Senior Ernst earns respect of peers

Ask a few people within the bowling circle about Tara Ernst and you'll likely hear about her talent or leadership or confidence or sense of humor. Get Ernst talking about pretty much anything and quickly those qualities surface.

So when, "It was so intimidating" comes from her, it's cause for pause. The East Islip star has been one of the banner names in Suffolk bowling for years - popularity and a big personality with the credentials to warrant it. But it wasn't always like that.

"I remember my first day of practice ," the senior said. "I was in seventh grade, the youngest person there, and all these older girls were staring at me like, 'Who is this kid?' "

That was an accomplished team and that kid was essentially a hot-shot prospect, though she felt out of place.

Ernst had been bowling in Saturday leagues at East Islip Lanes since she was 6. Harold Cooley, the East Islip coach, noticed her talent as a fifth-grader ("I saw a tough kid; there all the time and working hard," he said) and opportunity came two years later.

Ernst was "torn between basketball and bowling" in junior high, but she wound up in Mr. Cooley's math class, and so came the need for brownie points. "That made the decision for me," she said, chuckling, "I was like, 'Well, looks like I'll be on the bowling team.' "

She bowled in just one match that year - and shot a 188 - but grew more comfortable on the lanes and among her peers. "She had the same personality," Cooley said, "it just took time to express it."

SEE PHOTOSNYS bowling championships

The leadership part first began to manifest in eighth grade, in particular when she asked to be pulled from a match so a sophomore returning from back surgery could make her varsity debut.

"It meant so much for her to do that, and we almost became friends instantly," said Ali Martin, that sophomore who had a 218.44 average as a senior. "It showed the kind of person she is."

As a freshman with a 197 average, Ernst was a key member of the Big Red(men) Machine that won the 2008 county tournament by a record margin and captured a state title. Throw in two Section XI all-star selections, three All-Long Islands, along with a 204.4 average this season and another county championship, and she's become "someone who's so well respected by the girls and boys," Cooley said.

When she speaks, they listen.

It mostly comes naturally, Ernst said, but she is conscious of her role and how it's evolved. "Being the only senior now and the oldest on the team [at 18]," she said, "I should take them under my wing."

Sometimes with advice: "She's good with giving tips on adjustments," Lena Sorrentino said.

Sometimes with wackiness: "Every day's an adventure with Tara," Nancy Baione said, wry smile flashing. "She makes it fun."

And it's been appreciated. At the conclusion of the state tournament yesterday, Ernst's teammates, one by one, unprompted, made their way over to hug her.

"We love her," Alexa DeFazio said. "She's always looked out for us like a big sister."

"I cried," said Ernst, who'll bowl at Briarcliffe. "That was the last high school thing I'll do with them. For them to do that . . . I'll always remember that."