Beaufort Academy has announced the launch of a new bowling team and the revival of its cheerleading program.
The bowling team, consisting of seventh- through 12th-graders, practices at Love House Community Bowling Center in Beaufort, and will compete at Gamecock Lanes in Sumter.
“We are excited that Coach Julius McCallister will be leading the team this year. He is excited to mentor and work with young people,” says BA Athletic Director Nick Field. “Coach McCallister brings a wealth of knowledge for the game and still bowls often.”
McAllister is originally from New York and served in the Marines until 1992 before relocating to Beaufort and starting his second career with SCE&G. While living and working in the area he became an avid bowler and continues to enjoy the game and share in the knowledge of the team aspect of bowling. He currently resides in Jasper County with his wife and two children.
“I am glad to be able to provide additional outlets and opportunities for the kids at Beaufort Academy,” McAllister said. “This is going to be a fun year.”
Tammy Gates has taken on the role of reviving the cheerleading program. A native of Beaufort, Gates is a 1994 graduate of Beaufort Academy, where she was a varsity cheerleader and played softball. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business in marketing and management.
“Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader,” Gates said. “It is so exciting to hear ‘official’ chants and cheers coming from the BA gym again. I look forward to the opportunity to work with and get know the amazing group of young athletes. They are going to bring so much spirit and enthusiasm to the games.”
This season, the cheerleading squad will focus on supporting other sports teams before adding competition cheer for students in grades 6-12 next year.
“School spirit is a quality that Beaufort Academy can be proud of and we now have a program dedicated to maintaining and improving it,” Field said. “Coach Gates is a great role model for the kids in the program, and brings with her knowledge and experience in the sport.”
