West Liberty bowler competes at state tourney

On lanes since age five, sophomore rolls for Muskies

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ore made it to the Iowa State Bowling Tournament on Monday, Feb. 21, despite competing for the first time in the sport.

Although Genna Evans competed for the honor to go to state as an individual for the Muscatine Muskies with a 627 three-game series at Rose Bowl in Muscatine on Feb. 1, the lone West Liberty student on the team qualified for state competition at Maple Lanes in Waterloo on Feb. 21.

She said although she competed as a Muskie, the team failed to qualify for state competition.

Evans said she became a strong bowler “with a lot of practice, focus and some very good coaching.” Her high game this season was a 245 and high series (two-game) was a 458, taking place on the team’s first meet of the season in November.

“After I bowled those, it felt really good – especially being one of the youngest athletes on the team, and it being the first meet of the season,” she said. “It was just a little boost of confidence for the rest of the season.”

Evans credited her coaches Mindy Stoltzfus and Triscia Klein for making her better on the lanes. “I have been bowling since I was probably about five years old. It's just kinda something that has been in the family since my dad was even a little boy,” Evans said, noting she does not compete in any other sports and is thankful West Liberty allows the opportunity for her to bowl with the Muskies.

A dancer as well for a local studio, Evans says she hopes to continue bowling even after high school, “even if it’s only in a league.”

Evans said there really is no secret to being a great bowler – it just takes a lot of time and practice.” She gets in that practice every chance she gets at Rose Bowl, surprised she made it to state after sitting out the sport her freshman year.

“Walking into State I was definitely very nervous, especially knowing that I was bowling among the best bowlers in the 3A class, at the State Tournament. Like that's crazy,” she said. “I think that one of the main things I learned from the tournament, or even the whole season is that you can't get down on yourself after one bad ball. It will affect your whole game.

The team’s season consisted of nine regular meets, along with three invitational tournaments, followed by regionals and state.

She said despite being a Muskie, she had a lot of support locally and appreciated that encouragement from the community.

Her parents are Scooter and Kristen Evans of West Liberty.

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