Bowling is not just a sport; it's an opportunity for friends to come together, share some laughs, and unleash their competitive spirits. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending an unforgettable evening at Grandview Lanes in Vancouver with my fellow geological engineering alumni, including Jaime, Brent, Julie, Jen, and Jonathan. Little did we know, it would turn into a night of friendly rivalry, unexpected victories, and heartwarming surprises. As we stepped into Grandview Lanes, the neon lights and the rhythmic sound of balls hitting pins set the mood for an exciting night ahead. It was a special occasion, as this self-organized alumni event allowed us to reconnect and reminisce about our shared academic experiences and adventures in the world of geological engineering.
We grabbed our rented bowling shoes, selected our balls, and lined up for our first rolls. There were no formal teams, but the spirit of camaraderie and competition was palpable in the air. It was a night to celebrate our shared background in geological engineering and to forge new memories together. The games began, and it quickly became evident that Brent was in a league of his own. His strikes were so smooth and precise that even the pins seemed to applaud. With every strike he scored, he celebrated with a victory dance, earning smiles and laughter from all of us. Brent's remarkable performance set the bar high, and we all aimed to match his skill and enthusiasm. Amidst the excitement, Julie emerged as the night's biggest surprise. Though she had initially struggled to find her bowling groove, she gradually improved with every roll. Her determination and enthusiasm were infectious, and we cheered her on as she picked up spare after spare. Julie's dedication to improving her game earned her the title of "Most Improved Bowler" by the end of the night. Jen and Jonathan, on the other hand, embraced the lighthearted nature of the evening. They showcased their unique bowling styles, often leading to some hilarious moments. Their laughter was infectious, and it reminded us all that the true essence of the night was to have fun and bond with friends. As the games progressed, the competition became more intense. Cheers and friendly banter filled the air as strikes and spares were achieved.
We all pushed ourselves to do better, inspired by Brent's exceptional performance and Julie's determination. In the end, while Brent may have been the standout bowler of the night, the true victory was the bond we shared as geological engineering alumni. The memories of our bowling night at Grandview Lanes will stay with us forever – from Brent's victory dances to Julie's inspiring improvement and the infectious laughter of Jen and Jonathan. Bowling nights like these remind us of the importance of spending quality time with friends, letting loose, and celebrating each other's successes, no matter how big or small. Grandview Lanes in Vancouver provided the perfect backdrop for our unforgettable evening of bowling, bonding, and creating cherished memories that we will treasure for years to come. It was a night when geological engineers traded their rocks and hammers for bowling balls and shoes, and the result was sheer delight.
Submitted by Jonathan van Groll, BASc '17
