The JV boys bowling squad fared quite well in the recent state meets.
Bowling at Sunnybrook Lanes, seven boys and one girl found themselves in the JV individual states finals on Saturday, Feb. 18.
After bowling three games, three Wildcats – junior Paul Tamaka, and freshmen Jake Delong and Drew Pappas – rolled well enough to qualify for the round of 32. Pappas qualified first, Delong was third and Tamaka was 31st.
Both Deong and Pappas would advance to the semi-final round, where Delong’s luck finally ran out. However, Pappas would advance to the finals and claim Oxford’s first state singles title.
‘Drew had a great game and deserved this,? varsity coach JR Lafnear said. ‘He worked hard and is a serious bowler.?
Delong finished third.
‘Pappas and DeLong worked hard in the middle school bowling program and it has helped prepare them for this success,? Lafnear said. ‘I like the future for these boys and I’m excited to watch them going forward.?
At the JV team state championships on Sunday, Feb. 19, the boys would be seeded second following a 183 average over 10 games.
They would defeat Warren De LaSalle in the round of 16 and Utica in the round of eight before losing to Flint Kearsley in the semi-finals.
Bay City John Glen defeated the Wildcats in the consolation round.
‘Over 25 teams were here today, so finishing in the top four is very exciting for our future,? Lafnear said. ‘These young men did a great job and represented Oxford’s bowling team and school very well.?