Austin’s Steve Mallan is ready for some big time bowling.

The 62-year old is set to bowl in the Special Olympics USA National Games in New Jersey. He will leave Austin June 13 to compete in the games and return June 21.

Mallan has been active in softball, bocce ball, kick ball and basketball through the ARC of Mower County over the years, but bowling has always been his favorite sport.

“When I get to bowl, I’m feeling pretty good,” Mallan said. “I just get out there and have fun. I try to keep getting better.”

Mallan has won 11 gold medals in bowling and his high score for this year was a 198. He’s excited for the bowling, but he’s a little nervous about getting on a plane for the first time.

Mallan has only been out of Minnesota a couple of times.

“I’m all shook up about flying,” he said.

Mallan qualified for the USA National Games by winning a gold medal in bowling last year. He said he plans on staying active in sports with the ARC of Mower County as long as he can.

“I participate in pretty much everything. I’ll stick with it until I can’t run any more and I’m in a walker,” Mallan said.