Zeringue prepares for national bowling tournament

Ross Zeringue joined his first bowling league in August of 2006.

Less than a year later, the South Terrebonne junior-to-be qualified for the Pepsi USBC Youth Championships, a national tournament that will be held in Buffalo, N.Y. July 16 through 18.

The Sports Net caught up with the local kingpin to talk gutter balls, strikes and his rapid ascent up the bayou bowling ranks.

Sports Net: When did you get your start in bowling? How did you come to the sport?

Ross Zeringue: I started bowling last August in a league My dad bowled and my brother bowled, so I did too.

SN: Was it an obsession at an early stage, or something you had to grow into?

RZ: I grew into it and got better at it. My first average was a 135 for the first games. About five weeks into the league my average jumped up to a 156.

SN: So you haven’t even been bowling seriously for a year. But did you ever celebrate birthdays at the alley as a little kid?

RZ: I never had a birthday party myself, but I went to a couple parties.

SN: These days, how much bowling do you get in each week?

RZ: Probably once or twice, and I usually play three games each time I bowl.

SN: Think you’re ready for the Pepsi USBC Youth Bowling Championships?

RZ: I think I’m ready, but I don’t know how I’m going to do against other bowlers. I hope I do well. I just need to have confidence and see what I can do.

SN: How did you qualify?

RZ: I bowled a higher average than the people at Creole. That qualified me to compete at Bossier City and then I won that. And now I’m going to the Pepsi Challenge.

SN: You lack the experience some of the people you’ll be up against in Buffalo. Make you a little nervous?

RZ: Not really. My dad always helps me with bowling techniques, so if I do something wrong, he can always help me out.

SN: You mention your dad – I guess bowling is in the blood?

RZ: My dad used to bowl in a league in the 90s, but quit b/c he couldn’t make it to games. He bowled a 300 at Creole Lanes once (on Nov. 18, 1997).

Now he bowls again with me in child-adult league at Creole.

SN: Ever challenge you old man?

RZ: I never do b/c I know he can still beat me.

SN: At least for now.

RZ: Yeah, I hope.

SN: A lot of athletes have their favorite sports movies. Have any you care to mention?

RZ: &#8220The Rookie”

SN: But that’s a baseball movie. Are you a fan of &#8220The Big Labowski” or &#8220King Pin?”

RZ: I like &#8220King Pin,” but I’d rather see &#8220The Rookie.”

SN: After the USBC tournament ends, where do you want to take your bowling career?

RZ: I’d like to take it to college if I could get a scholarship. I’d go wherever I could get one, but I hope LSU.

SN: Past college, how long could you see yourself playing this game? Are you a lifer?

RZ: I really don’t know. I don’t see myself getting tired of this.

Submitted photo Ross Zeringue (right) accepts an award after winning the 12-years and above handicap division at the state bowling championships, which were held earlier this year in Bossier City. The win earned Zeringue an invite to the Pepsi USBC Championships in Buffalo, N.Y.