LANGLEY AFB, Va –
A Langley Airman came out on top at the Armed Forces Bowling Championship held Dec. 3 through 6 at Fort Dix, N.J. where the best bowlers in the military met to show off their skill in a 24-game tournament.
Finishing second place out of the entire military, Capt. Brian Snyder, Chief of Testing, Training and Certification for the Air Force Command, Control, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center, first had to qualify at the Air Force Trial Camp.
"Out of the 50 applicants from the Air Force who apply, only 20 males and 15 females are chosen to compete in the trial camp," said the Captain.
The trial camp, held Nov. 26 through Dec. 2, also at Fort Dix, N.J., narrowed the competition down to the top four males and females of the Air Force. Coming just shy of fourth place for the females was Langley's own Master Sgt. Tiffany Smith, the non commissioned officer in charge of personnel requirements for the office of the command chaplain, who nearly made the Air Force team on her first time trying out.
The South Carolina native, who finished first, said the competition was top-notch this year.
"I've been bowling all my life and the trial camp this year was probably the most competitive tournament I've ever participated in; professional and amateur," he said.
After making the Air Force team, Captain Snyder was matched up against the best bowlers from the Army, Navy and Marines playing six games a day for a total of four days.
Finishing in the top at the Armed Forces Championships this year qualified Captain Snyder for the Team USA National Championships held January in Reno, Nev.
"Oil pattern, buff out zone, friction, hook of the ball, arm swing, speed, grip, psychological game are just some of the many factors that go into just one throw down the lane," said Captain Snyder, which as a high average of 225 per game, which can be compared to the professionals on TV who typically average over 230 per game according to the champ.
Captain Snyder and team, who won the overall championship again this year, made it back to back victories for Team Air Force.
"The Air Force is very competitive when it comes to bowling. Getting the opportunity to go out and prove what were made of is rewarding all in itself, Captain Snyder said.
Captain Snyder, who plans on returning to the Air Force bowling team again next season, has been competing in bowling tournaments since a young age.
"The great thing about bowling is that anyone can be great at it. Basketball players typically need height, football players need top athletic strength, but when it comes to bowling, you just need patience and determination," said Captain Snyder.
Since he was five years old, the captain has enjoyed bowling and played on several youth leagues. When the time came, he joined the Youth American Bowling Alliance and competed for college scholarships.
"At that time, it wasn't about winning money. I used my hard work to help my future, and it all paid off," Captain Snyder said.
A Hawaii state champion and earning the number one spot for Hawaii All-Military bowlers three years in a row has not gone to Captain Snyder's head.
"I always have room for improvement with my game," Captain Snyder said. "When I practice, I try to make it as close to a real tournament as I can; the harder I practice, the better my game becomes."
Currently playing in two leagues in Hampton and practicing four times a week, Captain Snyder has managed to score a perfect game 18 times. A perfect game means a score of 300, which could be compared to the rarity of a golfer getting a hole in one or a no hitter in baseball.
Upcoming bowling tournaments such as the U.S. Open tournament in March, where the captain can compete with the pros and the Virginia State tournament later this year give Capt. Snyder a lot to prepare for and more chances to prove that bowling has become more recognized as a competitive sport that anyone can succeed in.