Home is where the strikes are
BUTLER TWP — Leaving home is part of the college experience.
But Butler senior bowler Reegan Malis only wanted to stray so far.
After considering opportunities at West Texas A&M and Carthage College in Wisconsin, Malis recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and bowling career at Penn State Behrend in Erie.
“It's close to home, yet far enough away that I'll be on my own,” Malis said. “And I know I can contribute there right away.”
Behrend has had a women's bowling team for four years. The Lions finished 3-11 this past season, 1-5 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.
The team had only one senior — Mars graduate Hali Hartley, who led the squad with a 159 average — among its six bowlers. Freshman Bella Pilyih, who edged Malis for high average in the North section of the WPIBL in 2019-20, was second on the team with a 156.
Malis and Pilyih will be roommates next year.
“They've become friends and Bella will help make Reegan's transition into that program easier,” Butler bowling coach Bob Cupp said. “Things will be more comfortable for her.”
Planning to major in business, Malis' goal is to start for the Behrend team as a freshman next season.
“I know the shot is going to be more challenging there, but I'm looking forward to continuing my improvement as a bowler,” she said.
Malis comes from a bowling family. Her father, Tim Malis, has been president of the Butler Area USBC Association.
Her average was in the 150s and 160s early in her high school career. It reached as high as 190 this season before settling in at 180.33, a fraction of a pin behind teammate Rachael Blose for high average in the WPIAL's North Section.
Blose and Malis finished 1-2 in the section. Blose will bowl at D'Youville next season and the pair will oppose each other in AMCC play.
“We're looking forward to that,” Malis said. “I'll miss the regional tournaments in high school, all of the excitement, the long days and weekends we all spent together. It was so much fun.”
Cupp anticipates Malis having a solid bowling career at Behrend.
“She was one of the best bowlers in our league the past couple of years and Reegan keeps getting better,” Cupp said. “I'm anxious to see how her game translates at the next level.
“I remember her and Rachael, and others who joined our high school program as beginning young bowlers. There are (college) opportunities out there for these girls. We've had a number of them take advantage of that.”
Malis is the seventh member of Butler's girls bowling team to move on to college bowling in Cupp's eight years at the helm.
Steven Benke is Behrend's second-year coach. He previously coached seven years at McDowell High School in Erie, winning five league titles there and one Western PA Regional championship.
“They also have a women's pro bowler come in and help coach every once in a while,” Malis said. “I'm looking forward to working with them.”
