A local Drumheller resident has been knocking them down, one pin at a time.
Placing first in provincials this year, Lance Tanke, will be advancing to play in the Master’s against some of Canada’s top bowlers this June.
“I’m extremely nervous, this is probably the biggest bowling event of my bowling career thus far,” said Tanke.
After missing provincials by a measly six points last year, Tanke was thrilled when he placed first in this year’s provincial tournament that took place at the Chinook Bowladrome in Calgary.
“This year I made it quite handily,” said Tanke, who is the youngest bowler on his team of five.
“At first it was a surprise,” he said.
Now the 22-year-old has much bigger things on his plate as he must prepare for the upcoming Master’s, which will also be held in Calgary at the Chinook Bowladrome and Paradise Lanes.
Tanke will be bowling 20 games against 36 other male contenders over a series of four days from the 30th of June until July 3.
This has been a longtime goal of his, although Tanke was taken by surprise when he found out that he would, in fact, qualify for this year’s nationals.
“I’ve never been to nationals at all,” said Tanke. “It’s daunting but very exciting.”
Tanke has been bowling for roughly 17 years, six of which he’s spent working at the Sandstone Lanes bowling alley in Drumheller.
“I’ve always enjoyed it, before it was strictly for fun, and now it’s fun and competitive,” he said.
Tanke will have to up his game for the Master’s though, as he will be playing against some of the toughest contenders in the country.
“I’m probably going to step it up a bit. Knowing that I’m going to nationals, I’ll have to iron some stuff out and make sure I’m comfortable,” said Tanke.
“For the most part, at this point it’s just a mental game.”
