Meet Team Delaware’s Bowling Team

Head Coach
Rose Dagg (Newark)

Athletes
Allen Burke (Millsboro), Matthew Montgomery (Wilmington), Michele Ogden (Bear), Devin Wineland (Milton)

Team Delaware’s bowling team is heading to the Boardwalk when they arrive in Orlando for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. However, there won’t be any water or sand in sight.

The Boardwalk Bowl is hosting the bowling competition at the Games, providing a world-class venue for Delaware’s four athletes competing. Allen Burke, Matt Montgomery, Michele Ogden and Devin Wineland will play together as a four-person team vying for a gold medal, and they will also split up and compete in singles and doubles competitions trying to do the same.

However, while gold is the goal, it’s far from the only thing that will define a successful trip.

“We will be busier away from the alley than on it,” said head coach Rose Dagg, who is making her first trip as a coach to a USA or World Games. “I have attended the Games as a parent and heard about all of the great things that only the athletes and coaches can do, and we are going to do every single one of them. I want them to get the full experience, because it’s awesome.”

The players have been practicing since early fall, individually with their Area programs at alleys near their hometowns and twice a month as a team at Brunswick Doverama in Dover.

“That time in the fall was important just so they could feel comfortable with each other and get to know each other,” Dagg explained. “And right from the very beginning they all clicked. They all get along. They all support each other during the entire practice. They all fell into the warm-up and practice routines I asked them to do early on.”

Now that spring has arrived and the competition is looming, practices are held weekly in Dover and the focus has turned to honing their skills as the countdown to Orlando begins.

“We focus on where to stand, how to pick up certain pins, and changing lanes during games, all things that are essential to successfully compete at this level,” Dagg said. “And they have to develop the stamina in their arms to play three games, not just two like we do here at Delaware competitions.”

For more information about Team Delaware, click here.