Cedar Rapids Prairie’s Grady quadruplets have grown up bowling

CEDAR RAPIDS - Most high school and amateur league bowlers get their start at a young age.

For many, it's handed down from parents and grandparents who watch as their 4-year-old children toss a ball down the lane guarded by bumpers.

Cedar Rapids Prairie's Grady quadruplets got their start a little younger than 4-years-old. Much younger, in fact.

'We've known John and Barb (Staub, owners of Lancer Lanes) forever,” said Lindsey Grady. 'They had our first benefit for us when we were still in our mom's belly.”

The quartet of Kara, Lindsey, Alyssa and Ashley have bowled together since they were old enough to carry a ball. This season will be their last as members of the Prairie girls' team.

'I'm really going to miss the relaxation and socialization after school,” Kara said. 'During the school day, a lot of us aren't in the same class, so it's nice to come out here and socialize and de-stress after a long day at school.”

While they all still plan to bowl in a league format in college, they won't be together. Each sister is heading to a different college: Kara to Iowa State, Lindsey to Creighton (maybe), Alyssa to Iowa and Ashley to Drake.

'Going to state and getting runner-up last year was my favorite memory,” Alyssa said. 'It was great to spend time with our teammates and cheer them on.”

A big part of Prairie's run to the state tournament last season graduated, leaving a big void to fill. Class 3A individual state champion Rylee Blood is gone, along with Sabrina Keiper, who finished 13th.

'They had some really high averages, and we just need to try to fill that gap as best we can,” said co-captain Ashley Grady.

Head coach Don Wilfong is confident the Hawks can make another strong run toward a state title this season.

'We lost a couple of good bowlers last year, but we have several more that are ready to step right into their shoes,” Wilfong said. 'I've been pleasantly surprised.”

At Cedar Rapids Jefferson, the enthusiasm is just as prevalent. While both the boys' and girls' J-Hawk teams are young, Coach Virg Cerveny believes they will gel as the season progresses.

'We have a nucleus of three, and we will build up three others,” Cerveny said. 'So, we are going to have to grow with it as the season goes.”

Senior Chaise Donner will pace the J-Hawks on the boys' side. Donner was a second-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference selection last season and finished with a 200 average.

'The new varsity players are good,” Donner said. 'They will just need some time to adjust to varsity competition.

'It starts at practice. Getting them to listen to what we are trying to say and help them develop parts of their game.”

BOYS

Teams

Linn-Mar - Lions failed to qualify for state last season, but return two bowlers with averages above 190.

C.R. Prairie - The Hawks finished last season 4-7 and have four seniors back and a deep roster.

C.R. Jefferson - Can the J-Hawks gel fast enough to replace the loss of Hunter Sturtz and his 220 average?

Individuals

Patrick Wood, I.C. West - Last year's Class 3A state champ will carry a 216 average into the season and is a strong favorite to repeat.

Alex Diercks, Linn-Mar - A first team all-Mississippi Valley Conference selection last year, Diercks will look to lead the Lions and improve on his 203 average.

George (Bert) Goodwin, C.R. Kennedy - A second team all-MVC selection as a sophomore, Goodwin is poised for a breakout season.

GIRLS

Teams

C.R. Prairie - The Prairie Hawks return a strong team despite losing two of their top bowlers from last season's runner-up team.

Marion - The Indians finished third at the state tournament last season and return five talented bowlers from that squad.

Linn-Mar - The Lions tied for the MVC Valley Division title last season and could contend for the outright title this year.

Individuals

Mikayla Hite, C.R. Prairie - Finished 11th at the state tournament as a sophomore last season and will look to crack the top-10 this season.

Alicia Steepleton, Marion - Despite an average of only 145 last year, Steepleton finished 11th in the Class 2A state tournament.

Jamie Milota, C.R. Kennedy - Milota carried a 181 average last season and could qualify as a an individual for the state tournament.