Name: Gavin Chami
Year: senior
Hometown: Hinsdale
How does it feel to be playing again?
It feels great. I feel like athletics at Hinsdale Central are back in big way.
When did bowling become a pursuit of yours?
I really only started bowling in high school. I had a neighbor across the street, and he would tell me about what a great after-school sport bowling was, going to practice to throw a few balls and hang out with the guys.
You also play soccer. How do the sports differ?
Soccer is more of a team commitment, whereas bowling is more of an individual one. But bowling is also a little more casual and more about the sense of camaraderie with teammates.
How do you prepare for a bowling match?
I'll play hype music on the bus, and we do huddles before matches and I give pre-game speech.
What is your role as team captain?
You really have to bring the team together. We have members from freshmen to seniors, and for the most part they'll hang out with one other friend on the team. You've got to let them know we came to bowl and to win a match. It's important that we compete as well as have fun. Because if you're not having fun bowling, you're doing it wrong.
How would your teammates describe you?
Relaxed. composed but goofy.
How have you developed as a bowler since freshman year?
I'm more accurate in hitting pins. We practice a lot, and we'll bowl anywhere between five and 10 games at practice,
How do you like to kick back?
I keep busy. I lift (weights) a lot and hang out with friends.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I'd love to say that I could see myself partying on a yacht in the Bahamas, rich off of commissions working on Wall Street.
What's your goal for the season?
I'd love to either bowl a 600 series or bowl a perfect 300 game.
Why does coach Alex Hipskind like having Chami on the team?
He helps out the other bowlers. The other guys like having him on the team. He's a kid that listens well.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
