Back Row (L to R): Head Coach Tom Rathbun, Evan Sawitzki, Andrew Bauer, Joe Van Avery and Kyle Davis. Front Row (L to R): Massa Masri and Steven Hulbert.
Posted: Mar 06, 2023
The FM Raiders bowling team completed its 2022-23 season this past weekend at the NJCAA National Championship held in Cheektowaga, NY at Airport Lanes on March 2-4. The Raiders had a respectable showing of 14th place out of 24 teams.
"Overall we did fairly well on the National stage. Co-Captain Andrew Bauer paced the Raiders all weekend. After he had completed his 9 game individual scoring, Andrew finished just 44 pins shy of becoming an All-American. He was consistent all weekend and I'm so proud of his effort. In doubles competition, he and our other Co-Captain, Evan Sawitzki, finished 5th overall in Doubles competition, placing the highest amongst all Mountain Valley Conference double teams," stated Coach Tom Rathbun.
In the Baker style format, the FM team missed tying the Tournament record for a single game by 5 pins when the posted the high score of the day, an impressive 265.
Some of the high individual scores for the weekend were, Andrew with high games of 235, 227, 214 (twice), 212, 210, and a 209. Evan scored a 222, 207, 204, and a 203. Joe Van Avery posted games of 216, 212, and 207. Steven Hulbert had games of 277 and 190. Kyle Davis' top scores were 225, and 201. Freshman Massa Masri, who had never bowled before this year posted respectable games in her doubles competition and posted 3 strikes when called upon to bowl in the Baker matches.
"The results for the year may not have been what we expected at the beginning of the season, but this is without a doubt the finest group of young adults I've ever had the pleasure of coaching. They are hard working athletes that juggled academics, job commitments, practice and competition from October to March. I'm so incredibly proud of each and every one of them. Andrew and Evan have been the glue that kept us together throughout the season. Their bowling skills will be missed next year, but their leadership will be missed even more. I want to thank them for everything they've done and wish them nothing but the best," commented Coach Rathbun.
