Bittersweet Regionals

The Raiders did all they could, but came up short at regionals today. The Lady Raiders bowled 2018, coming in at 5th place (up from 9th place last year). Shelby did a great job averaging 168. Katie Constant qualified for State so we will be heading to Olathe to cheer her on. The boys had some great performances by Henry Haake, Eric Steffe, and Luke Bellamy and were just shy of 2400 pins (2398). They ended up in 7th place with Henry qualifying for State with a 645 series. The bowling banquet is next to celebrate a successful season and look to next year. Shelby has already determined that she will be working during the off season to get her score over 600. As hard as she works and as helpful as Coach Aaron has been, I have no doubt she will do it.

Shawnee Mission Tournament

Congratulations to Katie Constant, Lady Raider Bowling Captain, on her first place finish at the Shawnee Mission Tournament (676 series). The Raiders had a bit of a let down after Saturday's big win, with the boys finishing fourth and the girls finishing third. Once again, Shelby struggled with the lane conditions, but ended with a good last game of 183. Regionals is this Saturday (unfortunately at AMF West) but Shelby is determined to continue to improve on her scores to end the season strong. Go Raiders!

One Heck of a Sunflower League Tournament

Congratulations to the 3rd Place Sunflower League Girl's Team - our favorite Varsity Lady Raiders and the Sunflower League Champions for the boys - our own Varsity Raiders!!!! Yes, both Raider teams medaled today and Coach T (and all the parents) could not have been prouder of the way our kids fought through double oil to medal. South's Katie Constant was the No. 1 girl's bowler and Henry Haake and Zack Donovon got individual 9th and 7th place respectively. Next up is the Shawnee Mission Tournament Monday at AMF West Lanes. As both boys and girls beat all the Shawnee Mission teams, they will no doubt be out for revenge.

Another 2008 series for Varsity Girls

It was senior day at College Lanes as the Raiders celebrated our nine senior bowler. Rocky the Raider made a surprise appearance to help pump up the bowlers. The varsity girls once again bowled 2008 pins which put them ahead of Shawnee Mission Northwest. However, it was not enough to beat Lawrence Free State. Shelby bowled a high game of 223 and averaged 178. She was of course hard on herself, but Coach made a point to talk to her after the meet about how proud he was of her and her hard work. The Varsity girls are now 12-4 (quite an improvement from 3-9 last year).

Next up on Saturday is the Sunflower League tournament at AMF West Lanes (I must remember to take hand sanitizer as that is one dirty bowling alley).

All Dressed Up

The 2009 Raider Bowling Team was introduced at an all-school assembly on Thursday and all members were instructed to "dress up." We got Shelby a new dress (one that will work for her aunt's wedding in March as well) and she looked so nice, I made her pose for a picture. I don't think she stayed dressed up all day, but she made a great impression during the assembly.

So close...

The Lady Raiders came within 17 pins of another sweep; beating SM North, but getting edged out by Olathe East. Shelby had another 200+ game (212), but struggled a bit in the first and third game. Coach was pleased with her 172 average (as were Mom, Dad, and Dee Dee). Next up is SM Northwest and Lawrence Free State for the last meet before Varsity SM and Sunflower tournaments. Go Raiders!

Lady Raiders (and Shelby) in the KC Star Neighborhood Section

The Lady Raiders made the local neighborhood section of the Kansas City Star this weekend for setting a school record for total pins at last Wednesday's meet. Shelby's grandparents alerted us to the article when they called asking if Shelby would be available for autographs. Far from going to her head, Shelby is now concerned that she will let down the team if she has a bad game so is wanting to practice more than ever (she also doesn't think she is a "natural" because she has had to work so hard). We are all very proud of her hard work - it certainly has paid off. Go Raiders!

Bowling Bonanza at Mission Bowl 'N-Olathe

Today the Raiders took on Gardner-Edgerton and St. Thomas Aquinas. Both JV teams came in first (the girls even only had 4 bowlers). Varsity boys came in second, and Varsity girls came in first with 2087 pins! Shelby bowled her best series in competition to date - 564. Of course we were all thrilled. She even picked up a 4-10 split - it was unbelievable! Next up, Olathe East and SM North. Go Raiders!!!!!!!