Cougars make move on day two

By AARON MANAGHAN

Sports editor

TACOMA — Day one of the 2008 WIAA 4A State Girls Bowling Championships literally couldn’t have gone worse for Central Kitsap.

The Cougars finished with just 4,289 pins after Friday’s opener at Narrows Lanes, 98 behind seventh-place Rogers.

But not to be sold short, the Cougars rallied where others may have folded, rallying on day two to take seventh place overall, coming within 54 pins of sixth.

“Just a new day,” CK coach Bruce Welling said when asked what made the biggest difference. “A night of rest and renewed hope.”

It worked, as CK actually climbed into the No. 6 spot for a short time Saturday.

And while the team finished in seventh, their 2,143 Baker pins was the fifth-highest total on the day. Combined with the team’s early tournament accomplishments and Welling said the team liked how they finished just fine.

“The whole year has been very successful,” Welling said. “We were second in league, third in districts and seventh in state.”

CK’s Angie Holland, Melissa Beers and Wendy Ellison were the only Cougars to roll each frame on day one, with Holland leading the charge with 975 pins on a 179 high game. Ellison had a 211 high game en route to a 944 series while Beers had a high of 155 for 845 pins overall. Senior Jordan Barland, one of two CK seniors, bowled all but one game for a high of 176 and five-game series of 716. Becky French recorded 439 pins in four games while Ellie Holland racked up 248 in two games. CK senior Sarah Menger got in on one game on day one, rolling a 122.

Welling said CK will miss its senior Barland and Menger.

“Jordan and Sarah both, their leadership and the fun we’ve had,” Welling said. “And their consistency with bowling.”

Both reciprocated the sentiment.

“Mr. Welling, we thank him for everything,” both Menger and Barland said. “He’s always there for us. He’s given us some of our best times in high school.”

While CK will lose its duo, Welling was encouraged by the experience his younger bowlers got.

“They’ll know what it’s about,” he said. “Anything you do the first time, it’s always a new experience. The second time is always better.”

But perhaps more than anything else, Welling was very pleased with the new location. Last year, the tourney was held at Lynnwood Lanes, drawing much criticism for lack of space and mobility.

“The location is super,” Welling said. “They did a very nice job and people like (Klahowya coach) Loree Hippe helping out.”

But even more than that, Welling said he appreciated the effort of his team and support from team parents.

“I’m just very happy, very pleased,” he said. “It’s all you can ask for as a coach. And we have good parents. Thank you to them for supporting us.”

Barland, a member of CK’s state team two years ago, said it was nice to go out strong this year.

“Our sophomore year we made it to state,” Barland said. “We didn’t do so hot. We kind of fell apart. So this was a huge relief.”

For Menger, though, the memories will include the camaraderie formed on the lanes.

“The thing I’ll miss is just getting to see the girls every day,” she said. “We’re like one big happy family. It’s cheesy to say but it’s true.”

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