Boys Bowling: Andrew Wins IHSA State Championship

On the eve of the state tournament, Andrew coach Mark Lobes predicted his Thunderbolts would feel right at home in the pressure-packed situation of bowling on the IHSA's biggest stage.

Four regulars returned from an Andrew team that went down state last season—Josh Powell, Josh Dory, Kyle Krol and Kyle Damon.

"In terms of experience, we've got it," Lobes said in an interview with the Southtown Star.

The T-Bolts used that experience to their advantage in winning the state championship on Saturday at St. Clair Bowl in downstate O'Fallon.

Andrew compiled a 213.7 average through 12 games and finished with a team total of 12,821 to win its third IHSA boys bowling state title and first since 2006. The T-Bolts pulled away from the field as the heat was turned up on the competition on Saturday afternoon.

Vernon Hills placed second with a team total of 12,652—169 pins off Andrew's pace. Hononegah placed third with 12,575, followed by O'Fallon 12,396 and Romeoville 12,303.

Andrew was paced by its Mr. Perfect Game—Powell. He finished with a two-day pinfall total of 2,704 and an average of 225.3, good four fourth place in the individual standings. Powell earlier in the season bowled a 300 game.

Dory placed seventh individually with his 2,671 and 222.6 average. Krol was next for the T-Bolts with 2,537, followed by Damon 2,458 and Justin Finnen 2,451.

Casey Case, Mike Dertz and Nick Ghilardi also made the trip downstate with the T-Bolts as alternates.