In the world of high school bowling, few coaches can boast a track record as impressive as Coach Jay Atkins at Laurence Manning Academy (LMA). Since taking the helm in 2011, Coach Atkins has led the team to an astounding 10 state championships and secured two runner-up titles. The latest triumph occurred just a few weeks ago when the Co-ed team clinched another state championship, while the boys’ team claimed a respectable fifth place.
What sets Coach Atkins’ name apart is not only the remarkable success but also the unique approach to coaching. The athletes on the team, like Sydney, Colby, and Nathan, aren’t newcomers to the bowling alley. Most of them have been honing their skills since the tender age of five or six, participating in Saturday morning leagues and even venturing to national championships in Ohio.
When asked about his coaching strategy, coach Atkins emphasizes a hands-off approach. “I’m not a hard-nosed coach. I play around with the kids. They know what to do, and I trust them. If you mess with them, it’s going to mess them up,” Atkins explained. The natural talent of the athletes, coupled with a supportive coaching style, seems to be a winning combination.
Coach Atkins got into coaching almost by happenstance when his daughter discovered a bowling team Sumter, SC. Spencer, a friend, offered him the coaching position, and the rest is history. Despite not having a background in professional bowling, Coach Atkins has managed to cultivate a winning culture within the team.
As for the future, Atkins is optimistic. “If everything goes well, I foresee us winning the next two years because there is a lot of talent from up north,” he predicts.
While acknowledging the challenges of recruiting for the girls’ team, Coach Atkins remains committed to spreading the word and encouraging young talent to join the ranks.
The LMA bowling team typically faces a rigorous schedule, with approximately 24 matches per season. Over the past two years, the team boasts an impressive 47-1 record, with their only loss coming at the hands of Cardinal Newman. Each match consists of three games, and Atkins emphasizes the importance of giving each bowler a chance to shine by frequently interchanging team members.
Despite the success, Coach Atkins remains humble, attributing much of the team’s achievements to the talent of the bowlers. While there haven’t been any former athletes transitioning to the professional or university level, He acknowledges the potential within his children who are bowlers. Especially singling out one bowler with a remarkable 220 average.
Coach Jay Atkins continues to lead with passion, fostering a supportive environment for young athletes to thrive. With a decade of coaching excellence under his belt, he and the LMA bowling team seem poised for continued success in the lanes.
Sports Buzz is a new feature space to highlight relevant sporting events, both local and national. Joey Busby is an intern for The Manning Times. He is a senior at Manning High School and will attend South Carolina State in the fall, where he will study sports journalism.
