Newark’s Jade Gabor taking right ‘vibe’ into OHSAA bowling tournament

On Mar 7, 2023

HEATH — A veteran of high-level youth tournaments and a regular at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl, Jade Gabor exuded confidence as she headed to her first state girls bowling tournament a year ago.

When the now-Newark junior walked through the doors, everything changed. With a year of experience under her belt, Gabor has reason to be and remain confident.

“It was my first year, and I didn’t know what I was walking into, but now I have a general feeling and have better equipment now,” Gabor said. “It felt like a whole different environment, way different than what I thought it was. It’s still the place I know. The environment was totally different; the vibe was off.”

The vibrant Gabor rarely has been out of rhythm for Newark. She led the Wildcats to a third consecutive Ohio Capital Conference title last month, and her season-high 277 during the district tournament vaulted her to a fifth-place finish and state qualification.

Gabor makes her return to Wayne Webb’s on Friday. She placed third in the district in 2022 before finishing 71st at state.

“I rewind all of the things everyone tells me before I walk into these places,” Gabor said. “Bowling is a 90% mental game, so you have to have a clear head when you are doing this. That is what I think about the entire time.”

Gabor’s 277 highlighted a bittersweet district tournament for Newark. She had nine consecutive strikes, bringing the rest of the competition to a stop before she recorded a spare and a strike during the 10th frame.

The Wildcats finished eighth out of 16 teams and 134 pins shy of the fourth and final qualifying spot. It ended the outstanding careers of seniors Nadia Liesen, Taylor Enright, Joey Hupp and Amelia Buena.

“I honestly feel bad because we had a lot of seniors this year,” Gabor said. “I wanted to take them to state. I wanted it really bad. It didn’t happen, and we are going to try to make this different next year. … That’s how I want to go out next year, go out with a boom to have a great wonderful finish.”

Gabor’s trip to state last season was the girls program’s first qualifier since Jennifer Johnson in 2010, when the state tournament was held in Chillicothe. This was the program’s first experience with the pomp and circumstance at Wayne Webb’s.

Gabor is hoping to reach a milestone for Newark. A top 10 finish would earn her All-Ohio honors.

“The first time was sort of a shock for everyone,” coach Denise Wiley said. “This was a first for me, too. There is a lot of nervousness the first time. This time we know more of what we will be up against.”

To Gabor’s disappointment, she will be bowling solo on Friday. She, however, will not be alone.

Newark is sending Gabor on a bus to the state tournament, allowing her teammates to support her. A year wiser, she is eager for redemption.

“It means a lot to me especially that they care to come and watch. It means the world,” Gabor said. “It makes me feel so appreciated that they are coming to watch me even if I don’t do well. Last year, I felt so bad bringing all of those people, and I didn’t bowl to the best of my ability. I just felt terrible.”

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