MORGANTOWN – Thirteen schools gathered at Suburban Lanes in Morgantown on a chilly Saturday to compete for the OVAC 4A-5A bowling championship.
Boys’ and girls’ teams were both in action, aiming for individual and team titles.
The University High girls’ team dominated the competition, taking home both the individual and team titles. Charlotte LoPinto-Ludas scored an impressive 601, just a point ahead of the runner-up. Her performance helped the Hawks score a total of 3,069 and clinch the team title.
“We started the season with a mix of novice and experienced bowlers,” said UHS coach Donnie Gilbert. “Seeing the team grow has been amazing. Much credit goes to coaches Dave Varner and Jeff Street. Their skill development has truly made a difference for these kids.”
On the boys’ side, Morgantown High claimed the team title with a score of 3,776. They entered the final rounds less than 20 pins ahead of University High.
The tournament format included three games where five bowlers combined their scores, followed by four games played using Baker’s rules—where each bowler bowls two frames in a single game.
Michael Kovalski from Buckeye Local (Ohio) won the individual title for boys with an impressive score of 714. Morgantown’s Matthew Brown finished close behind in the individual standings.
Coach Nate Houser noted the remarkable progress in just the second season of the program. “The kids have worked really hard to get to this point so quickly,” he said. “Bowling can be a tough sport to learn, but their dedication shines through in their results.”
This year’s championship reflects a growing interest in bowling among high school students. A recent survey indicated a 20% uptick in participation in youth bowling leagues nationwide. As more schools invest in their programs, we can expect to see the level of competition continue to rise.
Bowling offers not just a chance to compete but also life skills like teamwork and discipline. Youth bowling has been recognized for its positive effects on confidence and social interaction, making it a valuable activity for students.
As the bowling season continues, fans are eager to see how these talented teams evolve and what new records might be set in the coming months.
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