The East Knox boys’ bowling team went to the Division II Tournament for their first time, and while they placed 12th and didn’t make the cut for the final bracket, it was an exciting season for the Bulldogs where they had a number of accolades and accomplishments.
In the preliminary round the top teams make the cut for the second day, and this was led by Coldwater with a score of 3,893. Pleasant was third in the preliminary round but went on to win the state title.
The Bulldogs have have come a long way from a program with just two boys only three years ago. East Knox had a game one score of 826, followed by 877 in game two and their best for last with 940 in game three. This was a combined regulation total score of 2,643. They had 186, 187 and 208 in their Baker games, and a total score of 3,224.
Will Jensen was the top bowler as he had been much of the season. He bowled 590 over three games, good for 28th place. Jordan Hull was tied for 49th with a score of 557; Dylan Reed was 61st with a score of 531 and Lane Lashley was 67th with 523 points. Blake Calhoon had 277 over two games and was 92nd, whole senior Aaron White placed 99th with a one game score of 165.
Nastasi finished tied for 27th in the girls’ bowling tournament, with a total score of 534 (206, 167 and 161). She was tied with Maggie Frick of Rootstown.
Coach of the Year
Coach Chip Pozderac was named KMAC Coach of the Year, and the former basketball coach is one who has turned around the program to bring them to their first state tournament appearance. They also won the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference title, this year.
“Being Coach of the Year is a wonderful honor, but I did not do this on my own,” Pozderac said. “I have an amazing assistant coach, Alex Barnard. And my bowlers’ parents are incredible. So many of them are long time bowlers, and the guidance and support I get from them is what has made this program as successful as it has been. They know the game, and are willing to answer any questions.”
Pozderac explained that East Knox Athletic Director Scott Brickner has had experience bowling and allowed them to hit different tournaments to prepare for their goal of making states. She also said Colonial Lanes has been incredibly supportive, and have laid various oil patterns down when asked.
“It has truly been a community effort,” Pozderac said.
KMAC Bowlers of the Year
Will Jensen won his third KMAC Bowler of the Year award and Olivia Nastasi won the award for the first time on the girls’ side.
Jensen was the Bowler of the Year his freshman year before Pozderac arrived as coach, and after narrowly missing his second year, he won the next two awards. She said he could have won his second year to make it all four years, but she was unaware of certain qualifications for the title.
“Will Jensen is one of the most impressive bowlers I’ve ever seen,” Pozderac said. “He’s been working on his game for years now, and has developed one of the smoothest releases in the KMAC as a result. He bowls all year round to always keep his game sharp, and even though he was already an incredible bowler his freshman year, he has continued to work and work to improve on his already incredible technique. On top of that, Will has become an expert at reading the oil on the lane and has become a true leader for this team. Whenever anyone needs help on the team, Will is always there to offer a suggestion.”
Nastasi played basketball for Pozderac in the past, and she followed her to bowling when Pozderac made the switch. During her sophomore year she showed talent, that combined with countless hours of practice. She is now one of the top bowlers in the state, Pozderac said, and she praised her for her being “calm, cool and collected” while bowling.
“She took Bowler of the Year in the KMAC and beat the 2nd place girl’s average by over 30 pins,” Pozderac said. “However, the one thing that’s really special about Olivia is that she never lets her success blind her. No matter how good she becomes, she always pushes herself to continue working on her game and become even better.”
Last year she missed states as an individual by only 40 points, and this is where Pozderac saw Nastasi’s feelings on bowling change. She came into this year with big goals, and one thing about Nastasi is when she puts her mind to something, she will go all out to accomplish it.
“That’s what makes her such a good bowler who deserves everything she has accomplished, and watching her continue to succeed has made me so proud, she has really made a name for herself this year,” Pozderac said.
Five First Team All-KMAC Bowlers
The entire starting lineup made first team All-KMAC this season, which includes seniors Jensen, Lashley, Reed and Hull, and the team’s only freshman Calhoon
“Going into the season, we knew we had a real shot at placing all five starters on the first team list, but to go one through five in the conference (with averages ranging from Will’s 210 to Jordan’s 198!) was just incredible,” Pozderac said. “Those five boys have worked so hard to improve their game by bowling on days without practice, bowling games solely to practice spares, and getting new bowling balls.”
Jensen has improved his average by 10 pins since last year, while Reeds went up by six. Lashley and Hull have seen their scores improve by 40 points.
“Those four boys have worked tirelessly since sophomore year, and getting to see their talents blossom this year has been spectacular,” Pozderac said. “Even Blake Calhoon, the lone freshman on varsity, has been practicing by bowling in youth leagues for the last few years so that he would be ready for his freshman year of bowling. He fit in with the others so well, he completed the team.”
A Bright Future
Calhoon being a first teamer bodes well for the future of the program. Pozderac added that the team’s sixth man, Colin Baxter, could have started for any other KMAC team and probably would have made first or second team All-KMAC.
“He had the toughest job, just to be ready if we need him,” Pozderac said.
Pozderac is looking forward to what is to come for the Bulldogs, as they continue to show that they are growing as a program.
“People know who we are now, and we are no longer the ‘laughing stock of the KMAC,’ which is great for the program,” Pozderac said. “Bowling allows all kinds of kids an opportunity to participate in a school sport, so the accolades will help continue the tradition these kids have set.”
