After winning back-to-back Class 6A state titles, the boys bowling team finished second behind Wichita Northwest on March 4 at Bowlero Northrock.

The team was without its best bowler, junior Michael Stanger, due to KSHSAA regulations on competing in outside events. Stanger, who won the 6A regionals, competed in Junior PBA Nationals.

It was on senior Cash Carns to rally his team together to try and pull off a three-peat. 

“Being the only returner to varsity and losing Michael added a lot of pressure,” Carns said. “I think I really proved myself as a leader today and all season, honestly. The energy that the team had today was unlike anything.… I mean, it was the best we’ve had all season.”

First-year coach Ryker Percival agreed.

“It’s been more of a leadership role, I guess, just making sure they are all dialed in as much as possible,” he said. “But I’m just super proud of what they did today.”

Stanger still was at the tournament, cheering on and coaching his teammates.

“I was just making sure my team was there mentally,” he said. “Mainly, I wanted them to focus on having fun and not worrying too much about scores.”

Four of the six state-qualifying bowlers return in 2027.

“I’m very excited,” Stanger said. “Coy (Teemant), Trenton (Johnson), Hunter (Gibbon) and even Tyson (Hart) – we will all be back and ready.” 

Percival had great things to say about the future, as well.

“We’ll be senior-led next year for sure,” he said. “It’ll be a nice refresh, and we’ll have plenty of opportunity.”