Saints shine on lanes all season

CEDAR RAPIDS - It is that time of year when athletes across the state are cashing in all their hard work and looking for one final payday.

For the Xavier boys' bowling team, that payday was sweet.

The team finished the regular season with an 8-3 record while competing in the cutthroat Mississippi Valley Conference, which consisted of five of the top 10 teams in Class 3A. They continued their stellar play on Feb. 17 at the state qualify meet, where the team's performance earned it a spot in the state competition.

While seniors Caleb Miller and Brett Young get much of the attention for their outstanding performances, the Saints were far from a two trick pony.

'Having someone as talented as Caleb and Brett on the team is a huge bonus, but they need a supporting cast to be where they are this season,” Coach Russ Camacho said.

The Saints had sophomores Cameron Zaugg, Jacob Fulton, and Michael Buenzow, as well as freshman Charlie Hart, on the varsity squad, creating high hopes for the future. But for this season, they have been essential in helping round out a squad that was looking to compete for a state title.

'We would not be where we are without them,” Camacho said.

Heading into state, the Saints held the fourth highest average in Class 2A. Young was the second highest bowler at the state qualifying meet with a 458 series. Miller was one of the top individuals in the state and was, once again, looking to come out on top like he did as a sophomore.

'I believe the team has a legitimate chance at winning the first title in school history,” Camacho said before the Feb. 24 state meet. 'The outlook for our team is bright.”

The Saints finished second as a team and Miller, the KCRG-TV9 Athlete of the Week, was third individually. He was a state runner-up as a junior. Young finished 14th.