Last week I got the opportunity to sit down with the North Brunswick’s bowling team captain, Josh Goldenfarb. The pinslayer and I discussed his bowling career, his time on the championship team of 2023, his tenure as captain and all things bowling. Over the course of our conversation, it became clear to me that Josh has a genuine passion for the sport. I learned a lot from this turkey farmer about a sport that is often overlooked and what it takes
to be a great teammate and leader. This soft-spoken ten pin assassin carries himself with quiet confidence and it was a real treat to hear a master talk about his craft.

Divjot: You joined the bowling team your sophomore year. What drove you to join the
team?

Josh: I used to run a lot and did cross country and track, but I wasn’t satisfied with that. So I
decided I needed to try something new.

Divjot: That same year, the team went on to win a championship (2023). What was it like
to be on a team that won sectionals? What was the atmosphere on the team like?

Josh: That season was great! The team really clicked. We had our highs where people were
having fun, but also our lows, but we would rally and support each other. It felt like we became
a cohesive team and that energy carried the team to the title.”

Divjot: Now you’re the wise old senior on the team. How does it feel to be in year three of
bowling?

Josh: I feel good, it's something that I enjoy and for me, it's always something that I enjoy doing.
Even if I’m struggling. It's fun to pick myself up and make the changes that I need to do in order
to see improvement. So overall it’s a good experience

Divjot: As the team captain do you ever look back on the championship team? What
lessons did you learn from that team that you try to apply this year as captain?

Josh: Just to enjoy the moment and don’t take anything for granted because you can only do so
well. Enjoy the good times but also don’t look down on the bad times. Try to learn from mistakes
and build on success.

Divjot: How does it feel to act as a leader for the team?

Josh: It’s hard to sit there and say you can be a leader because everyone can be a leader in
their own ways. People can step up on their own and show that,like. hey i can do this, I can do
this, you should still try and have your own voice.

Divjot: I looked at your stats and across all categories you’re the stat leader for North
Brunswick. How do you stay so consistent in leading the team?

Josh: I put more time and effort than like I ever have to into bowling. I spent a lot of time getting
better, making sure that i’m getting rid of old and bad habits and implementing new and good
ones to keep everything in check, and practicing what needs to be fixed.

Divjot: I also saw your high score for the year is 279!? That’s wild! How does it feel to roll a
279?

Josh: It feels special because I practice really hard and it is nice to see it pay off when it matters
too. It’s not even my highest score ever either, I once rolled a 299! The last pin got hit a little but
the shot was a little flat, so it didn't hit the pocket as cleanly. It felt like the whole alley was
holding their breath as we watched as that pin wobbled but it settled back down. I was
obviously disappointed but it was fun and the energy in the alley was electric. It made it very
memorable to me."

Divjot: At this moment the team is a match under .500. In what ways can you improve
your season to hopefully end it with a winning record?

Josh: I just keep telling everyone to stay consistent and keep their heads up. If you don’t strike
the first time, you just do your best to close the frame. Getting discouraged never helps the
situation.

Divjot: What is your advice to future bowlers and how could people get interested?

Josh: You have to try new things, you're not going to want to do it unless you try it. If you like it,
you like it, if you don't, then you don't. It’s kind of silly but it’s also a mental game, there's some
physicality but overall your mentality is a whole other challenge itself.