HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Saints end bowling season on high notes

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By Alex Fox, Xavier H.S.

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Xavier Saints girls' bowling team capped off its 2011-12 season at the state tournament at Plaza Lanes in Des Moines, placing seventh in the Class 1A team race.

Keokuk won the 1A state title with 2,811 pins. Individually, junior Tara Trcka's 579 three-game series earned her an eight-place finish. Trcka won the 1A state title last year

Xavier junior Abbey Konzen was Xavier's second-best bowler with a two-game series of 326. Senior Tyler Weger rolled a 310, followed by junior Lisa Olberding with a 305, senior Erica Fry with a 286 and sophomore Haley Jensen with a 262.

“We had a really fun time this year and I was proud of how we were able to make it to state as a team,”  said Trcka, who was named the Metro Bowler of the Year.

The girls finished with a school-record of nine wins. The team looks to build off this year's success next year as they return four varsity starters.

The Saints boys'  team had  a season of great improvement.

Xavier beat  Cedar Rapids Kennedy on Feb.  10 at May City Bowl for its sixth win of the season. Freshman Caleb Miller bowled the high series of 461. Senior Logan Buschette had a high game of 237 and a 430 series and junior Kyle Elliott bowled a 224 high game and a 423 series.

The Saints competed at the district meet at Lancer Lanes in Cedar Rapids, placing fourth place with 2,817 pins. Sophomore Zach Klimesh lead the Saints with a series of 414. Junior Kirby Guge totaled 407.

“We improved so much this year and I was glad that our seniors were able to leave on a good note,” senior Jason Beer said.

The Saints finished  6-5 overall.