On Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, Truman seniors Bradley Allen and Colin Poremba were recognized for committing to continue their bowling careers at the collegiate level. (Photos provided by Harry S Truman HS)
Bradley Allen – Midway University (Bowling)
Major: Accounting
Reasons for choosing Midway: “I have a cousin who goes to Midway for bowling also, so he asked me if I wanted to try it out, so Midway
was on my mind since the beginning. I didn’t want an environment that was too big – I wanted a school that was right for me. It is the perfect size – it’s not too big and it’s not too small. It’s easy to get to know people. It’s a nice campus, it’s what you want in a college.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in bowling at the collegiate level? “I started bowling when I was seven years old, but I was mainly a baseball player. I got hurt playing baseball, and I went out for high school bowling because I couldn’t play baseball, and it just grew on me. It was so fun, it was enjoyable – it’s just something I enjoyed, and I decided I wanted to try to go to college for this.”
Coach Jim Ryan says: “Bradley is a very level-headed, easygoing young man. He has a very bright future ahead of him. He was one of my captains. I can rely on Bradley for a lot of things. He's a very down to earth kid. He’s a great leadoff bowler. I had him bowling first, and he set the pace for the team. He sets how the environment is going to go and the momentum of the team just off everybody watching Bradley throw the first shot of the game. I have known Bradley all his life – I was actually in his parents’ wedding. To me, Bradley is a nephew, he’s more family to me than he’s a bowler, but he’s a great kid. It makes me proud that I’m sending two kids off to college for bowling.”
About Bradley;
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: Family Guy
Favorite music: Rap
Colin Poremba – Midway University (Bowling)
Major: Undecided but possibly nursing
Reasons for choosing Midway: “I didn’t really apply to any other schools. I applied to Midway because I have a couple of friends that are
already down there, so I kind of had connections with the program, and my coach has connections with the program. I got an offer, so I accepted the offer. When I spoke to Coach (Michael) Hall, I really liked his demeanor, his mentality and the way he runs the program. I liked the way we could converse over the phone. It felt natural just talking to him.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in bowling at the collegiate level? “I started bowling pretty late - I was around 10 or 11 years old when I picked up a bowling ball. Through middle school, I wasn’t the best, but when I got to high school, I got proper coaching. Once got that proper coaching and once I found that mentor in the upperclassmen, I really progressed with my skill and my mentality and just my learning of the game. I really didn’t know you could bowl collegiately until last year. I grew up playing baseball my whole life – never did I think I would go to college to bowl until I realized – ‘I’m pretty good, I can do this.’ I started talking to Coach Hall and realized this could be a good opportunity for me, and I could take it to the next level.”
Coach Jim Ryan says: “Colin was also one of my captains, and he was my anchor bowler. He finishes and cleans up everybody’s mess. Colin is the kid I rely on when the game’s tight to make sure we’re going to win. He has gone through a lot in the past couple of years. Colin has a son, and he has grown into a very strong young man over the last year. I have a soft spot in my heart for Colin because when I was graduating high school – I was getting ready to be a father when I graduated. Colin has already been a father since junior year of high school, so when he came to me and said he wanted to better his future and go off to college, it actually made me proud. He’s a very strong-willed young man, he has a good head on his shoulders, and he’s another one that I’m very proud to say I was his coach.”
About Colin:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite TV show: Outer Banks
Favorite music: Country
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