Anderson High School (AHS) senior Krista Gwynn joined other students in the 2024 class at graduation last Saturday. As she reflects back on her time at AHS, there’s a moment that sticks out as a major highlight of her experience – winning the Indiana State Bowling Championship during her senior year.
What made her state championship all that more special, and pressure-packed, was that the tournament took place at Championship Lanes in Anderson.
“I have bowled at Championship Lanes, formerly Coopers Sport Bowl, since I started bowling 12 years ago,” said Gwynn. “I was also working there at the time. So, I knew so many of the employees and other bowlers. It was a lot of pressure. I wanted to represent not only myself but also my bowling center in the best manner possible.”
Backed by an incredible support system of friends and family members, Krista bowled a 784 (212, 212, 211, and 149) in the qualifying round to rank first out of 20 bowlers from across the state. This allowed her to advance to the final game of the 4-person stepladder final.
In the final game she battled Robin Edwards who finished 2nd in the qualifying round just 2 pins behind her. In a high scoring final game, Gwynn edged Edwards 256 to 235 to win the state championship in convincing fashion.
Gwynn speaks very fondly of her experience on the AHS bowling team. As a coed team, she was pushed to work harder everyday.
“Being a coed team meant we bowled against all boys teams or other coed teams,” added Gwynn. “This made me work harder. It also gave me the confidence that I was just as capable as the boys are.”
Gwynn credits her rigorous practice routine, weekly bowling matches during the season, and love of the sport for putting her in a position to win the state championship. A love that started early.
“My dad got me interested in bowling at the age of 6,” added Gwynn. “By the age of 9 I was competing against both boys and girls much older than me.”
It was at that age, too, that she started to get noticed by others for her talent. Specifically, her ability to rotate the ball. Something many adults who bowl never achieve.
In the fall, Gwynn is going to continue her education at Ivy Tech Anderson where she will study Dental Hygiene. While she does not plan to bowl collegiately, she plans to participate in PWBA regional and Queens tournaments. Allowing her to continue competing in the sport she loves.