Daviess County senior CJ Snyder learned from former Panther standout Briar Harper during his first couple of years of high school and it helped start the rise of Snyder that ended with sixth-place finish at the KHSAA State Bowling Championship.
Snyder missed the step-ladder by 14 pins but he still delivered a solid finish for the Panthers.
It was Snyder’s dominance this season that makes him the Owensboro Times Male Bowler of the Year.
He said it feels great to earn the honor.
“I’ve put countless hours into the DCHS bowling team throughout my four years,” he said. “To sitting the bench my first year, to starting my second year and being able to achieve countless trophies with my team, it’s such an honor to get this award.”
Looking back on his time at DC, Snyder has grown a lot and he said it’s that growth that’s been the best part.
He said he had a simple message for younger bowlers.
“I would advise a freshman who is coming into the bowling team is to keep a straight head at all times and be coachable,” he said.
When Snyder was a freshman, it wasn’t only Briar Harper that he learned from but Briar’s father as well.
He said it was Briar’s father and his own mother that made the biggest impact on him.
“The person that stands out the most to help me get to where I am today is definitely Lynn Harper,” he said. “Thank you for making me the man I am today and making me believe in myself from taking me to out-of-state bowling tournaments to talking through with me when I’m struggling. And I also want to thank you to my mom for just being you and doing absolutely anything for me and also my teammates throughout my four years. I’m sure gonna miss you guys.”
This year wasn’t exactly what Snyder has envisioned for his final year as a Panther as Covid interrupted most things.
Despite that, it still turned into a memorable year.
“This was indeed a difficult year,” he said. “From wearing masks to not being able to be with your teammates. The most that stands out from this year is the grind the team did to achieve what we did this year. I’m proud of all my teammates and thank them for being with me for my last year as a Panther.”
Along with his teammates, Snyder said he’ll miss everyone he’s come in contact with during the last four years at DC.
“I’m gonna miss the family in the DCHS family,” he said. “They were always so supportive and always will be. I’m sure gonna miss it.”
