Set the pins and grab your bowling balls.

The NHIAA announced on Friday that its Executive Council approved the addition of bowling as an officially sanctioned sport for the 2009-10 school year. Bowling will take place during the winter season and will provide a unique competitive opportunity as it will be a co-ed sport, according to the press release.

“The NHIAA is very excited about the prospect of adding bowling as a recognized sport,” Pat Corbin, the Executive Director of the NHIAA, said. “Based on research we anticipate that this will attract a number of student athletes that may not have participated in more traditional interscholastic athletic programs.  Providing an opportunity to expand the number of students involved in school based athletics is a strategic goal of the NHIAA.  We are thankful to the State Ten Pin Bowling Association and in particular Lisa Hardy of Strikers East in Raymond for their interest and initiative with respect to this program.”

During the first season, there will be sanctioned matches between the schools, but no official standings will be kept. There will be in 2009-10 individual state championship, and official team standings and team state championship will be in place for the 2010-11 season.

Tags: bowling, NHIAA