Pairs of red and green shoes are placed neatly along the shelves, waiting expectantly to be picked up by eager hands. Across them lie the glistening lanes that have been cleaned until the veneer is sparkling from a distance. Technicolored lights line the edges of the lanes, reminiscent of an 80’s disco party. Crowds of people joke and laugh, teasing their opponents as they step up to bowl.

Places like bowling alleys are great ways to socialize and enjoy some friendly competition but, for the MN Unified Bowling team, they are so much more.

The MN Unified Bowling team was started eight years ago by the coach, teacher Tricia Rohde. Composed of general and special education students, the team has provided a positive environment for its members.

”We’ve had several students who the parents have told me have no friends at school,” Rohde said. “But then I see them making connections with somebody, I see them in the hallway high fiving their teammates or sitting with them at lunch where they used to sit by themselves, and so that kind of stuff makes all the work worth it.”

The team’s close connection has correlated with their success. Undefeated this season, the 23 member team has taken back the Millard Cup after losing it to Millard South last year. The team has now won the Millard Cup seven times and has also been State Runner Up twice. But these achievements are not the sole focus of the team.

“We just want people who are wanting to make connections and wanting to have fun and be a part of the team,” Rohde said.

Putting emphasis on group bonding and social skills over bowling to win has allowed the team to develop meaningful friendships.

“When I see people in Unified Bowling and I say ‘hi’ and  see their faces light up, they make my face light up,” sophomore Nathaniel Gust said.

Gust is one of the three co-captains of the team and some of his responsibilities include leading stretches at the beginning of practices and meets and counting up strikes.

“You can have a lot of fun, work hard, and learn new things by living life, and being on the team just accelerates that process,’’ Gust said.

The team usually practices once a week during the five week long bowling season, which runs from the middle of October to the beginning of December. Doing well in practices is essential to successful meets but it does not always happen.

“You will have a bad day eventually and what’s important is to move on from a bad game and just try your best,” freshman Makenzie Rohde said.

As a new member of the team Rohde’s experience has been an uplifting one.

“It’s been very positive, we’re very upbeat and we just hype each other up,” Rohde said.

The team’s tryouts are inclusive; anyone who wants to join can become a member. The stress free circumstances of being included have contributed to the team’s dynamic.

“The people are great, it’s kind of like a little family,” Rohde said.

The style of mentoring on Coach Rohde’s part has created an encouraging atmosphere and instilled important life lessons.

“In the end I don’t really care if we win or lose as long as we’re holding our heads high, handling it like we’re supposed to, and being kind to the people we’re playing against,” Rohde said.

So the next time you venture to the local bowling alley, remember that the game can create a lot more than fun memories. It can build relationships and skills that will last a lifetime.