Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Norwin’s Angela Furin

By: Anthony DiFilippo
Monday, February 19, 2024 | 9:50 AM

It’s been a perfect last couple of seasons for Norwin’s girls bowling team, literally.

Last year, it went 8-0 in the WPIBL Southeast Division, and this season, it finished 10-0.

Angela Furin, a senior, described how that success doesn’t exactly happen overnight.

“It was definitely very hard work getting to this point, but we put in the time and the effort to get to where we are,” Furin said.

A big reason for the Knights’ success on the lanes is because six of the top eight bowlers in the division come from Norwin.

Kali Siegel (first), Kari Siegel (second), Gabriella Anders (fifth), Raeana Bruce (seventh) and Teresa Solano (eighth) fill up the leaderboard.

That also includes Furin, who is fourth with a 170 average on the season, up from her mark of 160 last year.

While bowlers usually compete on the lanes individually, they still do what they can to make the matches feel like they have a “team” aspect. That includes encouraging teammates to do their best.

“We still (try to) make them feel like they’re doing well,” Furin said.

Norwin had the second-highest game average in the WPIBL at 863, right behind Plum.

The WPIBL girls singles championship is set for Feb. 22 at AMF Mt. Lebanon. Furin, who finished 37th in the qualifiers last year, kept her goals short and sweet.

“I hope to make it in the top 10 to qualify for states,” Furin said.

Furin is undecided about what she wants to do following high school.

With the bowling season coming to an end, Furin took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

How did you get started with bowling?

I started at the age of 6 bowling at New Great Valley. I fell in love with bowling, so I just kept going.

How would you describe your personal performance this season?

I put more time into the sport, and I made more of my spares over the course of this season to help me get to a 170 average.

What is it like being surrounded by some of the top bowlers in the division?

It’s very motivating to be the best. They are kind and helpful. They cheer for everyone. It’s an honor to be with such a great team of girls. They are very talented.

What makes Norwin’s program good year in and year out?

The coaching and having the reassurance by your teammates to keep going.

What’s some advice you have for amateur bowlers?

Practicing very often will help you get better at the sport.

What is one thing that people may not know about you?

I have been bowling for 12 years now.

Tags: Norwin