The Approach That Matters Most

Powerhouse sports programs in Berks County usually have three angles: Wilson, Reading, and Governor Mifflin. However, in the last decade, sports fans have watched in awe as a fourth team has consistently challenged all these schools. Poised to continue their reign as the team to watch, The Exeter Ladies Bowling Team has once again exploded onto the lanes! Fresh off winning the state title, in 2007, the Exeter Ladies swept the season opener at The Ebonite IceBreaker Classic. Head-to-head with teams from across the state, the ladies qualified for the final round against Neshimany of Bucks County. In the final, co-captain Melissa Ellis rolled the highest score in the tournament, leading her team to an easy victory. Ellis and fellow co-captain Chelsea Adam hold numerous titles including "All Division" and "All Berks," respectively. However, these ladies represent more than beacons of talent and skill. Adam and Ellis personify true leadership: cultivating team comradery, sportsmanship, and grace. Keeping the team strong means working together to win matches. While cheering on teammate Chelsea Lorah, Adam explains, "...nobody thinks they are better than anyone else." The team stands out in Berks County and greater Pennsylvania, because "we stay together and have fun," according to Ellis. Well above the substantial background noise during a match, cheering from both the boys and girls teams can be heard. Even though these athletes have numerous titles and championships, it is notable that they are able to unite together in support of one another. Coach Lou Ellis' methods not only echo current educational trends, but also aim to nurture the athlete's strength of character and athletic drive. The foremost technique Ellis uses is a mutual contract between himself, the athlete, and the parents. In this contract, Ellis asks for several things from his team members both during and off season: to make education their top priority, to stay out of trouble in and out of school, and to use sportsmanship to build team unity. When selecting team members, Ellis does not focus on a bowler's raw average but focuses on the player's untapped potential. When asked about some of the players he has coached, Ellis replied, "The best kids I ever coached were able to use sportsmanship and teamwork to bring the team together." Ellis does not hesitate when asked why the Exeter Girls Bowling Team is so strong, he simply replies, "They are strong individuals." It is clear that this is a coach who cares deeply for his athletes. Visibly moved when recalling his proudest moment as a coach, Ellis chokes back emotions when he spoke of The Exeter Girls winning county championships in 2004 after failing short the 3 previous years. Why does the Exeter Girls Bowling Team stand out among other teams in the county? Ellis replies, "because of our focus on values," rather than simply the score. Much like a bowling approach itself, wherein an athlete must take into consideration several key points, Ellis has designed what is seemingly the perfect approach to coaching.