FORT SMITH -- One off day on the bowling lanes wasn't about to discourage Fort Smith Northside junior bowler Jayme Harvey. She simply wasn't going to have it.
After winning the individual titles at the 6A girls state tournament and at the overall state meet last season, Harvey had plans for a repeat. That attempt didn't start how she hoped, as she finished fourth at the 6A state tournament in February with a 532 three-game series.
Harvey, the River Valley Democrat-Gazette Girls Bowler of the Year, went back to work after that refocused and determined to win at least one individual title. She didn't want her junior year ending without at least one crown. A week later after falling short, Harvey recaptured the overall title against the best in the state with a 632 series, winning by 27 pins.
"I just was not having a good day at the state tournament," Harvey said. "It was an off day for me. I didn't like the lanes. I ended up finishing fourth and we finished fourth as a team, but I wanted to do better than that. I don't like losing and don't take it very well. I told myself I'm going to win at all-state. I wanted to have that title to be the two-time champ."
In the past, the falter at the 6A state championship meet might've lingered and impacted Harvey more. But Harvey has learned to bounce back and perform when it matters most with her experience and the help of her supporters.
"It used to be a really big issue for me getting down on myself," Harvey said. "I would get in my head. But my dad has really helped me with that being more positive. That's exactly what I have been doing. I was really excited with how I bowled at all-state. I feel like I showed what kind of bowler I am that day."
It's only natural a family member helped Harvey see the right perspective to make the most of her season. She after all wouldn't have the passion for the sport if it wasn't for them sharing it with Harvey early in life.
"I pretty much grew up at Bowling World because I had a lot of family that worked there, so I started bowling there at a really young age," Harvey said. "It really worked out for me from there. My family is very proud of me. They all are. But even people who aren't in my family are proud. Bowling is a big community, and I feel the support."
Looking back at her junior year, it is one Harvey is proud of overcoming obstacles to still achieve her goals while setting a career high with a 284 game along the way. But don't consider Northside Coach Ryan Solley shocked after watching her blossom as a Lady Bear over the years.
"What a career she's had already," Solley said. "Three year all-state. Two-time overall state champ. One time 6A state champ. She's going to have a chance to bowl in college. But she is just a great kid and student. She is an easy one to coach. I'm so proud. The sky's the limit for her."
Fort Smith Northside's Jayme Harvey, seen Tuesday, April 2, 2024, is the 2024 River Valley girls bowler of the year. Visit rivervalleydemocratgazette.com/photo for today's photo gallery. (River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Hank Layton)