Sheridan bowlers ready to strike at state

THORNVILLE — When Brian Currence started the Sheridan bowling program three years ago, he was confident it would thrive.

The long-time bowler has seen it come to fruition.

The Sheridan girls will compete in their first state tournament, the Division II competition on Saturday, while the boys are making their second straight trip to the Division I event on March 11.

The competitions will be held at Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl.

"The boys have had a lot of success in the league, and last year they got to see what it was like against the best in the state," Currence said. "We had a bad first game then we were in the top 5 in the final two games and the six Bakers. They should contend to be in the top 8 for the Baker tournament where anything can happen.

"The girls have been aiming for this since we started the program," he added. "They came in this summer to work on their craft. They listened to our instruction and worked hard to get here. I want them to enjoy the experience and we'll see what happens."

Each squad is senior-laden. The girls are led by four seniors, Darcie Herges, Cali Baird, Caroline Sites and Kilee Blessard, while sophomores Abby Currence, Alayna Crawford and Brooklyn Giles round out the varsity lineup.

The Generals totaled 3,474 pins to win the district championship by 238 pins over Fairfield. Sites and Herges shared the individual district title, as each rolled a three-game series of 564, and Blessard wasn't far behind with a 539 series.

The team score is in the lower half of the 16-team field, but Blessard is confident the Generals will compete with the best.

"It's heart-warming to do this with this group. I'm glad to finish my senior year at state," said Blessard, who has bowled competitively since she was 11. "I love this team because we come together to help each other. We want what's best for one another, and it's awesome to make it this far. We're hoping to get into the top 8 and see if we can win it."

The boys totaled 3,840 pins to claim a second straight district championship on Tuesday. Senior Hayden Wilson led the way with a 224-592 series, while senior Jarett Thorne threw a 232-574, senior Holden Bowen 207-558, senior Kole Moore 209-551 and junior Levi Currence 183-463 to round out the scoring.

Seniors Hunter Wilson and juniors Corben Bope and Adam Saffell round out the squad.

The Generals are ready for redemption. They placed 11th out of 16 teams a year ago, but missed the Baker tournament, which takes the top eight, by 104 pins.

"We didn't lean on our previous success or get too comfortable," Thorne said about this season. "It feels good to see the work we put in pay off with another trip. We went undefeated in our league (Licking County Bowling League), and we took it serious all season. We know what to expect (at state) so we need to be more relaxed and bowl our game."

Last year was intimidating, recalled Levi Currence. He felt the team warmed up well, but once the competition started, the Generals saw other teams throwing strikes in the first game.

It took time to settle in, but the Generals moved up the standings. Now, anything less than being in the final eight would be a disappointment, said Levi.

"There were nerves, but we understand what to expect and we have to roll our game. We can't worry about the other teams," he noted. "We have good chemistry, and we're excited to be up their together for another chance. We not only expect to compete, but we want to win. It comes down to bowling like we know how."

The confidence comes from the leadership of coaches Brian Currence and Craig Smart. Their knowledge of the game has helped develop the skill level of both teams, said Sites.

She is one of three seniors, Baird and Herges are the others, who never bowled competitively before joining the program as sophomores. Seeing how far they have come has amazed Sites and her teammates, and now they have made history.

"I had no idea what to expect when I started. They really helped me with my game. Their great teachers, and I learn something new all the time," Sites said. "It's the best feeling to see everything pay off. We really get along as a team and pick each other up after a bad throw. We cheer each other on and help each other out. It's an honor to be part of the first team to reach state."

Baird was also a member of the state-qualifying girls golf team. She said that experience will help her this weekend. She is also pleased to see her dedication rewarded, as the Generals embrace the moment and look to end the season strong.

"This is what we've all worked for the last three years, and Coach Currence has been a big part of it," Baird said. "He's given me confidence with my game, and I know he's done that for the whole team. This team roots for each other. We need to bring that same energy to state. We want to have fun and see what we can do."

bhannahs@gannett.com

Twitter: @brandonhannahs