Sophomore Janice Nelson bowls during the unified bowling regional meet Wednesday." />
Sophomore Janice Nelson bowls during the unified bowling regional meet Wednesday.
With a look of shock on her face, unified bowling team member Addie Naff turned to senior teammate Rylee Griffin for a big double high-five after rolling a strike.
Griffin said the moment was one of her favorites from the season and shows how close the team has gotten throughout the season.
“The relationships we all made, we all got really close during the season compared to last year,” Griffin said. “I’m going miss all the kids.”
The unified bowling team’s season came to an end Wednesday after the team placed seventh at regionals Wednesday with a series total of 573.
The team played six Baker games where each of the four bowlers bowled at least two frames. The team’s scores from each game were 93, 81, 118, 97, 77 and 107.
The top five teams advance to the state meet, and the Cardinals missed the cut by just 67 pins.
Lawrence High School, Washburn Rural, Topeka Seaman, Topeka West and Lawrence Free State placed first through fifth, respectively.
Even though they narrowly missed out on going to state, head coach Daniel Hoschouer said he was pleased with how the team bowled.
“We bowled the best we’ve bowled all year,” Hoschouer said. “I think the kids are probably a little disappointed that they came up just shy, but overall the season went great and I couldn’t be more proud of the team.”
Griffin said the team’s score was the second best total they put up all year.
While she is sad to see the season end, Griffin said she has loved being a part of the unified bowling team.
“I love getting to know the kids in special ed. I also have family members in special ed, so I’ve been around them my whole life,” Griffin said.
Sophomore Jordan Chelossi said she enjoyed spending time with her teammates as well, but her favorite moments came off the lanes, such as getting food after meets.
Hoschouer said he loves the unified bowling program because of how inclusive it is.
“It’s tremendous getting our life skills kids an opportunity to compete on a normal athletic stage that any other high school athlete might take for granted,” Hoschouer said. “It’s great seeing them compete and get that same team interaction that everyone else is used to.”
Hoschouer said the team will have a party to celebrate the end of the season together and will look to strike back next year.
Reach reporter Jack Denebeim at [email protected]
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