Vandercook, Gabriel Richard Tops in D4
March 1, 2013
By Jon Malavolti
Special to Second Half
STERLING HEIGHTS – During eight of the first nine seasons of MHSAA Girls Bowling Finals, either Vandercook Lake or Sandusky made the championship match to end the winter.
And after meeting – and splitting – the last two Finals matches, it seemed only right that they met to decide a title again in year 10 at Friday's Division 4 tournament at Sunnybrook Golf and Bowl.
“We were really hungry for Sandusky,” Vandercook Lake senior Becky Cecil said. “We worked our butt off and got our scores up, so if it came down to Vandercook and Sandusky, we would be ready for them.”
After being separated by only six pins with three frames to bowl, the Jayhawks pulled away for a 1,322-1,166 victory to give themselves two of the last three championships – Sandusky finishing first in 2012.
In the Boys Final, Riverview Gabriel Richard beat East Jackson 1,356-1,058.
Vandercook Lake coach Todd Reichard said his squad couldn't wait for the title rematch after finishing runner-up last year.
Facing Sandusky always provides a chance to measure his program.
“That’s who you want, is the best,” Reichard said. “I’m very proud. We set a goal, we wanted to get back here and bowl Sandusky, and we’re right back here now. And we got what we wanted, and I’m thrilled to death.”
Sandusky coach Gordon Williams said he was “extremely proud” of his young squad this season.
And he agreed that the teams seem to bring out the best in each other as they seemingly meet annually in big competitions.
“We always expect to see them at this point,” Williams said. “It was a great match; it was a close match until the last three, four frames. They have an excellent program. I've got nothing but good things to say about them.”
Posing with his team and the boys championship trophy was extra special for Riverview Gabriel Richard coach Bob Stempien, who was able to share the moment with sons Austin and Zack, a freshman and junior, respectively, on the Pioneers.
“They don’t see me as coach. They see me as dad, and sometimes that can be an extra challenge; but it’s great,” the coach said.
“Coming here and watching kids do things you didn't think they could do is just incredible,” he added. “I can’t even really describe it, it’s just awesome. I’m just speechless.”
Zack Stempien had similar praise for his Pioneers teammates taking the title.
“It takes a lot of work and dedication, and after you do it, it’s kind of that moment where everything pays off and you have no words for it,” he said.
East Jackson coach D.J. Miller, meanwhile, was proud of the way his Trojans finished the season.
When asked if he believes his young team set a benchmark for the future of the program, Miller responded, “I definitely think they did.”
“They really came through the last two weekends,” Miller added, referring to the Regional and Final. “They bowled extremely well. They bowled up to their potential.”
Click for full girls results and full boys results.
Clarenceville's Johnson Overcomes Blistered Thumb to Roll Clinching 234
By
Keith Dunlap
Special for MHSAA.com
March 2, 2024
WATERFORD — It was hard to tell where Livonia Clarenceville junior Caitlyn Johnson spent more time during the Division 2 Singles Bowling Finals on Saturday – on the lanes or in another part of the building getting treatment.
Last week during the Regional tournament, Johnson said she started to get a blister on the thumb of her throwing hand, which is pretty much bowling’s equivalent to a sprinter in track getting a lame hamstring.
Johnson managed to qualify out of the Regional. But needless to say, the preparation for the Final wasn’t what she’d hoped it would be.
“I’ve been putting Neosporin and Band-Aids on all week,” Johnson said. “I haven’t practiced the last two days either in the hopes it would get better. Just trying to keep it covered.”
Those watching Johnson bowl throughout the day certainly couldn’t tell she was in pain, as she was on top of her game in winning her first career individual title.
Johnson topped Grand Rapids Northview senior Kelly Hartman in the Final, winning the first game 179-170 before rolling a 234 in the second game to earn a 413-332 victory.
“I just had to keep my head in the game,” said Johnson, whose previous best finish was a Quarterfinal appearance two years ago as a freshman. “Make my spares and make good shots. If it was a bad break or bad shot, reset, come back and get it back the next time. That was my mindset all day.”
Clarenceville head coach John Makar said Johnson has been consistent all year, sporting an average of more than 200.
“She placed seventh in the qualifying round, and after she had the next application (on her thumb), she just took off and just kept on going, Makar said. “She has a good hook that she throws, down and in and out and in. She adapted to the lanes really well.”
Johnson defeated Fenton senior Jena Fijolek in the round of 16 (363-338), Charlotte junior Lori Jackson in the Quarterfinals (428-395) and then New Boston Huron junior Olivia Demick (381-335) in the Semifinals to set up the championship match against Hartman, who was the 16th and final seed out of the qualifying block.
Hartman defeated No. 1 seed and New Boston Huron junior Addison Dolencic in the round of 16 (332-283), Hudsonville Unity Christian senior Jennifer Mohr in the Quarterfinals (390-330) and Flint Kearsley senior Ava Boggs in the Semifinals (344-293).
Now, Johnson will get plenty of time to heal and celebrate in hopes she’ll be back in the tournament next year in a position to repeat.
“It’s been a battle all day,” she said.