Helen Tran, business manager, staff photographer April 18, 2020
After capturing the GWAL City League title for the first time in KMC history, sophomore Tanner Becker, sophomore Benjamin Wemhoff, sophomore Samuel Calderon, sophomore Cole Munley, senior Boyd Phares and junior Joshua Graf gather around the third place plaque earned at the 5-1A State Bowling Tournament at Northrock Lanes March 6. The boys bowling team wrapped up their season with the first team placement at the state tournament since 2008, the second time in school history. “It was such a pure and amazing moment, as I haven’t seen any of those guys ever be so happy,” senior bowler Chloe Ciecko shared. photo by Helen TranSmiling brightly, sophomore Samuel Calderon stands among the state medalists as individual bowlers are recognized. Also a member of the national Colombian U-16 bowling team, Calderon placed eighth out of 96 bowlers with a series of 696. Shooting three games of 192, 225, and 279, he was the only KMC bowler to medal and finished the season with an average of 222, the fifth highest in the state. photo by Helen TranHoping for a strike, senior Boyd Phares keeps a careful eye on the ball after his release. Phares bowled on the KMC team for all four years. “It’s amazing we were able to get this far,” Phares reflected. “This group of guys have done so much for myself and the team, and I look forward to seeing them succeed in the future.” Phares bowled a series of 547 comprised of three games of 184, 177, and 213. photo by Helen TranWith a two-handed delivery, sophomore Tanner Becker prepares to release the ball. Becker finished with a series of 574 with three games of 235, 165, and 174. photo by Helen TranWith surprise and nervousness on his face, sophomore Samuel Calderon realizes that the KMC team has a chance of placing for the first time in 12 years. “It was an amazing experience to have represented Kapaun at state for the first time since 2008,” Calderon said. photo by Helen TranIn the second half of the tournament, junior Joshua Graf follows through as he finishes his throw. Apart from bowling three individual games, the team also bowled four Baker games. Baker System bowling brings a team aspect where more than one bowler earns the score of one game. The team bowled four scores of 224, 194, 213, and 233. photo by Helen TranBefore the girls portion of the tournament, senior Chloe Ciecko leads the last team cheer of the season with the support of the KMC boys bowling team. Ciecko was the lone qualifier from the girls team. “Especially when I was the only girl practicing for state, they made me feel motivated and excited and gave me incredulous amounts of support and encouragement,” Ciecko said. photo by Helen TranCompeting individually, senior Chloe Ciecko aims to hit the eight pin to earn a spare during the individual portion of the girls tournament. She earned a series of 508 bowling three individual games of 163, 166, and 179. “State was an entire day of an adrenaline rush,” Ciecko said. “I placed 40th that day, so I didn’t get to medal especially since I went below my average. Nevertheless, I had a fantastic day and wish I could do it over again.” photo by Helen Tran
