For the past two seasons the Decorah girls’ and boys’ bowling teams have grown to be among the best in the state, not only qualifying for the state tournament but finishing in the top eight in Class 2A.
Keith Bruening continues to lead the programs since its organization in 2016, as he has with former Viking kegler Michael Bruening acting as his assistant.
A big year
The Decorah squads returned a lot of talent and experience in 2023 and rolled through the season with both the girls and boys posting a perfect 10-0 dual record.
At the North Central Bowling Conference Baker tournament, the Viking boys entered bracket play as the top seed and made their way to the top with wins over Forest City, Waterloo Columbus and Charles City to win their second consecutive title. The girls came in shy of the title as the second seed. The Viking girls defeated Waukon and Waverly-Shell Rock before falling to Charles City in three games to earn the runner-up spot.
Two weeks later on their home lanes, the Decorah girls hosted one of the state qualifying meets and posted the top score of 2,675. Additionally, then-sophomore Karlie Einck was the individual champion. Two others punched individual tickets to state including senior Anika Grina and sophomore Jasera Tweten.
A day later it was the boys’ turn to showcase their talents as they were crowned the district champs at King Pin Entertainment Center. Earning an individual state bid for the Vikes were Brock Christensen who was the district runner-up, along with Jordan Sims in fourth and Cade Averhoff who was eighth.
In Waterloo at the state tournament, the Decorah boys qualified third for bracket play and dropped a close match to Le Mars which came down to a single spare. That loss sent the Vikes into the third-place match versus Dowling, who Decorah had no trouble defeating to claim bronze. The girls started seventh in the 15-round qualifier and were in the consolation bracket, defeating Independence and Fort Dodge to earn fifth.
Those graduating after the season included Anika Grinna, Kathleen Delphey, Anopa Mtisi, Cade Averhoff, Brock Christensen, Jeron Feuerhelm, Luke Jensen, Kadin Remick and TJ Round.
Ready to go again
There is little doubt that the Vikes will once again be a force on the lanes during the 2024-25 campaign with only one graduating from the girls’ team and three from the boys,’ along with a large roster to pull from.
Sims, a second team all-state honoree last year, looks poised to earn another trip to state with the Vikings, along with fellow letter winners Tyler Novak, Cain Monreal-Rice, Chase Vick, Bryce Elsbernd and Jace Buddenberg.
Other boys looking to lock in a varsity spot are seniors Cole Christopher, Brody Hageman, Beau Newhouse, Shane Treangen; juniors Yoseph Ko, Alex Maki, Dak Sabin; sophomores Jack Hammell, Tristan Hunter, Gavin Luzum, Clarence Nimrod, Toby Schnitzler, Van Steine, Keagan Steines, Oskar Swanson; and freshmen Brock Anfinson, Wyatt Birdsell, Dylan Brincks, Quade Bruening, Brock Bullerman, Dominic Christopher, Brody Darling, Grady Sabelka and Anders Wicklund.
“The boys have the experience but we need to get better if we want to reach our goals,” said Coach K. Bruening. “It starts by working hard every day.”
The girls’ return all but one from last year’s state team, with the trio of Einck, Riley Averhoff and Marri Feuerhelm having two years of state experience under their belt. Joining the trio with a letter are Addison Wicklund, Jasera Tweten, Asmere Jensen and Naomi Pedlar.
Additional girls ready to contribute this season are seniors Abbeke Jesen, Shelby Jochola, Audrianna Marsh, Kathy Sitan Muj; sophomores Hadley Alexander, Hayley Baker, Kayley Baker, Ella Jacobsen, Kaelyn Kuhn, Kennady Riehle, Isabella Schnitzler and freshmen Harlie Larson and Taylor Sloan-Dahl.
“Just like the boys, the girls have to keep working hard, but they are experienced, smart kids,” added the coach. “We do have a tough schedule with some new programs on the list but are looking for a fun yet rewarding season. If we improve and have fun, I see no reason why we won’t be successful.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Team photos were unavailable at press time as the Decorah bowling team was awaiting the arrival of team apparel. Photos will be published later in the season as space permits.
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