Young Bowler Shows Great Promise

SEBRING - Tyler Shingle picked up a bowling ball at his brother's birthday party at the bowling alley and decided he might like the sport.

Less than a year later, he took first place in the 2008 Florida Pepsi Youth Championship, beating out more than 800 other bowlers.

"We never knew where he stood in the rankings all day, but we knew he was having a great day," said his dad Rodney Shingle. "When we found out he won the whole thing, we almost fell over. We couldn't believe it."

Joe Stacy, manager of Kegel Bowling Center, saw hidden talent in Tyler from the first time he watched him bowl.

"I try to recruit kids when I see them," said Stacy, who is now Tyler's coach. "Tyler has become quite a player. He took to bowling like a duck to water."

Tyler joined the Kegel Junior Bowling Academy and started practicing about 30 to 40 games a week, but he said he never gets tired of it.

"It's relaxing here and it's fun for me to come in and bowl," Tyler said. "I've met a lot of new people here, and I always have fun. Bowling is one of those sports that once you start playing you just want to play more."

His dad said he doesn't mind spending so much in the bowling alley.

"This is our home away from home," said Rodney Shingle, who is at the bowling alley about every day. "It's a great family atmosphere, it never rains, the temperature is always comfortable and they have a nice concession stand and TVs."

Tyler bowled "phenomenally" on the day of the statewide tournament, and Stacy said he watched with amazement.

"I was keeping score and couldn't believe how well he was doing," Stacy said. "It's a proud moment for a coach to have one of your kids do so well in an important event like that."

Tyler said he never had any expectations of winning.

"I was bowling really good that day," Tyler said. "I found the groove and I never got off it."

Bowling has opened a lot of new doors for Tyler, and Stacy said he definitely sees scholarship money for college in the young bowler's future or possibly even a professional career.

By winning the statewide tournament, Tyler also qualified for a national tournament in Detroit in July, but that trip doesn't come cheap.

Kegel Bowling Center is sponsoring a fundraiser for Tyler at 7 p.m. June 21 during the weekly Rock n' Bowl.

"We want to make sure there are no financial obstacles for Tyler or his family," said Sue Merritt, director of bowling operations for Kegel. "It's been really heartwarming to watch him improve as a bowler and make it to this point."

The Rock n' Bowl Fundraiser costs $15 per person and includes three games, free shoe rental and a chance to win prizes.

Any donations will be appreciated and can be mailed to Kegel Bowling Center, 6800 US 27 N., Sebring, FL 33870.

For more information about the event, call 382-2643.