By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

When the Northeast Division II District championship concluded at Rebman Lanes in Lorain, Portage County bowling fans had a lot to cheer about.

One team and two individuals rolled their way into the top-four qualifiers and are now planning their excursions to the OHSAA Division II State Championship Bowling Tournaments this Friday and Saturday in Columbus.

ROOTSTOWN’S JUSTIN MILLER

The Rovers’ junior not only grabbed one of the qualifying spots, but also bowled his way to the individual champion at the Division II district.

Miller rolled games of 244, 268 and 248 for an outstanding 760 series.

“I was surprised that I was able to stay in the same ball all three games,” said Miller, who was happy with his consistency.

“I personally thought he could have shot an 800,” said his coach, Thom Butcher. “He missed the pocket once.

“He is a very humble young man,” concluded Butcher.

Not only humble, but talented as Miller will take his solid bowling to H.P. Lanes in Columbus on Friday to compete for a state championship.

GARFIELD’S SIERRA FOY

It is never a surprise to see a bowler from Garfield advance to the state championships. The G-Men have often made the lanes in Columbus a “home away from home,” sending teams and individuals to the competition.

This season, it is an individual advancing to H.P. Lanes to bowl on Saturday in the girls Division II state competition.

Sierra Foy, only a freshman, slid into sixth place overall and the third-individual qualifying spot at Rebman Lanes.

Bowling a 592 series, she saved her best for the final game of her series, a 217, to add to the 194 and 181 for a 592 series.

Foy has established herself early in her high school bowling career. She was the only freshman in the top-19 bowlers at the district.

ROOTSTOWN GIRLS BOWLING

The Rovers are making history with their trip to Columbus.

They are the first varsity girls team to advance to the state tournament in the program’s history.

Payton Curall, a senior this year, advanced to the state as an individual in 2023. Now, the entire team goes with her to the Division II state championships.

The Rovers were consistent throughout the district tournament, moving into fourth place and staying there throughout the event.

“Today, all eight girls contributed,” said coach Andy Day. “They never folded and stepped up to the challenge.”

Day commented that the girls were in the same place last year and folded.

“This year, they wanted it (the trip to state) and made it happen,” the coach concluded.

Natalie Hammerschmidt, a senior, led the team at the districts, bowling a 559 series, with a high game of 199.

The rest of the team includes all seniors, one junior and one sophomore.

Advancing the team to district, team members, in addition to Curall and Hammerschmidt, are Elli Campbell, Emma Day, Maggie Frick, Caitlyn Hammerschmidt (who rolled the high game of the team effort, a 210), Gracie Frick and Mal Butcher.

The team combined for a 1,091 total in the six Baker games, the highest Baker game total among the 15 teams competing at district.

THE STATE TOURNAMENT

Division II qualifiers to state travel to H.P. Lanes in Columbus this Friday and Saturday.

Division II boys compete on Friday, then the girls take over the lanes on Saturday.