The holiday season is usually very busy with very little free time.

But throw a blizzard into the mix, and all of a sudden, the holidays just became a little bit more hectic.

With all of the hours spent with family, and maybe even more hours shoveling, you can see where it may be difficult for a student athlete to find practice time in late December.

This is one of the albeit unusual dilemmas that plagued the Fort Lee bowling team during the past week.

Many of the co-ed bowlers made plans to practice during vacation but were forced to break from their normal routines due to the circumstances.

"I was so used to getting up and going to school, and then bowling after school," said senior bowler David Daniels. "Then you couldn't even go practice because it was a snowstorm. I tried to go practice on the days we normally bowl, so I keep the same routine, but it was so tough."

Coach Dennis Sayer knew most of his players wanted to go bowling and get better but understood the situation at hand.

"A lot of players said they were going to," said the head coach. "The problem was, the parents weren't able to take them…Because of the snow, I think it kept everybody back."

Then, the fortunes of the Fort Lee bowling team began to change. Like a bowler will occasionally get an extra pin to fall down, the Bridgemen now found themselves picking up a little bit of luck.  

In their opening match of 2011, Fort Lee was scheduled to play Englewood on Wednesday, but the Pirates did not field a team this year.

So without an opponent to face, the Fort Lee team essentially played against each other.

Players from the boys' and girls' teams were seen practicing, helping their friends and even sharing a laugh or two.

"It gave them and me a positive attitude," said senior Yeliz Inalman of mid-week session. "The way we bowled today, we were relaxed. The next game we won't be as stressed [and] I think that's a good thing."

Coach Sayer also noticed what this practice and scrimmage did for the team.                                 

"In the long run, for the girls, it was a better practice then bowling against another team." Sayer said. "They were enjoying themselves and rooting each other on, and I think the girl's team needed that."

The boys' team also let the meaning of the day sink in.

"We were lucky it was just a scrimmage," team captain Daniels said. "I think it was a good way to get us back in."

Fort Lee also has the advantage of facing an out-of-league opponent on Friday when the team is scheduled to play Lakeland beginning at 4 p.m. But even that isn't a guarantee.

"Turns out they need directions to get here," Daniels said about Lakeland. "They've never been here before so I found that a little bit funny."

By the way, it's also expected to snow on Friday.