Improved leadership, performance have Monticello, Quinn Thomas back at state

Quinn Thomas took a big step forward this year.

A couple steps, actually.

The Monticello junior led all Iowa high school bowlers in total pins (5,806), and his per-game average of 232 rose 10 points from last season.

But his greatest growth hasn’t come from throwing a ball.

“He’s become a really good captain and a very good role model for the guys. He really gets the team together,” Monticello Coach Brian Meyer said. “We’ve always been able to rely on him bowling-wise; he’s a highly talented player who works hard. But as far as leadership, it’s different this year. Over the summer, he hit a maturity level. I don’t know what changed, but it’s been tremendous.”

“My freshman year, I wasn’t the highest average on the team, but I had some good leaders to learn from,” Thomas said. “Everybody sees captains throughout their life, and I wanted to be a good captain and a good leader.

“My teammates always drive me to do better, and I want to help lead them to where we want to be.”

That destination is the state tournament, where the Panthers are headed for the first time since 2021.

Monticello finished first in last week’s Class 1A state qualifying meet at Legacy Lanes, in a field that included Pella Christian, Benton Community, Washington, Fairfield and Knoxville.

“We started out well, but then slowed down a bit,” Meyer said. “We never fell out of second place, but we were chasing and a little nervous. Then we caught fire and had a five-game run where our low score was probably in the 220s.

“It was an exciting day. I think our team chemistry finally clicked is what led to the victory.”

Along with Thomas, Monticello’s state-qualifying roster includes senior Kyle Arduser, sophomores Brayden Todd, Gavin Hinrichs, Jacksen Telleen, Cameron Pasker and freshman Connor Butterworth.

“We’re definitely a young team, but we’re a threat,” Thomas said. “I know we have the ability to shoot really high. Averages don’t speak enough for this team — this team’s all about development, and we’ve gone from lower to higher (scores) throughout the season.”

“We really need people to understand their roles,” Meyer said. “In bakers, especially, the role is to fill frames. Don’t leave holes. Don’t have opens.”

Monticello will take the lanes at Cadillac XBC on Monday.

“I am both concerned and optimistic,” Meyer said. “We’re going to work on the mental side of things a little more than the physical side, because they have the physical skills. We need to control our nerves and handle that side of it.”

Thomas and Hinrichs also qualified for state as individuals and will return to Waterloo on Tuesday to compete.

“Quinn finished second last year in individuals, so I’m sure he’s sniffing for an individual title,” Meyer said. “If he bowls to his fullest capacity, I have to think he’s got a shot at it.”

“I am hungry for that state title,” Thomas said. “My brother, Nate Dotterweich, was a cross country runner and he’s on the state championship wall at Monticello. I’d love to have my picture up there with him.”