For 70 years, four generations of the Bull family have competed nationally in 10-pin bowling, but there were concerns that reign was about to end, until 11-year-old Cally stepped into the lanes.
Cally qualified for nationals this year, after winning the only competitive tournament she’s ever entered.
“Everyone in my division was scared,” she told Global News.
It all started with her great-grandfather, Robert, who launched the dynasty.
Then Cally’s grandfather, Doug, bowled in the Commonwealth Games and her father, Dan, a former Team Canada member, followed up with four trips to the national championships.
“I just wanted to be like my dad. I saw how much fun he was having.”
The youngest Bull was never really into sports, until she came across some of her father’s memorabilia.
“A couple of years ago, she said she wanted to try bowling after seeing some of my stuff laying around the house,” Dan said.
However, no one is taking much credit for passing down their skills, and the family believes that whatever Cally is doing seems to be working.
“I’m concentrating on throwing the ball down the middle, to the middle arrow,” the girl said.
Leagues at Langford Lanes in greater Victoria are hoping a new generation will pick up the game, which is becoming more popular.
The TV sitcom “How We Roll” is a true story about a pro bowler’s return to prominence.
“You see a lot more stuff on TV now,” Cally said. “It’s definitely coming back.”
It’s possible she could lead a youth movement, while building up her talent to take down the other members of the Bull dynasty in head-to-head competition, but they might need a little more practice at this point.
“I’m an old man. It’s not good,” Dan said.
To contact Jay Durant with a story idea for This is BC, email him details and contact information at thisisbc@globalnews.ca
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