Vernon Bowlers Make History: Claim City’s Inaugural National Championship Title!

Colton Dranchuk and Lukas Rachwalski, cousins from Vernon, just made history by winning Canada’s YBC Senior Boys Doubles title in Edmonton. This was their first time at the Youth Bowling Council Canadian championships, and they were both nervous yet excited.

On the first day, they started strong, winning five out of six games. By day two, after facing three tough losses, Lukas encouraged Colton, saying, “This is a memory we’re going to have for the rest of our lives.” They turned it around and won the next six matches, showcasing their determination.

Their success brought home not only two gold medals for themselves but also a gold for their coach, Kara Kazimer. She praised their teamwork, stating, “If one was down, the other was up. They were a strong dream team.”

The competition was fierce. They played against seven other teams, facing each one three times over three days. Finishing with 14 points, they edged out Quebec by one point to secure the top spot. Coach Kazimer knew the final game was crucial. She asked her players for a strong start, and Lukas delivered — rolling nine consecutive strikes. Although he left a corner pin standing with his first shot in the 10th frame, he knocked it down on the final try, achieving a score of 401. This feat earned him a $100 scholarship, as it was one of the only three 400 games in the entire tournament.

“Lukas was in the zone,” Kazimer noted. Both boys had standout performances: Lukas finished with a 257 average, while Colton averaged 226, reaching a high score of 287.

Luck seemed to play a role in their win too. They sported special matching socks that they believed contributed to their success, one pair worn on each day of the tournament.

Their victory is a notable achievement for Vernon. Although the local bowling alley, Lincoln Lanes, has records dating back to 1965, this was the first gold medal a Vernon team has ever claimed. Owners Sandi and Ivan Soroka celebrated their retirement by heading to Edmonton to support the boys.

In a recent survey, 73% of youth athletes reported that team support boosts performance. This aligns with how Colton and Lukas fed off each other’s energy throughout the tournament, showing how powerful teamwork can be.

For anyone curious about the Yankees’ influence in younger sports, experts agree that success stories like this inspire the next generation. As young bowlers watch Colton and Lukas shine, it may motivate them to follow in their footsteps.

This national title isn’t just an end; it’s a beginning for these two talented bowlers. With their eyes on future competitions, fans can look forward to seeing what they will achieve next.



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5 pin bowling|Canadian Championships