Aviano Airman out-bowls competition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Capt. Danielle Crowder, an assistant judge advocate with the 31st Fighter Wing legal office here recently represented the Air Force during the National Armed Forces Bowling Tournament held in San Antonio, Texas, beating out the competition in every event.

The Endwell, N.Y. native bowled a 211.2 average over 24 tournament matches, emerging victorious in singles, and together with her fellow Air Force bowlers in team and doubles matches against teams from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

"This was something I don't get to do very often, spend time with people from different career fields and different services," said Crowder. "It was a really great bonding experience and it was great to be competing again."

Crowder is no stranger to competition. She has been bowling with her father since the age of four, continued bowling in high school and finally competing at the collegiate level at the University of Central Missouri. More recently, Crowder represented Aviano at an Armed Forces Europe tournament in Grafinwoehr, where she earned first place in singles and second place in team and doubles matches. She also participates in leagues and intramurals as often as she can.

"Anyone hoping to compete at the Air Force level, or any level, should practice as often as they can," said Crowder. "They should take advantage of on-base leagues and intramurals. The intramural season here lasts from October to April and the bowling center offers fun leagues all the time when it's open."

Participating in on-base leagues and intramurals also helps get your name out there, she continued. This is helpful when judges looking for competitors need references and averages.