For Catholic siblings, striking gold is right up their alley

In my continuing series of championship Catholic athletes and priests in the Archdiocese of Vancouver I highlight a Richmond family that is striking gold in the sport of bowling right across the country.

The Imoo family are parishioners at St. Paul’s in Richmond where Sean, Jacob, and Kayla attended elementary school and where mother Gail has been a teacher for 22 years. Clay, the father of the 3 budding stars, is an Associate Director of the Ministries and Outreach Office for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Here are just a few of their accomplishments:

Sean (19) - 2019 Intermediate Boys Provincial Silver Medalist; very high finish in the 2019 U.S. Open in Las Vegas.

Jacob (17) – 2x Junior Boys National Champion 2019; Junior Boys National Record Holder for single day average. 

Kayla (12) – Bantam Girls Provincial Champion.

I reached out to the Imoo family and find out more about their story and philosophy in their own words. 

BCC: When did you start bowling?

J: Summer 2014 when I was inspired by a Dude Perfect YouTube video.

S: 2015 because I saw Jacob having so much fun.

K: I always bowled growing up and I joined a league when I was 10. I used to be in gymnastics, but my brothers inspired and encouraged me to start bowling. 

BCC: How many hours do you spend per week bowling?

J: For Sean and I, six in a regular week but during tournament season 10 to 15.

K:  Four to six in a regular week, six to 10 during tournament season, though the pandemic affected all of us for a while.

BCC: Which athletic component is your strongest (physical, technical, tactical, mental)?

J: I have worked hard to be technically and physically proficient. Being versatile is important in staying ahead of the competition.

S: My physical game is my strongest. If only my mental game was as strong.

K: I feel confident but not exceeding in all four components.

BCC: What are your future goals within the sport?

J: To compete in more tournaments outside Canada and to build a stronger mental game.

S: To represent B.C. at nationals and to score that elusive 300 (a perfect game).

K: To win nationals.

BCC: What are your best accomplishments and best memories?

J: Becoming provincial and national champion was amazing but my greatest accomplishment is winning the Ivan Nelson Sportsmanship Award.  Creating a documentary “Road to 300” was a highlight also.

S: I am most proud of my U.S. Open performance in Las Vegas. It was a surreal experience.

K: Winning my first provincial championship. This qualified me for nationals which unfortunately was cancelled due to the pandemic.

BCC: Do you have a philosophy or motto?

J: Remember, it’s just bowling; it’s just a game.

S:  Focus on the next shot, nothing else.

K: All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. (Walt Disney).

BCC: Do you pray during competitions? Do you have a favourite saint/prayer?

J: I always pray and God gives me strength to perform my best with no shame. St. Aloysius Gonzaga is my favourite. Also, I made a prayer (Spirit Prayer) which I say each time that I speak to God. 

S: St. John Paul 2. The Guardian Angel prayer.

K: Every time I compete, I pray that the Holy Spirit will give me strength and courage to do my best and to not let my nerves overpower me. I love St. Mother Teresa and her quote, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

BCC: Do you see similarities between growing in your sport and in your Catholic faith?

J: There are many similarities. I see both as a journey. In bowling there is so much to learn, and I have many coaches that teach me. Same with my faith – I require help and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

S: Definitely there are similarities. You are always going to have good days and bad days; growth never comes easy. They both need commitment and require the ability to be constantly learning and adapting.

K: Like sport I believe the more I pray and practise my faith the stronger my relationship becomes with God.

BCC: Are you conscious of being a good example for other young bowlers?

J: I try my best to be a mentor. I give lessons and tips to juniors and adults. I was given the opportunity to share my bowling and faith story with students at St. Paul’s School.

S: I take a lot of pride in trying to coach and mentor younger bowlers as I know a lot of effort went into helping me.

K: I always try to be a good role model for younger bowlers.

Proud father Clay adds that “while it thrills me to see the kids excel, we have high expectations in terms of sportsmanship. Despite the pressure that they experience the kids are encouraging, courteous, and respectful, assisting younger bowlers. Having Jacob win the Nelson Sportsmanship Award was special, as it is voted on their peers. Another thing is that Gail and I make sure when the kids are competing that we always attend Mass, even if it means they might miss a team function.”