For the first time in East history, a bowling team advanced to the state competition.

The girls bowling team was runner-up in the Region 3 tournament, qualifying them for state, along with sophomore Jessica Heicken who also qualified for the state tournament in the individual competition.  The state competition took place in Lexington, Kentucky on February 12th and 13th, where the team placed 5th overall, and Heicken placed 25th.  While this is a huge accomplishment, the team is already looking ahead to next year.

Coach Becky Todd was not surprised with the team’s success this season.  “I couldn’t be more happy, thrilled, or excited for our girls and Assistant Coach, Jason Banta.  They made Charger history,” Todd said.  She continued, “They have worked so hard over the last couple of years, and I am so happy to see them get the opportunity to show just how much.”  Todd also said that this experience proves that hard work pays off, and she’s happy members of the team got to learn that lesson.

Senior Kyra Banta, the girls team captain, attributes hard work and good energy to the team making it to state.  “We always made sure to work on what we needed to, and we always cheered.  If we were losing, we just cheered louder.  Cheering always got us more motivated and in a better mood.”

Many sports teams never get a chance to experience going to the state competition, but these girls got as much out of it as they could.  Heicken said, “I really had fun.  I felt lucky to even be there.  It was a great learning experience, and if I make it again next year I will know what to expect.”

Banta claims that the chance to compete at that level was unforgettable.  “State was one of the best weekends of my life. The teams and their families were, for the most part, really nice.  To be able to prove that a team that has never been to state before could actually go and be able to compete and give the other teams some real competition was an amazing feeling,” Banta said.

While the whole team competed Friday February 13th, Heicken competed in individuals on the 12th.  She was able to qualify for this at the Region 3 championships. “I grew up bowling, and I think I work hard.  My dad was definitely a big help in getting me to state.  He would tell me what adjustments I needed to make,” Heicken said.  Heicken’s grandfather, father, and majority of the rest of her family are bowlers as well.

As for next season, Heicken plans to acquire new equipment, and work on picking up more spares.

Due to such outstanding accomplishments this year, the team has high expectations for next year.  Todd said, “We encourage all current and prospective members to be involved in a youth league during the off season.  We have several players that did so this year and increased their averages by 40+ pins.  We will look for sponsorships and to schedule fundraising events earlier this year, keeping the team working together towards the goal of making it to the state championships again in 2016.”

As both the boys and girls bowling teams will be losing senior captains, Todd looks for experience, leadership, and commitment to the team in nominating captains.  Plus, the players must be willing to take on that responsibility.

While Banta will no longer be a member of the team, she still plans on coming back to cheer them on.  “I hope the girls win regionals and state next year.  I already know that they are capable of beating any team in our region, including PRP,” Banta said.  Pleasure Ridge Park was the Region 3 champion, as well as the state champion.  “I just want them [the girls team] to not let the other teams get in their heads because I know that they can win, but they need to know and believe that they can win.  I want them to work together and not get down on themselves every time they throw a bad ball, and I definitely don’t want anyone to blame themselves for a loss, ever; you win as a team and you lose as a team.  I wish them nothing but the best next season,” Banta said.