The FMCC bowling squads competed this past weekend at the Region 3 bowling tournament held in Utica. Both teams finished in 4th place.
"I'm not really disappointed in the results. Of all the tournaments we participate in, this is by far my least favorite. The format we use is not used anywhere else, not even at Nationals. All year long we are allowed to sub in our two reserves as needed, but not here. The six that start have to bowl eight consecutive games and it is a long grind. It's over now and we can focus on the bigger prize, Nationals in Buffalo next week," said Coach Tom Rathbun.
Makayla Williams led the Lady Raiders with pretty consistent high scores and was selected to the All-Region team, an award given to the top six overall bowlers. Richard Taylor paced the men as he finished 10th overall.
Post season Mountain Valley Conference bowling awards were announced and the male and female FMCC Raiders were well represented.
The top award in the conference, Bowler of the Year, was given to Bryan Green. Bryan's 215 average was best in the league. Having the top average also means he was named to the first team All-Conference.
"This is a special honor for Bryan and it was well deserved. He narrowly missed All Conference last year and he was determined to make sure he didn't miss again," commented Coach Tom Rathbun.
First year bowler Ethan "No Wall" Hadcock was also named to the first team. "Ethan finished 3rd overall, less than 3 pins behind Bryan. This is Ethan's first year and he was probably our most consistent bowler. In the 18 conference games bowled, he failed to hit at least 200 just once."
Further honors were extended to Captain Richard Taylor as he and Hunter Meher were selected to the All-Conference second team. "Richard averaged 204 and in almost any other year that would have been good enough for First Team but this year 11 guys averaged 200 or better." Hunter Meher just missed the 200 average mark with a 199.75.
For the Lady Raiders, Captain Makayla Williams became the first ever female FM Bowler to be named to the First Team All-Conference. She finished 4th overall with a 185 average. "Makayla is my right hand "man" when it comes to running this team. She's NEVER afraid to give me her opinion on anything I ask her, and even on some things I don't ask her. This is her final year and she will really be missed. She helped to elevate this team and I wish her nothing but the best."
Also receiving post season honors were Shayla Staves, Rebecca Van Deusen, and Allie Borst as they were selected to the All-Conference 2nd Team. "Those three ladies and Angelique LaFreniere all worked well together and are good friends. They practiced hard this year and the result, like the guys, was our first conference championship. I'm so proud of both teams", stated Coach Rathbun.
As previously announced, Coach Rathbun was selected both Men's and Women's Coach of the Year.
The Raiders will now prepare for Nationals in Buffalo on February 28th.
