While Caroline Holowenko racked up impressive accomplishments in her first bowling season at Lawrence Technological University, what she enjoyed most was the team environment.
An Edmonton product, Holowenko is the daughter of ex-Virdenite Christopher Holowenko and his wife Mary, who reside in Leamington, Ont. The bowler’s paternal grandparents are former Virden residents Ray and the late Florence Holowenko.
“Throughout high school, I really only got the individual aspect (of bowing) and not much team experience,” she said. “The girls on the team are amazing and it is so nice being able to bowl with them and know that they have my back. I also love bowling for LTU because it makes me feel like I have a purpose on the team as I have an important role to do my best when I step out onto the lanes.”
Bowling for her Southfield, Mich. school, Holowenko was named the Wolverine-Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year and was as First Team All-WHAC selection. She was ranked as one of the top 50 bowlers in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Holowenko helped Lawrence Tech win the WHAC regular season title and an Intercollegiate Team Championship regional championship en route to competing as a team at the ITC National Tournament.
When asked what impressed him about Holowenko as a freshman, LTU coach Kevin Wemyss said: “attitude, outlook, team player and desire to improve.”
In her first year of university, Holowenko succeeded in the classroom as well as on the lanes. She was named to the Dean’s List for both semesters. The strong student is majoring in technological humanities.
Holowenko has many memories of visiting her paternal grandparents in Virden. She came to the Oil Capital of Manitoba every summer from the time she was three until she was 13.
“My grandparents would definitely keep me busy as I learned how to cook, do canning, work on handwriting, math and, of course, basic common-sense things that would prepare me for the future,” Holowenko said. “I was also in swimming lessons every year, which were super fun. We went on many car rides to adventure around Manitoba and North Dakota. My grandparents did have a big part of shaping me into the woman I am today, and I am very thankful for the time I get to spend with them.”
