Picture from my phone

After the meet, Shelby, Kalie, and Katie posed for a picture.  The three girls bowled together on Lanes 19 and 20 at the SM Tournament at Mission Bowl.  Katie's dad pointed out that this is the second year in a row that a Raider girl got 1st place - Katie did last year and Shelby this year.

#1 Bowler in the Shawnee Mission District!

Today at Mission Bowl in Mission KS, SMS bowler Shelby Byrnes beat all of the competition (29 bowlers) and took first place for the girls with a 622 series.  I knew she had bowled the best she had in competition, but didn't realize she was the top girl until a SM West dad came up to congratulate her.  SMS bowler Katie Constant medaled as well - a tie for 6th place.  Of course, I didn't bring my camera so while I wait for pictures to be emailed me, I had Shelby pose at home.  The Raider girls got 3rd place overall, while the Raider boys took 4th place.  I know Coach T was hoping for better placement, but the girls got over 2000 pins so he was pleased about that.  He was thrilled for Shelby, of course, and expects her to get even better!  Next up is Senior Day on Tuesday and our last home meet of the season.  I will post more pictures as I get them.  Way to go, Shelby!!

Back on Track

Another bowling meet yesterday at Mission Bowl in Olathe found the Raiders bowling against Lawrence and Olathe Northwest.  The JV teams swept the competition (the JV girls are undefeated this season).  The Varsity girls beat Olathe Northwest, but lost to Lawrence.  The boys came in third (Zach and Henry - No. 1 and 3 - were sick and didn't bowl).  Shelby did much better than last week - even bowling 6 strikes in a row (10th frame of game 2 and first 3 frames of game 3).  Next up is the Shawnee Mission Tournament on Friday at Mission Bowl in Mission.  Hopefully, everyone will be well for that and we can have a Raider sweep!

After Tech N9ne

Cady bought Brenton tickets to the Tech N9ne concert at the Beaumont Club last night and they stopped by for a quick hello afterwards (and for Brenton to pick up some of his cold gear he left from Christmas break and his Drew Brees jersey - Go Saints!).  It was great to see them even for just half an hour.  Brenton has obviously taken advantage of morning workouts as I was amazed the difference in his chest and shoulders in just a few short weeks.  My commenting upon this encouraged him to show me how strong he was by bench pressing Cady.  It actually seemed rather easy for him (of course she is quite tiny).  I of course had to take advantage of the photo op.  We will see them next at the Ottawa Football Banquet on February 20th where Brenton will get his KCAC Conference Championship Ring.  Can't wait for that!

No Hook in the 'Hood

Bowling last Thursday did not go very well for Shelbs; however the JV teams swept Turner and St. Thomas Aquinas while the Varsity teams swept St. Thomas Aquinas only to be beaten by Turner.  I think there was a crack down on hooking in KCK as Shelby could not get her ball to hook.  That is all the commentary about the meet as Shelby made me promise not to post her scores.  Needless to say, next week will be much better in Olathe and Mission.  Go Raiders!

History Made

Shelby's bowling coach, Aaron Kinkelaar, was lucky enough to be present (we got to see him on TV every time her opponent sitting) at the PBA Tournament of Champions this past weekend where history was made. Kelly Kulick achieved what no woman had accomplished before her: a victory on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour - and in one of its most prestigious tournaments. Kulick defeated top-seeded Chris Barnes, 265-195. She won $40,000 and earned a two-year exemption on the PBA Tour. Aaron and his wife even got to meet Kelly after the match! Aaron had sent me a text to tell Shelby to tune in - she was screaming at the TV throughout and was totally excited Kulick won (we then had to go to the bowling alley to practice). To quote Shelby (and everyone else), "Girl Power!"

Another Good Showing for Raider Bowlers

The Raiders had another good meet yesterday at AMF West improving their record to 21-3.  The JV boys and girls beat both SM West and Olathe Northwest.  The Varsity Boys beat West, but lost to ONW; the Varsity Girls beat ONW, but lost to SM West.  Shelby had a rough first game scoring 150 (interesting how rough for her would be incredible for me), but recovered to bowl a 202 and a 193.  Next up is Turner and St. Thomas Aquinas next Thursday.  Go Raiders!

Coach T giving pregame instructions

"Raiders on three"

Shelby looking adorable