Linn-Mar's Wyant shows a natural -- and unusual -- grasp for bowling

By Jeff Hare, Correspondent

MARION - There are a lot of different ways for a bowler to knock down the pins at the end of an alley.

Linn-Mar junior Justin Wyant has perfected his own style of getting the job done.

Wyant uses a two-handed method to rack up his strikes. And judging by his 212 average in high school league play, it must be working.

“A couple of years ago, when I was a freshman, a few of my friends and I were messing around and I started rolling the ball with both hands,” he said. “I liked the way the ball was responding, so I kept doing it.”

Controlling the ball is the key, he said.

“I found that I liked the movement and had better control over the ball using both hands,” he said. “It has worked well for me.”

Coach Andy Diercks likes what he sees in his young bowler.

“Justin is quite good at it.” he said. “He qualified for state as a freshman and has been to a clinic where he was coached by the best two-handed bowler in the world, Jason Belmonte of Australia.”

Diercks had some questions about the unique style, however, and went to a coaches clinic to learn more.

“I wanted to make sure that I wasn't hindering Justin's game,” he said.

It has been a good season for the Lions, who sit atop the Mississippi Division of the MVC.

“It's been a great season so far,” Wyant said. “We have a great group of guys who really pick each other up. If someone is going great, we all feel that we are going great. If someone needs picked up, we are all there for them.”

Wyant would like to continue his athletic career in college, bowling and playing baseball.

“I have been talking to some colleges about doing both sports and that is something I hope to do,” he said.

The two-handed style is here to stay.

“Well normally I'm right handed, but I haven't bowled with one hand in a couple of years now,” he said. “I think I'll stay with the two-handed shots. It seems to be going pretty well.”

Strikes

• A.J. Chapman of West Delaware continues to lead the state with an average of 253. Brogan Fiala of Prairie leads the Metro with an average of 265.
• The state individual leader in girls' play is Xavier junior Tara Trcka at 225 per game. Her Saints are 3-1 and tied with Prairie atop the Valley Division of the MVC. Kennedy and Waterloo West lead the Mississippi Division with 4-0 records.

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