By Becky Walz,
Since conception in 2016, the Decorah bowling teams have made strides with consistent improvement and the dividends have paid off as for the first time in school history not just one, but both the girls’ and boys’ teams punched their tickets to the state team tournament. In addition, a record five individuals qualified for the state meet as well.
Since conception in 2016, the Decorah bowling teams have made strides with consistent improvement and the dividends have paid off as for the first time in school history not just one, but both the girls’ and boys’ teams punched their tickets to the state team tournament. In addition, a record five individuals qualified for the state meet as well.
Champion girls
First it was the girls’ turn to make some noise as the Lady Vikes took their first step at Cadillac Lanes in Waterloo Monday. With a score of 2,458, Decorah was crowned the district champs. Baker games for the Vikes were 147, 129, 183, 150, 169, 139, 191, 166, 170, 181, 167, 180, 153, 171 and 162. Western Dubuque took second with 2,351.
Not only did the Vikes win the district team title, but Decorah also had its own Rebecca Bruening win the district individual title with a total of 599 pins (164, 204 and 231). Joining the senior captain at state will be fellow seniors Hannah Schnitzler (221, 172, 162) and Lily Iverson (150, 177, 214).
Others on the lanes for Decorah Monday included a trio of freshmen — Rylee Averhoff (159, 176, 155), Karlie Einck (166, 174, 130) and Marri Feuerhelm (163, 177, 180).
“What an unbelievable day. The girls brought high energy and stayed focused all day — a long, long day with lots of bowling,” said Coach Keith Bruening. “The girls aren’t satisfied with just making it to state, they are going down to win next week and make some noise.”
Boys’ turn
Tuesday it was time for the Decorah boys’ bowling team to make some noise on the same lanes the girls’ had dominated the day before, and the Vikes did not disappoint as they punched their ticket with a score of 3,076, finishing second. Baker scores for the boys were 190, 194, 215, 228, 231, 201, 210, 210, 205, 169, 217, 192, 185, 161 and 247. Independence took the team title with 3,176.
At the end of the day, two Vikes earned individual bids to the state tournament including junior Cade Averhoff (256, 180, 214) and senior Grady Brauer (179, 246, 213).
Also bowling individually for the Vikes were Easton Luzum (256, 194, 184), Will Marx (193, 150, 236), Benson Newhouse (173, 180, 204) and Daniel Skrade (163, 184, 189).
“What a thrill! The kids were awesome all day, in the pocket and kept the positive energy flowing. The kids were able to fill 93 percent of their spares,” noted Coach Bruening.
Mechanics of qualifying
Teams bowled 15 baker games and the top two teams with total pins advanced to state.
To qualify as an individual, keglers bowled three games and the top eight scores from each site qualified for the state individual tournament for a total of 32 individual qualifiers.
State information
The state meet will be held Monday through Wednesday, Feb. 20-22, at Cadillac and Maple Lanes in Waterloo.
Decorah is in Class 2A and both teams will compete Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Cadillac Lanes in Waterloo with the Bruening, Iverson, Schnitzler, C. Averhoff and Brauer bowling in the individual tournament Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Maple Lanes in Waterloo. Each day begins at 9 a.m.
The eight teams will bowl 15 baker games. Teams will move one pair of lanes to the right after every five baker games. The total pins after 15 games would determine bracketing (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5). Teams will then play a best three of five baker games to advance to the semifinals and finals. The champion and runner-up will be determined. In addition, a consolation match will be bowled to determine third and fourth place.
In individual competition, all 32 qualifiers will bowl three individual games. Individuals will move one pair of lanes to the right after every game. The top eight finishers will then be bracketed (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5) and bowl one game. The winners will advance to the semifinals and finals, where the champion and runner-up will be determined. In addition, a consolation match will be bowled to determine third and fourth place.
Submit A Comment
Fill out the form to submit a comment. All comments require approval by our staff before it is displayed on the website.