Team resources
Team Communication
All official team communication will be shared through ParentSquare, this team website, and email with parents and student-athletes. We will keep information current across each channel. For urgent, last-minute updates—especially weather delays or cancellations—we may also use group text and email to reach everyone quickly.
Please bookmark the team website and sign up for ParentSquare as soon as possible.
Equipment and Apparel Requirements
Required Bowling Equipment
For new bowlers, it is critical that you have a bowling ball fit to your hand, bowling shoes, and a bag.
A plastic “spare shooting” bowling ball is also needed, but for first-time bowlers, we can start with one from the Recommended First Balls section below and add a plastic ball later in the season.
Where to Buy Equipment
Please visit Ye Olde Pro Shoppe, located inside Columbus Square Bowling Palace at 5707 Forest Hills Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43231, to purchase the required equipment.
When you arrive, let the pro shop staff know that you are part of the Olentangy High School Bowling Team and that Head Coach Irion Mitchell has sent you to the pro shop. All team members receive a 15% discount.
Please visit the pro shop as soon as possible to obtain your equipment.
Bowling Equipment
Bowling Balls
Each student needs to be fitted for a “fingertip” grip. Please let the pro shop staff know when you arrive.
Reactive Ball (Strike Ball)
Recommended First Balls
- Girls: Purchase a Tropical Surge by Storm or a similar 12 lb. bowling ball. Expect the ball to cost about $130.
- Boys: Purchase a Hustle by Roto Grip or a similar 14 lb. bowling ball. Expect the ball to cost about $150.
As a beginner, do not worry about purchasing a more expensive ball. Entry-level reactive balls remain useful as your skills grow. They make it easier to develop sound technique and can remain part of your arsenal if you later expand to three or four balls.
Plastic Ball (Spare Ball)
Plastic bowling balls are less expensive and available in many colors. There is no meaningful difference in regular plastic balls between brands, so pick the color combination you like best.
- Girls: Any plastic 12 lb. bowling ball fitted with the same fingertip grip as the reactive ball above.
- Boys: Any plastic 14 lb. bowling ball fitted with the same fingertip grip as the reactive ball above.
We recommend that your spare ball be the same weight as your strike ball. This helps maintain consistency from shot to shot.
Bowling Ball Bag
We recommend a two-ball bag with enough room to store your bowling shoes.
Bowling Shoes
Bowling shoes range in price, so choose a pair that is comfortable and has a small heel. A recent rule change requires new bowlers to wear shoes with a small heel rather than flat, sneaker-style shoes. Bowlers returning from last season may continue wearing their existing shoes under the grandfathered rule.
Some bowling shoes have interchangeable soles. These allow bowlers to switch to soles with more or less friction, adjusting their slide distance and adapting to wood or synthetic approach surfaces.
Shoes with interchangeable soles are generally more expensive and are not typically necessary for beginner bowlers. We recommend talking with your coaches before investing in them.
Apparel for Matches, Tournaments, and Practice
Team Jersey: Olentangy High School will purchase and assign an official school jersey to each student-athlete.
Solid Black Pants or Bottoms: All participants must wear solid black pants or bottoms for matches and tournaments. Jeans, cotton sweatpants, yoga pants, and cargo pants are not permitted. Choose black bottoms that stretch and are comfortable while bowling.
Practice: There is no required practice apparel, but do not wear your assigned team jersey. Please save it for matches and tournaments only.