A push for Seaford bowling team

Parent Maureen Mele presented a petition with more than 400 signatures to the Seaford Board of Education last Thursday night, urging the creation of a varsity bowling team.

Mele, saying that Seaford is one of only a handful of school districts in Nassau County without a bowling team, said that it would benefit students who might not excel in other sports. “Bowling allows every team member equal play with equal chances of success,” she said. “There are no age, size, strength or gender limitations.”

Since it is a non-contact sport, Mele said, injuries would be very unlikely. She also explained that it would give students with disabilities a chance to participate in a sport, and it would not affect the district’s Title IX compliance because it would be open to both boys and girls.

The cost, Mele said, would be nominal in a budget exceeding $62 million. She explained that a varsity bowling team could be run for about $20,000, and that cost could be cut in half if parents provided the transportation to matches. Additionally, she said a coaching stipend of $4,000 to $5,000 could be saved with potential volunteer coaches she has in mind. There would be no equipment costs, as the interested students generally have their own balls, and she also has a commitment from a company willing to donate team shirts.

In a packet to each board member, Mele included letters of support for the team, as well as information about potential grants that could be obtained.

Board of Education President Bruce Kahn said that trustees would consider the proposal, but would want to run their own cost analysis. He also said that he was unsure if parents would be allowed to provide transportation to a school-sanctioned activity, and would have to check with the district’s attorney.

Another concern, he said, is that the district might not be in a position to add any activities next year. He explained that the board’s goal is to keep all current programs intact, but a low allowable tax levy increase might make anything new cost prohibitive. “I’m not saying no,” Kahn said. “This year, we’re trying to maintain everything that we have.”

Mele said that the district received substantial money from the sale of the Seaford Avenue School, and also will be saving significant money by no longer having to maintain that property. She cited other financial factors working in Seaford’s favor.

“There is literally no downside to offering bowling to the worthy students of the Seaford School District,” she said, noting that only four other high schools in the county do not have teams.

Her two children, Michael, a sophomore, and Marissa, a seventh-grader, also spoke. Michael said he has been bowling since he was 5. “It’s a fun sport, but also competitive,” he said. “It’s a sport for everyone. I would like the opportunity to represent my school performing the sport that I love.”

Mele said she knows of at least 15 students in the Seaford School District who would be interested in the team, and all bowl in outside leagues. “I’m not just offering you a bowling team,” she told the board. “I’m offering you a winning bowling team.”