LAURINBURG —Five years ago, Principal Brian Edkins implemented the Scotland High School Bowling Teams, providing another competitive outlet for a new set of athletes. In February, his vision and dedication paid off in the form of a state championship first-place finish for the boys’ team and a third place in the state championship for the girls’ team. In the history of the high school, no other team sport has risen to prominence so quickly, and much of the credit goes to Coach Meg Jernigan, who was recognized along with three of her bowlers, at the recent Scotland County School Board Meeting.
Affectionately known as “Jern,” she has been coaching the bowlers since the team’s inception. Her knowledge of the game, coupled with a genuine rapport with her athletes, has led her from a novice bowling coach to one who will soon be wearing a championship ring.
How important is a good coach? “It matters a lot!” said sophomore Landon Malloy and seniors Chandler Miller and James Watts, almost in unison.
“She pushes you to do better,” Watts explained.
Cooper Sutherland is insistent: “This could not have been accomplished without the guidance from Coach Jern and the feedback and friendship that she gave throughout the season.”
Katlyn Terry, a senior, agreed. “Coach Jern was willing to help us get to where we needed to be no matter how good or bad we were. She taught us good life lessons and how to focus on things that matter.”
Clearly, winning matters to Jernigan and her bowlers. “To win the state championship my senior year is amazing,” admits Asher Alexander, “and this group of guys is something special.”
The boys also credit the cheering of their female counterparts, who were busy winning the Conference Tournament and then placing third in the State. “They were really supportive of us,” said Miller. Their coach agrees: “The girls were just a much a part of this state championship as the boys were.”
“It was my first year on the team,” said junior Carson Buie, “but it was really cool to be able to go as far as we [girls] did and see the boys win the state championship!”
The win was by no means easy. In the final game, Malloy was substituted into the 5/10 spot usually filled by Miller. But the substitution came at Miller’s request. “I wasn’t getting it done, so I went in my gut, and told him to take it because he had been hitting strikes.”
Malloy didn’t hesitate. “I felt like I was striking, and I was feeling pretty good, and it worked out great!”
And how does it feel to be a state champion bowler?
“It feels good,” Watts said.
Earning a spot in the tournament happened so quickly that Menar Malloy “didn’t even know there was a game until the day before, so the whole day, I was texting [Landon] constantly and he was sending me updates. Then, he called me and said, ‘We won it all!’ and I said, ‘What do you mean?’ and he said, ‘We won the state championship!’ and I just couldn’t believe it! I’m so proud of him!” Jayden, Landon’s sister (a seventh grader at Spring Hill) is also proud of her big brother.
Robin and Keith Miller were in Shallotte to support their son and his teammates. “I’m excited! I had a lot of confidence in them, and when those two made the switch and Chandler stepped up and was a leader, I was so proud of him! It was all about the team for him.”
“Team” is a big deal to these guys. “Everyone has each other’s back. We support each other,” Watts said.
And it’s no wonder. The team has a lot of experienced bowlers who have formed a close and cohesive group. Jernigan is about to lose 11 seniors to graduation. “For four years, I’ve gotten to coach seniors Cooper Sutherland, Chandler Miller, Angelle Norton, Kate Carter (who placed third in State, individually), and Kamdyn Morgan. Add to that my other seniors Asher Alexander, James Watts, Katlyn Terry, Donnie Lee Jackson, Jenna Hammonds, and Kaylnn Smith, so obviously next year will be a rebuilding season.”
The Men’s Bowling Team will receive their rings in a “ceremony held during the Athletic Banquet at SHS on May 16, and a giant photo will be placed in the gym lobby,” according to David Johnson, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director.