We are blessed with some amazing young student athletes that participate in high school bowling. Dayle Aldrich is one of the more prime examples. She coined the above phrase that would seemingly fit the exploits of any team that participates in organized sports.
If Aldrich and her Shawnee teammates are great examples of this principal, Dorian Regandanz and the young ladies of Celina certainly illustrate that Sportsmanship is the element that brings the mission together.
Shawnee eliminated Celina for the second consecutive season of the Lima Senior High Invitational keying a series of remarks and actions by the amazing Ms. Regandanz.
“This team is by far my favorite that we get to participate against! They cheer for all the bowlers and high five those who do well. Your wins over us last year and this year are well deserved. You have my heart!”
Pure class Dori! You and your teammates are loved by Shawnee and a lot of their fans as well.
Celina was still in the midst of celebrating their victory when the Shawnee team stepped from their award ceremony and immersed themselves in the Celina celebration. The photo with this article shows the epitome of sportsmanship as the two teams celebrated the match being every bit as important as the title.
The sophomore Aldrich pointed to another key. “This year we have really come together as a team.
Julia Reipenhoff, one of three seniors on the team was the first to point to how solid of a team that they have been. ‘We have been a team but this year even more so. Abbey has always been with us but this year she is a part of it as well.”
Abbey Ambroza is the freshman performer to whom Julia was referring. “I have been here to support but it is great to be a part of it now. We did struggle at first but we are doing well. Not sure if Ambroza was referencing the tournament or a recent non conference win over Coldwater.
Amanda Hobbs offered some clarity for the effort in the Baker game tournament. Our initial games were not up to par but we started a cheer and it bought the hype.
Watch out future foes of the Lady Indians when you here T-T-T- Tribe – you are in for some problems.
Allie meeker reinforced her teammate. “They made me very happy to be a part of it. It was a slow start but the cheers helped. Celina is very good but there is not any team that I would rather go up against. They are great sports.”
The importance of the team concept is not lost on senior Megan Atkinson who is not used as much as in past seasons but is still a key member of this team. Her passion amplifies the team nature of the Tribe. “It has been a great three years I do not know what I would do without them. They have been by my side, they have been like family to me.
I really do not mean to shortchange the host Lima Senior High School Spartans. The Spartans did some sorting of their student-athlete assets and captured the second annual version of this event by defeating St Marys #2 by a 3-0 count in the best of five finale.
Keonte Bankston who has gained a trophy or two in this sport, did a bit of an imitation of LeBron following the victory. “It really feels great, my guys had my back in the end.”
Jarrett Smith, who is yet another youth with a great story, slowed his pace enough to scream, “It was awesome!’ I watched Jarrett a lot over the last three games and I am not sure that I saw him roll a bad frame. It was a great performance.
Dakota Seaman was a bit more subdued, by his own word shocked that they were able to pull it all together. His mother Jana was a bit more verbal. ‘Our boys bring it when they need to bring it.
Two of the Lima Senior High lady bowlers chimed in as well.
Morgan Twining offered it was very intense and Riley Davenport referenced how will they rolled together and that it was a great win.
Aaron Bennett also spoke to the intensity. “The atmosphere was incredible. We all did our best, it was exciting.”
Dre Walton followed the sentiment of Bennett. “We’re blessed, a blessed team. We came together and all did what we needed to do.”
Eyon Berney, a key part of the teams scoring muscle may have summed it up the best. “I am very proud of my team. We had some tough matches, like Shawnee right after lunch. We came together as a team and stuck with it including the final match with St Marys. It was a great day and I am very proud to be a part of it.
While the Spartan Invitational was happening back in our hometown, the top four teams from each of the districts were competing in Columbus in the OHSAA Kickoff Classic.
The results made me think that it could mean great things for our area come March and the state finals.
When we roll poorly as a group it often results in a season ending championship. At the time of this report only the Wapak boys made it to the round of 16. They were joined at the event by Coldwater as well as the boys squads from Shawnee and St Marys. The young ladies from Coldwater, St Marys and Wapak competed as well.
It was a great week … congrats to the Lady Indians and the Spartans
