The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) high school bowling season kicked off with excitement as teams took to the lanes at Cordova Bowling Center for their first match of the year. Among the coaches guiding the athletes was Elizabeth Butner from Raleigh-Egypt High School, a seasoned mentor with over 20 years of experience coaching bowling.

“I started coaching bowling in 2005 or 06 at Westwood. It’s been forever,” Butner said with a laugh.

Throughout her career, Butner has made an impact at several schools – spending seven years at Westwood, three at Manassas, six and a half at Bartlett, and joining Raleigh-Egypt in 2020. At each school, she’s been a consistent presence in the bowling program. “I’ve coached bowling longer than any other sport,” she said. Currently, she also coaches boys’ and girls’ soccer at Raleigh-Egypt.

Her dedication is evident in her craft. “We had a soccer game yesterday, we’re here today for bowling, and we have another soccer game tomorrow,” she shared. However, bowing was never in the cards for Mrs. Butner. “I became a bowling coach by accident,” she recalled, noting the few times she bowled with her family as a child. “I learned how to bowl by going to bowling coaches meetings.” 

She adds, “I coached bowling for about three years before I joined the league and started learning by myself.” Her passion for both education and coaching runs deep, with a clear commitment to mentoring students on and off the lanes.

The enthusiasm wasn't limited to the coaching staff. On the lanes, students celebrated their success with pride and joy. Angelia, a senior at Trezevant High School, jumped and celebrated with her teammates as she scored a strike. “This is actually my first year [bowling],” she said. “I just wanted to try something different.” In addition to bowling, Angelia is also a band member.

Kamarion, from Craigmont High School, has been bowling since he was 5 years old. “Bowling is like a getaway for me,” he said. “I can let out stress and anger and not get in trouble for it.”

After a series of strikes, David, also from Craigmont, said, “I like bowling because when I play I feel calmer.”

Throughout the evening, the positive atmosphere was undeniable. Smiles lit up the lanes as students cheered one another on and coaches offered steady guidance. If you’re interested in  catching a match, you’ll have to move quickly as the season lasts only five weeks. 

For schedules and more information, visit www.msciaa.org        

If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.