VYPE interviewed Coach Limes to find out about his experience at TIS.

VYPE: Personal goals for the team this past season:

The ultimate goal every year for the team would always be to go win a state championship. Seeing as how we did not have a complete team for it being our first bowling season at TIS, I would say the goal for this season was to spread the news of the sport as well as have those who did participate grow in the sport.

After not having the program at TIS for a few years prior, I had 4 bowlers total this first year, all of which were splendid young men (2 seniors and 2 sophomores). All grew their knowledge of the sport and improved averages as the season went on, and I look forward to hearing about my seniors’ success at the colleges they attend, as well as continuing to grow with the sophomores on the team. And who knows, maybe look at having a complete team next season, as well as a women’s team, to look to make a run at a title.

VYPE: What has been your best moment from last year:

Would say my best moment from last year is seeing the coaching click with their game and them building confidence to compete with some of the teams we face. The first tri-meet was a nervous one for all as it was my first high school tri-meet coaching, as well as their first bowling. They are the ones who had to execute while I just provide feedback and knowledge on the game I grew up in.

Watch us at our last meet at regionals, and we look like we can narrow the gap on the field. Though we knew we would not win as we consistently had 3 at all of our meets and were a man short each meet (will not go into reasons), we still went out and grew as individuals while maintaining the team aspect as well.

VYPE: Who is your favorite coworker:

This is a controversy starter of a question. I would have to say Mr. Jason Selmon, who is the AD at TIS as he is the man running the operations, or Mr. Terrell Davis, who is the head of the school and I know from back in my days of Middle school as he was my principal and taught me a lot about responsibility at such a young age.

Both of these gentlemen are reliable, respectable individuals who you will want to take advice from, and most importantly, give it their all for the students of the school. But all of TIS has such a great organization to where I would say there is no wrong answer, and a case could be made for anyone.

VYPE: What is my favorite bowling-related memory: 

Personally, would tell you it is too close to pick one. My favorite coaching-related memory is hearing that my bowlers would go watch PBA (professional bowling association) tournaments on tv live, as well as watch youtube videos of tournaments previously hosted.

On the lanes, the moment would be any time we would start flexing. The story behind the flexing is I like it when some energy is shown after you spare or strike on the lanes as it gets the energy for the rest of the team to increase also. In the team aspect of bowling, energy is crucial. So if we were flexing, we were striking and sparing.

VYPE: What has been the biggest impression the team has made on you and why?

The biggest impression they have made on me is just showing me how full circle life really is. A bit of background is that Mr.Davis, who I previously mentioned, would always teach us that we were his “babies” as we navigated middle school, and we would grow up to give on to the next generation as he was doing for us. As he is still doing, I now find myself in the same category of giving back to the next generation that is in the same sport I was when I was a high school bowler for Wichita Heights High.

It really just makes you reflect on all the coaches who got you to this point, and the fact that I am now getting the opportunity to pass down the knowledge really hits home. Bowling is a sport, but more importantly, it’s a family. These bowlers are my “babies” that will grow up to give back to future generations whether it happens to be bowling or not, they are determined to succeed in whatever they put their heart and mind into.

I will take this chance to give a huge thank you to all the coaches who helped me become who I am today, and it is because of you that I am continuing the pattern.

VYPE: What is your favorite part of working with this team:

Their patience and want to learn. You can have someone really skilled who feels like they are set on your team, or you can have someone who is willing to work every day and take in feedback to grow at what they are attempting to accomplish. I am taking option #2 every time. Growth comes from feedback and effort. And I think this team has a lot of that with them.

VYPE: You can pick any place to go on a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?

Well, I am going to the Bahamas on a cruise this summer. But not sure I can give a full confident answer until that happens. In previous summers, I have traveled for bowling to places like Vegas, Indianapolis, Buffalo, Cleveland, Dallas, and Chicago, as well as been to Europe, North Carolina, and Oklahoma for personal trips.

I think the confident answer for where is anywhere that is sunny and sits around 85-95 degree weather consistent with sweet sights to see. As for who I would bring, this is another setup question, as I will get messages from whoever I don’t mention here. Family, girlfriend, and as many of my friends I would always try and take.

VYPE: If you gave me $500 right now and I had to spend it within 24 hours, what would it be on:

I am easily putting the money into the bowling program fund to be used for bowling jerseys/bowling balls.

VYPE: Do you communicate in any community service projects:

I previously have done some youth coaching for Saturday leagues at bowling alleys around Wichita, and would volunteer at the Wichita Gladiator Dash and local schools for various field days and learning opportunities. Always looking to do more.

VYPE: Involved in anything else:

I am currently also the grad assistant/coach for Newman University Men’s program and pursuing my MBA (Master in Business Administration) as well as starting up my own private bowling lessons. If interested in growing in the sport or even just trying it out, feel free to email me at [email protected]