The East Knox boys’ bowling team recently set a KMAC and school record with 2475 points, and they are currently first in the conference at 12-0.
Coach Chip Pozderac has been impressed with the way his team has taken its play to the top in such a short amount of time. While she had lofty goals from the start of creating the team, and some doubted them, Pozderac said she always knew the East Knox bowling team was something special.
“It feels amazing to see these kids reach their goals, and do so well this season,” said Pozderac. “When I started with the program we had three boys and zero girls. They had never won a KMAC match due to their numbers. I told them the first day we would win the KMAC, and they laughed, as did everyone else. But I knew that we could do something special.”
On Jan. 10, the Bulldogs set the record to beat Cardington-Lincoln 2475-1943. Will Jensen had scores of 177 and 265. Dylan Reed scored 224 and Blake Calhoon had 233.
The girls’ team, who are second in KMAC play, won 1751-1482 over Cardington-Lincoln. Olivia Nastasi had scores of 217 and 182.
On Jan. 17 the Bulldog boys’ team beat Lexington 2658-2301. Lane Lashley led the charge with scores of 279 and 238, followed by Jensen with 278 and 231. The JV boys’ team also won 1943-1842. Freshman Aiden Stapleton had a 212 and 187, while sophomore Gavin Kidwell bowled two 172s.
The girls’ team took a 2006-1782 loss. Nastasi had scores of 184 and 158.
The match before that the boys’ team took a 2203-2051 win over Mount Vernon. Freshman Blake Calhoon had scores of 220 and 195. In the 10th frame, 12 of 15 were strikes. All but one bowler threw for turkeys.
The girls’ team lost 1726-1629. Nastasi bowled 189 and 173, and Miale Hurlow had scores of 160 and 132.
Both the boys’ and girls’ bowling teams have had successful winter campaigns. The boys’ team is setting the pace and have yet to lose, and the girls’ team is currently second in the conference. Coach Chip Pozderac has been very happy with the effort put in and the results that have come about.
“Will Jensen and Dylan Reed were the foundation I needed to build the program,” Coach Pozderac said. “To see their success and that of the other kids is amazing. We won the KMAC tournament our first year, and the KMAC league the second, this year we want both. At this point our boys have the top five averages in the league.”
She said the girls’ team surprises him all the time. They have faced adversity and always manage to overcome it, Pozderac explained.
“Olivia Nastasi continues to be our rock, and leads the KMAC,” Pozderac said. “The others have risen to the occasion. Miale Hurlow has been bowling so well recently. She is also in the top six in the KMAC. The girls are led by Olivia and Miale. McKayla Blakely and Raelynn Williams are really bowling well.”
Se said the East Knox success comes through their experience, as there are 13 seniors on the squad, as well as their competitiveness. Se added they are always bowling and pushing each other. Importantly, the team has used their experience to help younger bowlers like Calhoon, who is a freshman.
“Currently, the boys have the top five averages in the KMAC,” Coach Pozderac said. “From Will Jensen's 213 to Jordan Hull's 198. Will (279) and Lane and Lane Lashley (278) against Lexington and Dylan Reed's 224, and Jordan Hull's 224 and Blake Calhoon's 233 against Cardington, were great games. These boys can put the points up - and any of them are capable of a 300, it is only a matter of time.”
