, Syl Gehman 681 (McCombs Supply); Leo Young 646 (Klines RV); Neal Vital 761, Mike Dooley 737, Brian Brooks 734, Jeff Waller 726, Mark Andrews 722, Doug Kahler 696, Robert Davis 693, Gary Young 690, Brian Rothweiler 690, Todd Hess 686 (AMF Ind); Eric Smith 728, Bill Kurau 727 (Tues Mens Hdcp); Jim Landis 750, Steve Levering 696 (City County Ind); Ken Pepple 755, John Lefever 741, JD Kellenberger 738, Doug Schwenk 738, Troy Lint 717, Wil Kellenberger 712, Brian Heaps 702, Brian Hess 683 (Myers Auto Body Classic); Bob Miller 700 (Indoor World); Denny Rittenhouse Jr. 700, Bill Honer 685 (Lanc Ind); Mike Lehman 608 (Millersville Men); Don Bradley 702, Tim Hoffmaster 688, Brian Heaps 681 (Conestoga Ind); Mike Lewis Jr 728, Jay Eckman 726, Mike Miller 704, Dale Jerstetter 698, Don Copeland Jr. 683, Tim Wolf 680 (Midway Men).

Women: Lucinda Shade 556 (Hopefuls); Bonnie Miller 584 (Precious Gems); Pat Hiemenz 585 (Sparklers); Dennett Anderson 591 (Sparemakers); Adele Ruszak 449 (Jewels); Susan Schickel 726, Laurie Ann Stemplinger 673, Beth Graham 662, Lorraine Deibler 651, Shirley Redcay 649, Linda Goodling 630, Darlene Miner 630, Sue Lapp 628, Chelsea Weik 604 (Myers Auto Body Ladies).

Mixed: Ken Olson 672, Kristina Miller 533, Heather Grunow 533 (Funtime); Charlie Batten 669, Beth Graham 631 (Zodiac); Mike Bonham 675, Pam Nilan 566 (Turtle); Fred Armstrong 649, Barbara Geiter 556 (Ball and Chain); Bryan Lorah 669, Joyce Rehkugler 551 (AM Ind); Mike Gerhart 618, Ann Rummel 700 (Mixed Nuts); Chris Ashwood 640, Diane Jones 523 (Leisure Times); James Sinopoli 602, Shirley Redcay 535 (Southern End); Herb Migdon 536, Lucy Esbenshade 378 (Late Mixed Nuts); Tom Yecker 604, Cathy Rowles 515 (Garys Pro Shop); Steve Salamh 651, Joan Groff 536 (Armstrong Eng); Jacques Huber 736, Judy Bleacher 469 (BCA); Ron Hart 589, Nancy Hess 488 (Alley Cats); Dave Gulliver 676, Wendy Moser 561 (Wed Mix); Jim Mierzkowski 729, Jeff Dankers 704, Tina Beck 628, Kris Tomlinson 626, Carol Bushman 613 (Thurs Mix); Victor Gritz 609, Ann Kelly 554 (Pa Pride Insulation); Josh Bloom 624, Lisa Cunningham 469 (Knights of Columbus); Ben Weik 610, Kathy Hauk 601 (Roses and Thorns); Chet Eckman 770, Duane Thomas 718, Gary Heistand 700, Karen Andrews 558 (Derrs Auto Transport); Preston Karr 584, Gloria Bolin 512 (Mountville Mix); Chelle Sites 516, Doug Keller 618 (Beyond Disturbed); Harold Sellers 559, Laura Binkley 518 (Mix and Match); Rob Murray 666, Dawn Cooper 538 (Mixers).

Seniors: Dave Stalknecht 546, Fran Meyer 457 (Manor North); Carl Melin 508, Merilyn Hart 487 (Woodcrest); John Herr 609, Dorris Smith 495 (AARP); Dick Holton 424, Mary Kilheffer 524 (Early Birds); Richard Goss 687, Rudy Ries 680, Don Cunningham 636, Lee Rummel 631, John Herr 627, Don Bissinger 607, Dan Shoffstall 600, Howard Shader 580, Joe Arsenault 575, Charlie Nixon 573, Frank Shafer 63, Don kaylor 561, Charlie Albin 552, Bonnie Crone 574 (Tender Tears); Richard Kuehne 554, Betty Palmieri 515 (Lakes Campus); Ron Bearley 634, Don Cunningham 614, Jim Obrachta 563, Doris Kendall 519 9Millersville Srs); Rudy Ries 664, Charlie Kirstner 565, Jerry Ackerman 651, Don Cunningham 646, Don Kaylor 630, Al Johnson 619, Don Killian 608, Charlie Kauffman 606, John Erney 593, Heiner Stoll 591, Glen Lutz 589, Galen Eberly 589, Frank Shafer 580, Richard Kleckner 579, Lee Rummel 578, Earl Frey 572, Betty Albin 528 (Thurs Srs).

Juniors: Mike Sagerer 389, Briana Bracero 384 (Bantam Prep Div); Matt Pleger 533, Lisa Denlinger 474 (Jr I Div); Michael Bracero 585, Chelsea Erb 475 (Jr II Div); Jordan Arment 705, Chad Dipilla 650, Briana Ord 544 (Major Div).