To Sammy Arguto also known as Cadillac Sammy, bowling was this Stamford High School (SHS) student’s great love when he was just a little boy. At the age of six, he went to the bowling alley and could not resist the urge to play. Sammy was inspired by watching the professional bowlers on TV, as well as seeing other players in his local league who seemed to bowl a strike with no effort, and this all attracted him to the sport.

“At that age, I probably didn’t even average a 140,” he said. “Seeing people shoot 230 all the time was unreal.” What started as a small curiosity turned into a full-set devotion. Bowling is now an essential part of his life. He is also in three different leagues at the same time – one with his mother, one with a best friend, and a competitive singles league on professional oil patterns. He is averaging an impressive 219 in that singles league.

His devotion has taken him far beyond his home bowling alley to locations around the country. He regularly competes in state, regional, and national tournaments, traveling to places such as Traverse City and Grand Rapids, Michigan, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Every July, Sammy heads to Nationals, where he competes against some of the top junior bowlers in the country.  And this past weekend, Arguto achieved something that eludes many adults in the sport: he bowled a perfect 300. 

As the years go by, he collects more and more awards and achievements, and he is also placed in the top 25 percent at the national level. While competing at such a high level, Sammy enjoys the competition but truly loves who he’s played with. Sammy says, “Placing at the State Tournament while bowling with my godfather is something I’ll always remember,” he said. “Winning the High School Bowling FCIAC Tournament was another huge moment for me.”

Cadillac Sammy’s method of madness is quite different from that of the majority of athletes. Instead of spending hours doing drills after school, he goes to the bowling alley and plays in competitions just to keep his skills sharp. He decides to get his skill from real time competition, which I personally think is genius. Sammy also says, “Practice gets boring for me,” he said. “Bowling in situations where every shot matters is much more interesting.”

Arguto also offered some insight into his success, saying, “You just have to let the ball be a rocket to the pocket.” In other words, let the ball do the work, and don’t muscle it. After his first 300 game and 800 series, told us how, “That night proved to me that consistency and good habits truly do pay off, and don’t happen by accident.” He explained how they happen because you choose to keep improving by always showing up.

After high school, he will attend Lincoln Tech in Shelton, CT to study electrical, with the goal of building and owning multiple businesses in the future. Over the next few years, he plans to get engaged to his high school sweetheart and love of his live that he met back in 3rd grade, Maren, and work toward the goal of owning his dream house in Darien (Rowayton) where they will build the life of their dreams together.