Gabor racking up bowling awards
Jade Gabor is only in the fourth grade, but she already has qualified for the Pepsi State Bowling Tournament and has multiple bowling trophies. Josie Sellers/Beacon
COSHOCTON – In just a few years, Jade Gabor has gone from rolling a pink Barbie bowling ball to using a 14 pound ball and competing with high school kids.
Gabor, a fourth grader at Sacred Heart School, will compete Sunday, May 22, in Columbus at the Pepsi State Bowling Tournament.
This is the fourth time Gabor has qualified for the tournament. In 2015 she finished 10th, in 2014 she placed second and in 2013 she finished 15th. In 2013 she also was the all-events champ at the state tournament and her team won first place at Coshocton lanes and a free entry to the Ohio State Junior USBC Tournament.
“I like competing,” Gabor said. “It’s really fun and I like receiving the trophies.”
She has a special cabinet just for them. One of her favorites is from a tournament she placed in with her father and she also likes the ones with statues like the high game trophy she received from Park Lanes.
Gabor bowled in leagues every Saturday, but now that they are done she bowls every couple of days to practice. Practice is actually where she recorded her personal best score of 212.
“I got seven strikes in a row and I usually lose focus after two or three,” Gabor said. “I felt really excited and was jumping everywhere. It didn’t count for leagues though because I did it while I was practicing. My highest score in leagues is 192.”
A lot of effort, work and practice have helped her succeed.
“I never give up,” Gabor said. “Even when I get aggravated I keep trying.”
She started bowling when she was 4-years-old and is coached by her Aunt and Uncle Michael and Denise Wiley, who coach high school bowling at Newark High School.
Of all the honors Gabor has racked up, she said getting over 200 and the junior state title she won at age 7 are her two greatest accomplishments. However, she’s not done. Gabor has big plans for her bowling career.
“I really want to be a professional bowler and go to Wichita State or another good bowling college,” she said.
Jade is the daughter of former Coshocton resident Derric Gabor who now lives in Lancaster and Jennifer Gabor of Zanesville.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
