When Derby head coach Brent Cunningham talks about his team, there are several bowlers he mentions with equal trust in their abilities. When speaking on Alex Hedden, coach Cunningham talks about leadership and knowledge of the game.
“Alex is one of those guys you want on your team. He is a quite leader and leads by example. He also is one of the first ones to notice the lanes are getting ready to transition in the middle of a game and make sure his teammates are aware,” said Cunningham. He’s very knowledgeable in the sport of bowling and makes good grades and is always willing to help others out. Also, a four-year letterman and one of the best bowlers in the state.”
We caught up with Alex after a few meets to get his thoughts on the team and to learn more about this Derby senior.
VYPE: Alex, when did you start bowling and who encouraged you to start?
Hedden: I started bowling when I was about three years old. I never got encouraged to become a bowler. My dad picked bowling in high school around age 16. He first taught my older brother how to bowl and then wanted to get me into the world of bowling.
VYPE: What do you love most about your team and teammates?
Hedden: Everyone that comes out for bowling has a love for the sport even if they’ve just recently started bowling. Bowling is a big team sport, so everyone has a lot of support for each other and that just makes bowling easier when everyone is having fun.
VYPE: How has this season gone for you and what has been the highlight for you personally?
Hedden: Were only three meets in and have started off very strong with a little hiccup at the second meet but bounced back the next meet. The highlight so far is shooting 2,767 which is one of the state’s top team scores.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite place to bowl?
Hedden: My favorite place to bowl is North Rock Lanes because it’s a very nice alley and the all-around feeling of bowling there feels good. My home alley, Derby Bowl is a close second behind North Rock, but I’ve been bowling at Derby Bowl for such a long time.
VYPE: What are your plans after you graduate?
Hedden: My plans after I graduate are to attend Butler Community College for two years and then go up to KU to study meteorology.
VYPE: What do you enjoy doing when you have some free time?
Hedden: I don’t have very much free time but when I do, I either do a little bit of gaming or sleep. I’m very busy outside of bowling and during bowling season as I ran cross country, play tennis, work at Chick-Fil-A, and play in the band at home basketball games.
