TAYLOR MCDANIEL|Reporter

This Athlete Spotlight features a bowler, Jack Bedtke.

Bio

Name: Jack Bedtke

Age: 19

From: Medinah, Illinois

Year: Sophomore

Major(s): Business Administration with Management Emphasis, Interdisciplinary Studies

Sport: Men’s Bowling

Q&A

Q:When did you start playing your sport?

A: “I started playing my sport when I was a freshman in high school at the age of 14.”

Q:How did you get started in your sport?

A: “I started bowling because I wanted to strengthen my arm, because I was a pitcher in baseball. I tried because I knew it would strengthen my arm and my parents were in a bowling league.”

Q: What is your biggest strength in your sport?

A: “My biggest strength in my sport is that I am to stay composed, relaxed, and have fun no matter the situation. This is my strength because it is incredibly easy to get aggravated in bowling and fall apart, as it is such a precision sport.”

Q: What was your most embarrassing moment in your sport?

A: “My most embarrassing moment was in my junior year of high school, I had just got a brand new bowling ball and when the ball was drilled the thumb hole was a little too small, so when I went to throw the ball it never came off my hand and pulled me into the lane.  It was embarrassing because I just flopped onto the lane and just couldn’t get my thumb out of the ball for awhile.”

Q: Why did you choose to play for Lindenwood?

A: “I chose to play for Lindenwood because my friend was playing here and they offered me a scholarship for bowling. I toured the campus and instantly fell in love.”

Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment in your sport?

A: “My biggest accomplishment would have to be going All-State my senior year in high school.”

Q: What do you like most about your sport?

A: “The thing I like the most about my sport is that bowling is something that anyone can do and find enjoyment out of it. I like this because, yes it’s fun to compete at a high level in the sport now, but its nice to know that for the rest of my life even if I can’t walk I can still bowl.”

Q: Do you have any game day rituals?

A: “Yes, I have a select playlist that I listen to before every tournament. It is composed of 4 songs that get me focused, hyped, relaxed, and motivated. Each one plays a role in getting me into the right mindset before I walk onto the late for my first shot.”

Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

A: “My favorite hobbies are just getting involved as much as possible on campus. I try not have free time because there is always something that can be done on campus and getting involved makes college so much more fun.”

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

A: “My favorite athlete is probably Javier Baez”

Q: Who do you look up to in your sport?

A: “In my sport I look up to my old bowling coach.”

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

A: “Chicago Cubs”

Q: What keeps you motivated?

A: “The reward of winning a major tournament or even a national title.”

Q: What are things you could not live without?

A:  “Family, because without family you wouldn’t have any values or beliefs. Friends because they are the ones that keep you having fun.”

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Q: Do you have any advice for young athletes?

A: “I would say to do things to have fun and by doing that you will become better at your sport, and that it’s okay take a less serious practice every so often.”

Q: What are your plans for after college?

A: “After college I plan to go to graduate school to get a degree in higher education, with the hopes to one day become the director of student involvement at a university.”