Eight bowlers representing the Esterhazy Bowlarena made their community proud earlier this month, bringing home two silver medals and an individual provincial title from the Rising Stars/Fun Bowl Provincial Bowling Tournament held in Regina on February 14th and 15th.
The annual event brought together competitors from zones across Saskatchewan for a round robin pins-over-average tournament, giving bowlers of varying experience levels a chance to shine on the provincial stage. For Esterhazy and surrounding communities, the weekend proved to be one to remember.
On the Fun Bowl side, the East Sask “B” team delivered an impressive performance to earn the silver medal. The team featured Derek Lajambe of Esterhazy, Jackie Sedley of Yorkton, Yvonne Martens of Foam Lake and Tyler Goosen of Foam Lake, with Diane Syrota of Foam Lake serving as coach.
Competing in a pins-over-average format meant every bowler had the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way, regardless of their entering average. Consistency and teamwork were key, and the East Sask squad rose to the challenge. Over the course of the two-day round robin, the team steadily built momentum, ultimately finishing second overall in the province.
Not to be outdone, the Shirley Bird Rising Stars Provincial Championship “A” team for East Sask also captured silver. The team roster included Roger Arndt of Langenburg, Darien Mickle, Jon Lamb, Brittany Schaefer and coach Kelsey Mickle of Esterhazy.
Facing strong competition from across the province, the Rising Stars team demonstrated both depth and determination. Each member contributed crucial games throughout the tournament, keeping the team in contention right to the final frames. Their collective effort paid off with a well-earned silver medal finish.
Individually, Brittany Schaefer had a standout weekend. In addition to helping secure the team silver medal, Schaefer claimed first place in the Ladies Singles Division, earning top honours among female competitors at the provincial event. Her performance was highlighted by an exceptional pins-over-average total that set her apart from the field.
Esterhazy Bowlarena owner Jen Zich praised the athletes for their achievements and pointed to a few memorable highlights from the tournament.
Among them was Derek Lajambe, who finished the weekend with an impressive 136 pins over average. Schaefer’s performance was even more remarkable, as she tallied 204 pins over average across the tournament.
For many small-town athletes, provincial competitions can be both exciting and intimidating. Competing against bowlers from larger centres, often with access to bigger facilities and deeper leagues, can add an extra layer of challenge. Yet the East Sask teams proved that dedication, practice and community support can level the playing field.
Zich said seeing local bowlers succeed on the provincial stage is always rewarding.
“It’s always nice to have small town bowlers bring home medals,” she said.
The success of the Esterhazy-area bowlers reflects not only individual talent but also the strength of the region’s bowling community. From regular league nights to coaching and mentorship, the Bowlarena continues to foster a supportive environment where bowlers of all ages can develop their skills.
Events like the Rising Stars/Fun Bowl Provincials provide valuable experience for competitors, particularly younger players working their way up through the ranks. The opportunity to travel, compete and represent their zone at a provincial level helps build confidence and sportsmanship that extends beyond the lanes.
For the eight bowlers who made the trip to Regina, the medals and titles are tangible rewards for their hard work.
As the season continues, the accomplishments at provincials will no doubt serve as motivation for others in the local bowling community. With two silver medals and a Ladies Singles championship now added to their resume, the Esterhazy Bowlarena contingent has once again proven that small-town Saskatchewan can make a big impact on the provincial stage.
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Local Bowlers partake in provincial bowling
Esterhazy Bowlarena had 8 bowlers take part in the Rising Stars/Fun Bowl provincial bowling tournament in Regina on February 14th and 15th. This round robin pins over average tournament had 8 different zones of participants from across the province. On the Fun Bowl side the “B” team consisting of Derek Lajambe from Esterhazy, Jackie Sedley of Yorkton, Yvonne Martens of Foam Lake and Tyler Goosen of Foam Lake along with Coach Diane Syrota of Foam Lake This team finished the Provincials with the Silver Medal.
The Shirley Bird Rising Stars Provincial Championship side the “A” team for East Sask consisted of Roger Arndt of Langenburg, Darin Mickle, Jon Lamb, Brittany Schaefer and Coach Kelsey Mickle of Esterhazy. This team brought home the Silver Medal as well. Brittany Schaefer also came in first place for the Ladies Singles Division.
Esterhazy Bowlarena owner Jen Zich mentioned a couple of highlights including Derek Lalande having 136 pins over average and Brittany Schaefer having 204 pins over average for that tournament.
She added,”It’s always nice to have small town bowlers bring home medals”.