Lawrence High announced on Wednesday the hiring of its new boys and girls bowling coach for the 2007-2008 school year.

Brandi Perry, 26, was selected by a committee of students, parents and administrators. Perry brings 21 years of experience as a bowler and has competed annually in national tournaments.

“Her background and enthusiasm were very important to the committee,” LHS athletic director Ron Commons said.

Perry bowled on a club team in high school and spent a year as a bowler at Central Missouri State University. She received her master’s degree in education from Kansas University in May and teaches first grade at Cordley Elementary. This will be Perry’s first year as a high school coach, although she previously coached youth bowlers.

“I’m hoping that each of the participants can set their own goals,” Perry said, “and I hope to help them accomplish the goals they want to achieve this season.”

Said Commons, “It’s always nice to have a coach or a teacher that is in our building, but coach Perry is not far down the road at Cordley, and we’re looking forward to her being here for several years.”

This will be the fourth year for bowling as a high school sport in the state, and interest has grown every year. This year, a record 60 teams will compete, with LHS being one of 27 in Class 6A.

Practices begin Jan. 1.