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Dedication was the least of Clay bowling coach Ron Koles' worries during the 2010-11 Toledo Metro High School Bowling League season.
“Overall, this was probably the best team I've had in a few years,” Koles said. “We had five kids capable of shooting a 600 series every week. That made my job a lot easier. I've never seen kids practice like these kids practice.”
Clay separated into three varsity bowling teams this season, which ran each Saturday from September through February at Southwyck Lanes. The 14-team Metro League included high school bowlers from Clay, Whitmer, Start, St. John's Jesuit, Rogers, Central Catholic, St. Francis de Sales, Northview, Notre Dame Academy, and the Southeast Michigan All-Stars.
Clay's No. 1 team of seniors Joe Beck, Paul Gladieux, Chase Beckner and James Schwed and freshman Randy Habel placed second in the league to defending champion Whitmer. Gladieux and Beck both earned All-City honors and combined for the second-highest series in the league, with a 1,158 total.
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Four members of Clay's bowling team-freshman Randy Habel, junior John Scott, senior James
Schwed, and senior Joe Riley. (Photo courtesy of Clay Yearbook Staff) |
“Paul and Joe went back and forth as to who was going to be our anchor bowler,” said Koles, in his eighth year as Clay's coach. “They were both pretty good in the clutch. Randy is a freshman and he has good potential in the future. Chase and James were pretty solid through the course of the year. They were on a steady level the entire year.”
Gladieux, who had a 210 average this season, and Beck (207) both rolled 300 games this year. Habel had a 204 average while Schwed and Beckner averaged 197 and 194, respectively.
“That team was pretty exceptional,” Koles said.
Clay's No. 2 squad consisted of senior Nick Dunlap, freshman sisters Harleigh and Cooper Isbell and juniors Sean Nontell and Brandon Kinsman. Harleigh Isbell was an All-City performer in the girls' division after posting a 180 season average.
Clay's No. 3 varsity team included senior Joe Riley, junior John Scott and sophomore David Scott.
“We had 13 kids who all averaged 180 or better in the high school league,” Koles said. “You have to average at least 160 to bowl on the varsity.”
Clay finished sixth out of 13 teams at the locally-televised Chris Taylor Memorial All-Star Tournament at Southwyck Lanes at the end of the season. Gladieux and Beck placed first and second, respectively, while Harleigh Isbell finished third in the girls' division. Cooper Isbell finished with the third-highest series (625).
Clay's junior team featured eighth-grader Austin Van Ness, who took third at the Chris Taylor Memorial event.
“We were able to recruit eighth-graders who will be attending Clay next season, to get kids ready for the next level,” Koles said. “Austin also bowled in the Metro League and averaged 135. Before his time is over at the high school, he'll be at the varsity level. He really works hard at his game.”
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