‘Strike Force’ student bowling team dazzles on lanes

The 'Strike Force' bowling team gathers at Bayside Bowl
in Portland in January. From left are Jason McCarthy, Camden
Gendron, Zach Bernier and Lucas Littlefield.
PHOTO BY APRIL LITTLEFIELD

 By Matt Pascarella

In the summer of 2012, Windham student Lucas Littlefield was bowling with his family at Bayside Bowl in Portland.

There was a flier running a promotion that promised a bowling ball if you joined their eight-week bowling program for kids. Littlefield joined and became hooked and this was just the beginning. Years later, Littlefield and three of his friends Camden Gendron, Zach Bernier and Jason McCarthy started their bowling league “Strike Force” and would go on to compete in tournaments all over the state.

They have already begun practicing and preparing for tournaments taking place in 2021.

When he was 6 or 7, Littlefield was looking for a new activity after his karate teacher retired. A flier he saw promising a free bowling ball got him to join the Peewee bowling division for kids ages 3 to 8.

Eventually, he did get his bowling ball and although it was of lesser quality it was a driving factor in the forming of the “Strike Force” team years later.

Littlefield was already into the sport in elementary school when he met Zach Bernier, who joined the team in 2015. Bernier’s been interested in bowling for as long as he can remember.

The two then got Camden Gendron involved and a year later, he joined the team. Gendron’s grandmother introduced him to bowling and it took off from there.

Littlefield enjoyed bowling more and more and became immersed in the competition, his favorite part. Bernier said bowling always been something he’s looked forward to.

In 2019, their friend from Westbrook, Jason McCarthy joined and although they had never thought about being a team, they realized they could join tournaments because they had four people. “Strike Force” was officially formed.

“While on a team, you are competing against not only yourself, but your teammates and other opponents,” said Littlefield. “This allows you to have more motivation to do your best and try to better yourself for the next time you play together.”

Gendron said he wanted to join the league because it was something fun to do with friends on

weekends.

“My favorite part is just being able to spend time with my friends outside of school,” said Bernier.

The tournaments they’ve played in are very welcoming to all skill levels and feature bowlers from all age groups. Pre-COVID, they competed in travel tournaments once a month.

“The tournaments bring in kids from different bowling leagues all across southern Maine. The winner gets some scholarship money, a medal, and bragging rights,” said Bernier.

As they begin to start practicing, the pandemic will have an effect on play. They will have to wear face coverings and social distance. They will also have to monitor their health while playing.

They are planning to compete in the US Youth Open and Junior Gold tournaments in 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. However, all this hinge on what the virus does.

They are ready start bowling again.

“I am excited to get back to bowling because...it(‘s) a fun sport,” said Littlefield.

Gendron said they are excited to get back out there.

“I'm itching to get back out there,” said Bernier.

The boys are raising money to get to the tournaments in Indiana. They have an account at Patman's Redemption for those who would like to donate their returnable money. This fundraiser goes until July 1, 2021.  <