Gallery • 4 Photos

By Amy McClure

The boys and girls varsity bowling teams gather for a photo after their successful day at regionals where they placed third and second overall. Both teams advanced to state on March 3 in Wichita.

The girls and boys bowling placed second and third overall at bowling regionals which was held at Olathe Lanes East Tuesday, Feb. 21.  Due to placing in the top three overall as a team, both the girls and boys advanced to compete in the 6A state tournament in Wichita, Kansas Friday, March 3. Individually, junior Kiara Gonzalez placed first overall. Additionally, freshmen Layla Gonzalez placed sixth, Abby Haney placed eighth, senior Nolan FitzSimmons placed second and junior Ethan Diehl placed third. Kiara set the high game school record with a 277, the high series record with a 737 and the girl’s team set a new school record with a combined score of 2367. Kiara described her feelings about the team’s performance. 

“I think the team performance was the best we have ever done as a team,” Kiara said. “I wouldn’t change anything because everyone did amazing. The team did the best at staying positive and having fun.”

Head coach Amy McClure expressed her pride for the team’s achievements.

“I am most proud of the grit and determination shown by both teams,” McClure said. “We had missed school due to weather, a parade, parent-teacher conferences, and a federal holiday,  but these athletes chose to come to practice on their days off to prepare for regionals.  And not only that, they showed up and competed like champions on the most important competition day of the season.”

Additionally, Kiara explained how the team has prepared for state over the season.

“The team has worked up to state by spending practice time getting better at working as a team to do good in bakers,” Kiara said. “We also have tried to get more excited for other teammates’ performances during meets.”

Overall, McClure described the team’s dedication throughout the season.

“A majority of these athletes participate in summer leagues and tournaments throughout the off season to prepare for high school bowling,” McClure said. “Some of them participated in a tournament just before our season started so they could get as much experience as possible in a very competitive environment. They work hard during their own free time and spend countless hours traveling to compete.”