Artesia's Kambry Collins plans for another state bowling title as Bulldogs seek domination

A novice in the sport of bowling last year, Artesia’s Kambry Collins was a quick learner earning all-state honors and helping the team pick up another state trophy.

This year Collins is part of an advanced team of bowlers as the Bulldogs seek its ninth 4A state title Feb. 2 and 3 in Albuquerque.

Collins was not aware Artesia had a bowling team until her younger brother joined the team in 2022.

Collins, like many high school student-athletes, participates in two sports at Artesia High School.

Besides bowling, she plays softball for the Lady Bulldogs, who went 22-9 overall in 2023 and 11-1 in District 4-4A.

Collins pitched and played in the outfield for a softball team that was eliminated from the third round of the 4A state softball tournament.

With the start of the softball season nearly four months away, Collins is focused on the bowling season.

“I’m hoping to make state and get another state championship,” she said.

Collins said bowling was similar to her role as a pitcher, as she seeks accuracy on the bowling lanes and softball field.

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Collins and more than 30 of her teammates spent Monday at Artesia Lanes Bowling Center as the Bulldogs travel to Albuquerque Saturday for a bowling tournament. The weekend event is the last bowling tournament for 2023 as bowlers take a break for the Christmas holiday.

“I’m looking forward to competing and going to Albuquerque every Saturday. It’s a fun experience,” she said.

Collins' mother, Kristen, spent time watching her daughter and younger son Chase Collins during Monday’s practice.

“It’s a different sport than what we’re used to,” she said.

“(Bowling) teaches discipline, it’s more focused and it's not a sport you can pick up (immediately), it’s a lot different,” said Kristen Collins.

She graduated from Artesia High School in 2001 and lettered in volleyball and softball.

“They did not have a bowling team back then,” Kristen Collins said.

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Artesia is a football community as the Bulldogs have won 32 state titles over the decades.

Kristen Collins said Artesia is turning into a bowling community and credits head coach Ken Clayton for creating the bowling atmosphere.

“Ken’s a great coach, he’s a great teacher. He knows how to work with these kids,” she said.

Clayton said Artesia’s bowling team started 17 years ago and has worked its way during that time frame to be a state powerhouse.

“There wasn’t a (youth/kids) league. (The community) did a survey to see if anyone was interested (in forming a high school team). We had 30 kids that first year,” he said.

Clayton said Artesia has a large number of bowlers back from last year’s team.

“Our No. 1 (advanced) team that we’ve bowled is No. 1 so far this year has five sophomores. Tyler Romine was our top bowler and he’s back this year,” he said.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Artesia High School bowler Kambry Collins readies for second title