For the first time since 2011, a member of the Saint Ignatius bowling program will compete at the State Tournament.
Vinny Doran will be the proud Alley Cat competing in the 13th annual OHSAA State Bowling Championships.
Doran punched his ticket to Columbus two weeks ago at the District Tournament. Doran rolled a remarkable 258-187-182 (627) series to finish fourth and secure a berth to States as an individual.
The Division I state tournament will take place on Saturday at Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl. Doran will begin bowling at 10:30 a.m. following 15 minutes of practice. Doran will have the chance to practice over the next couple of days, too.
For Wildcats fans planning to come to Columbus to support Doran, tickets are $8 at the door. Doran will be on lane 41 for game one, lane 37 for the second game, and lane 41 for the third and final game. The rest of Doran's foursome will consist of Nolan Blessing of LaSalle, Jason Kefauver of Whitehall-Yearling, and Ethan Rowe of Middletown. Doran will be one of 16 keglers competing as an individual.
The oil pattern for Saturday has been announced. If you're a bowling fan with an interest in learning more about the oil pattern, click here.
Plenty of Wildcats are excited about Doran's chance to bowl at the state level, including his head coach, Jim Viets.
“It’s special to have your bowler get to States," Viets said. "It doesn’t happen often. I’ll have a chance to watch him compete at States at Wayne Webb’s lanes. Webb was a legendary pro bowler and is in the Hall of Fame. This is a once in a lifetime experience."
The last Wildcat to make the tournament, Chris Thom '11, also hopes to make the trip down I-71 for the tournament.
Thom rolled a 179-202-216 (597 series), notching 23rd place overall in his State appearance in 2011.
"I'm excited for him," Thom said. "My advice for him is that you'll be nervous the first couple rolls, but keep going at it. The first frame is the toughest. You'll get more comfortable as you go and the scores go up. You made it this far, you're a good bowler. Overall, I'm happy the team is doing well and they're keeping up the tradition. Good luck, and go get 'em, Vinny!"
For more information on the tournament, click here.
On behalf of Saint Ignatius athletics, good luck, Vinny!