I believe that it was 14 years ago that my friend Linus Hartings pulled my aside at the then proprietor managed high school state tournament that was being held that season at Rainbow Lanes now Wayne Webb Columbus Bowl.
It was at that time that he introduced me to Dr. Dan Ross the commissioner of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). I can still remember that moment very clearly. We were on the narrow concourse of the lanes just a few feet from the counter. I asked Dr. Ross what he thought about what he had observed on that day.
With a wave of his hand he simply stated, “Who would not love this …,” the balance of that conversation will stay with me and my close bowling friends.
We spoke for a few moments after that regarding the OHSAA plans for the game and then we went in separate directions. Over the last fourteen years those separate directions have remained quite separate.
It was during the OHSAA Girls Division I event that we met again. This time Dave Jeanneret, who was at Rainbow 14 years ago was the willing accomplice.
Again it was Ross and me meeting more by chance than design in roughly the same location as we did 14 years early. Blessfully I have a photo of the moment.
I asked my friend Dan the same question that I had 14 years earlier.
He once again raised that awesome arm, waived it over the crowd and said, “Who would not love this. The trailing statement was different this time as he spoke with passion of how youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity were involved in sports. He praised the parents, the grandparents and the coaches that make it happen. His words rang very sincere.
We spoke for a few more minutes and we then hugged it out. The words during that moment will be stored in the family vault.
As I thought of the word battles that I had shared with Ross over the years, I was reminded of my battles and now the battles of some bowlers of the Lima Bowling Association (LBA) with our local board.
Maybe someday I will locate all my columns and assess who I have been most critical of the OHSAA or the local LBA Board. It would probably be close.
What I do know is this. In recent years I have had the chance to meet Jay Selgo and members of the Northwest District Athletic Board as well as spend quality time with Roxanne Price, Greg Coulles, Kyle Wilson, Fran Miller and Brenda Murray of the Columbus and/or tournament staff. While I may never agree with them, I will support them as I believe that they are committed to the bowlers and the families that they serve.
I wonder if it is not time not only for myself but for many in the community of bowlers to step forward and communicate more effectively with our local board. As much as I have fought with them over the years, I really do not remember doubting the love that we share for the game.
The time has come for peace and a fresher approach to the sport in our community. The board elections are over. Kerry Kniola will return to the board as will Jim Thorbin. Brian Slaughter and John Riepenhoff will fill the empty slots. Jessie Caskie will serve as house rep from Norada Lanes as their board member Martha Long as stepped away from the board. Personally I think it would be great if each house had a rep to bring concerns or praise to the board meetings.
Rumors are running amok right now that the next time that a WOHSBC banquet is held that it may look quite a bit different than it did this past Sunday afternoon. Nothing is yet official but there were teams talking Sunday that the Western Buckeye League will be a stand-alone conference.
WOHSBC boss Rick Hartings had heard the rumblings before and will be meeting with coaches and athletic directors if possible to see what the overall impact will be. We will update you when information advances from rumor to fact.
On the positive side of things, Romers Catering of St Henry was again a great host for the end of the year event.
Dayle Aldrich of Lima Shawnee repeated as North Bowler of the Year over some very stiff competition. Two of her teammates, Allie Meeker and Abbey Ambroza were honored as first-team all conference as well as Aldrich. The trio was joined on first team by Jaden Gibson and Dorian Regedanz of St Marys, Morgan Twining of Lima Senior and freshmen sensations Lorrie Decker of Van Wert and Madison Doseck of Wapakoneta.
Carlee Hosterman, Mckenzie Wagner and Katie Manger of Wapak headed the second team along with Brittany Freytag and Jami Dunlap of St Marys.
Emily Fortener of Coldwater was bowler of the year in the south.
Nate Langenkamp edged cousin and fellow Celina Bulldog Cole Cisco out as bowler of the year in the north. Kolyn Wiehe of the state champions was also on the first squad as well as Nate Stratton of Lima Shawnee, Nathan Bidlack of Van Wert and the trio of Redskins from Wapak, Tyler Miller, Dusty Haggard and second team All Ohio, Josh Wahl.
Shawnee dominated the second team in the person of Skylar Briggs, Keaton McKinley and Jeffrey Geise.
We promise you more as very shortly we will be taking a look at what may be happening to the WBL and the WOHSBC super-conference.
There is still room to roll in the singles tournament this weekend at Southgate and circle your calendar for Apr. 7 and the Big Brothers/Big Sister bash at Westgate Lanes.
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