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WAYNE — On Monday, the Hartington-Newcastle bowling teams headed to Wayne for the SubDistrict meet with state hopes in hand.
Leading up to that big day, the teams were able to finally get out on the lanes after seeing the cold weather of the majority of the month restrict their ability to compete.
Last Tuesday, the girls won 13-8 against Thurston Cuming County as Faith Pinkelman (164, 109), Dary Myo (151, 134), Aaralynn Collier (111,147), Ell Haug (121, 103) and Ali Ford (78, 108) led the Wildcat attack.
The boys dropped an 11-10 decision to TC County despite the performances of Ben Kleinschmit (177, 189), Christian Fiscus (183, 166), Alex Elks (140, 164), Barrett Bruning (139, 155) and Memphis Ulrich (134, 115).
Two days later, the schools met again and the girls won easily, 14-7. Leading the way were Myo (157 171), Collier (127, 161), Pinkelman (115, 162), Ford (134, 127) and Haug (106, 114).
“I’m really proud of our returning and new teammates,” Pinkelman said. “Dary has done amazing this season hitting the 180s pretty consistently. She’s gotten a lot better and more confident with herself and with the fact that she is a good bowler.
“The new girls are consistently hitting 130s which is all we asked of them. They started with zero bowling experience and they are now consistent on the lane getting strikes.”
The boys got revenge with a 12-9 decision that went their way.
Kleinschmit (202, 172), Elks (247, 145), Bruning (224, 182), Fiscus (188, 151) and Ulrich (104, 150) made sure that the Wildcats left the week with a split of TC County.
“It was good to finally get back into some competitions again this week after all the snow we’ve had,” HNS coach Nate Holan said. “The girls did a nice job picking up two wins. Aaralynn, Dary, and Ali all bowled their personal best games (in the second match). The girls also had their highest team game of the year.
The boys battled both days and did a nice job Thursday getting a win. On Thursday they set the school record with a 965 team game. Alex also broke the school record with a 247 game.
“I think both teams can have two or three bowlers in the conversation to make it to state in the singles competition. It will depend on how consistent we can be. I believe both teams can make it to the bakers bracket finals. From there anything can happen. We are hoping to continue the good bowling from this week and give ourselves a chance to win districts and earn a trip to state.”
Pinkelman was optimistic going into the sub-districts.
“I love Wayne’s lanes- It’s just a really positive atmosphere that (Wayne’s head coach) brings to the lanes. She genuinely cares about people that aren’t even her own bowlers. I like to bowl on their freshly oiled lanes – and whatever we need to practice on they accommodate us.”
High hopes come from a team that is working in unison.
“It’s definitely beneficial to know all the girls can carry their weight,” Pinkelman said. “Against Pender, I was slacking because of dry lanes – I still hit 130s – but Ali beat her girl and won it with a 178 – by four pins. I’m really excited because she’s enthusiastic and loves the sport. She’s getting a lot more confident and is willing to step up.
“I’m really proud of her and she’s going to be one of our leaders for the next two years.”
