The Lincoln Southwest unified bowling team played in their first meet against Lincoln Southeast on Oct. 25 at Parkway Lanes. 

“It was a lot of fun being with my friends,” sophomore Charlie Miller said. “I bowled a lot of strikes with my partners Logan, Lily and Makayna.”

Athletes and partners worked together in their respective lanes, accumulating a total of 2094 pins. The Hawks fell short to the Knights, 2183-2094. 

“I am excited for the next meet,” sophomore Michael Bolen said. “I got a few strikes and spares and I think I did well.”

The goal of unified bowling, coached by Lis Brenden and Brandi Benson to create and foster an environment where students of varying abilities are able to come together and bowl and compete against one another. In addition to bowling, Southwest also has a unified track team and a unified club. 

“Unified programs are probably one of the best things Southwest has to offer,” senior Dominic Sander said. “It is a place for everyone regardless of ability, race, gender and all of the things that might divide us and we are able to come together to make connections.”

Next up for the Hawks is a meet against Lincoln East at Parkway Lanes on Monday, Nov. 8 at 3:30 p.m.