Bowling One-On-One with Grant Migneron: Evolution in Motion
*All Images Credit to: Kimberly Power-DeFer
The desire to succeed at the game of bowling is compelling, challenging and fun. To take one’s game to the next level requires a certain level of passion, confidence, and dedication. Grant Migneron, a senior at Windsor High School in Windsor, CA. has this type of passion and love for the game. He puts in the work, pays attention to detail and is open to change and the 17-year-old is lighting up the scorecards. I had the opportunity to catch up with Grant to learn more about this bright young man and his bowling journey.
You’ve been rolling the ball down the lane since early in elementary school. It wasn’t long after that when you developed a true passion and love for the sport. Talk about how your bowling journey began and what it meant to you from the early going.
“My bowling journey began at age 7. Back then, I didn’t take bowling very seriously like I do now. I would just go with my parents to do something fun for a couple of hours. It seemed pretty fun to throw a heavy object at the pins and watch them fall. At around age 11, I got my first bowling ball, a 12-pound Brunswick Rhino, and boy what a difference compared to the house ball. Eventually, a few months later I knew this sport was for me. I stopped playing basketball so I could focus all my time on bowling. I then joined my first Youth Bowling League at Windsor Bowling Center.”
As a young teenager, you realized your passion and were enjoying the game of bowling, playing in leagues, and working on your craft. Then one day something happened that would change your entire style of play. Talk about this new evolution of your game.
“I had been bowling one-handed until I saw professional bowling on TV and I saw a man named Jason Belmonte. When I first saw him, I couldn’t believe what I had just seen. It was truly amazing. The next few days passed, and I was back at my bowling League. I stayed after and tried throwing it like Jason Belmonte. I struck a few times and I just said to myself ‘I can strike like him!’ Eventually, I turned into a full-time two-handed bowler and loved it.”
Grant loves anything to do with bowling. After all his homework is done, you can find him watching numerous YouTube bowling videos. Grant will watch every video over and over until he has gained the knowledge he is looking for. Your passion, dedication, and commitment have made us extremely proud of you! Keep on Rollin’.
-Mike & Rachel Migneron (Parents)
At this point you’re focused on fine tuning your new bowling style and became a student of the game. The work and effort you put into it led to improved scores and you qualified for the Youth Bowlers Tour (YBT) and other tournaments. Talk about the progression at this stage of your journey.
“My game began to develop right after I switched to two hand bowling. I could finally get the ball to hook and hit the pocket more efficiently. I developed my game by increasing my practice days from 2-3 days per week, to 5-6 days per week. I also went to my bowling leagues and got some help from my coaches. I watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to slide. Early on, I struggled with sliding on my approach. Another thing I struggled with was my release and follow through. I believe the practice drills before bowling league aided my performance on the lanes. My bowling average skyrocketed from 118 to 196 at that time. Another big factor was bowling in local YBT tournaments, as well as qualifying for the Pepsi USBC State Finals. In 2021 I set my new high score of 296. It was during league and the pressure of everyone in the bowling alley standing there watching, got to me. I was still happy I achieved my new high score.”
Recently during a normal day of practice at Windsor Bowl, CA, you caught fire and rolled a 300 game. This is no small feat under any circumstance. It’s a huge accomplishment and sought after by bowlers worldwide. Walk through that practice session and game. How did it feel when you saw the last pin fall and you realized you’ve just accomplished perfection in bowling for the first time.
“This started out as an ordinary day of practice for me. I warmed up by throwing a few shots and I was striking pretty well. In my first game I rolled a 259. I ended up with 7 strikes in a row, striking from the 6th frame on. I thought to myself, ‘Wow! I got a lot of strikes. Let’s see If I can carry the momentum into my next game’. The next game was my 300 game, so I actually had 19 strikes in a row. I recall towards the last 2 frames I got really nervous but calmed myself down by taking deep breaths. I started thinking of how my 296-game ended. I didn’t want that to happen again. I remember seeing my dad recording my last shot, that made me more nervous. In my 10th frame and final shot, I was so nervous I forgot to wipe my ball off. I remember taking one good deep breath and prayed that I was going to get a strike. When I saw the ball hit the pocket and nervously watched all 10 pins fall, I let out a scream, ‘Let’s Go! Let’s Go!’ It was one of the happiest days of my life.”
From Gutters to Glory! We are so proud of Grant’s accomplishments in the sport!
-Sabrina and Chris Traverso (Aunt and Uncle)
What are some of your goals and aspirations with bowling going forward?
“My current goal is to bowl in some more local and YBT tournaments. I believe the high level of competition will help me improve my game. I would like to bowl collegiately and hopefully professionally one day. My goal when I first started was to bowl a 300 and I successfully did that. Now my dreams for bowling are to get another few perfect games and have at least a 220+ average. I look forward to seeing where this great game takes me. My support from my parents has been truly great. They are such a big part of my bowling accomplishments. They drive me to tournaments, leagues, and to practice.”
Outside of school and bowling, what are some other interests and hobbies of yours?
“My hobbies are fishing, mountain biking and camping. I also like to hang out with my friends on the weekend. I really enjoy spending time at my Grandparent’s property. I’m able to ride my motorcycle all over the hills and trails. In the summer months, I enjoy volunteering my time at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Over the past seven years, I have helped staff with the Junior Ranger Programs, assisted at the Visitor’s Center, and helped with the Campfire Program as well. This summer I plan to work at Burney Falls as a Park Aide.”
What advice would you give to bowlers around the world who are trying to improve their game and striving to strike perfection in bowling as you have?
“My advice to others around the world in bowling is to definitely stay positive in your mental game. The mental game is such a big part of it. For example, if you throw a bad shot just regroup and focus on the next. One of my bowling coaches said to me the other day ‘every frame is a new game’. In my opinion, if you have a positive attitude, focus, and the willingness to put in the time, you will go far in this sport.”
Thank you, Grant, for taking time to share your incredible young bowling journey so far. To develop the kind of poise, focus and work ethic that you have is inspiring. Your future looks very bright in this sport and in whatever future endeavors you take on. Best of you luck to you and your continued development and success. The bowling community will be keeping tabs on your journey for sure.
“Thank you, Tim, for letting me share my bowling experience with you and your readers and I hope it will inspire others to keep living the dream!”
