Varsity stays out of the gutter.

Bowling may not be a sport that inspires pep rallies, but according to the National Federation of State High School Associations, it is the fastest-growing high school varsity sport. In 2005, there were nearly 40,000 high school bowlers nationwide, on 1,768 boys' teams and 1,676 girls' teams. The number of participants and the number of schools with varsity bowling teams both doubled over the past five years. Bowling attracts a new group to the athletic department--those who might tack the speed or height for other sports. Varsity bowlers also enjoy the social perks. "You just have to be serious for a few minutes when it's your turn, and then you can hang out," says Tim Wheeler, a junior at Bergenfietd High School in New Jersey. "But when it's your turn, bowling takes a lot of concentration because it's all. on yourself." There are, however, some image issues. "It's definitely nerdy," says Rachel. Patti, a senior at Ramsey High School in New Jersey. Patti, who also plays soccer and softball, joined the bowling team four years ago when her parents urged her to sign up for a winter sport. At first, she could barely break 100; recently, she bowled 221. (A perfect score is 300.) "It's really a great sport," says Patti. "It's competitive, it's a team, and it's fun."