Michigan Journal

Issue date: 4/3/07 Section: Sports

The University of Michigan-Dearborn bowling team traveled to Columbus, Ohio to participate in their last event of the season on March 11.

It was not a traditional conference event, as all games were baker-style, where more emphasis is placed on each bowler's frame. Each player bowled two frames within the game, so spares were crucial.

"The whole team fared well," Captain Michael Kiel said, "and was able to support others if the pins didn't fall their way."

The Wolves took on Indiana University-South Bend in the first round of competition and was able to advance to the next round of the championship after five games of play.

Then, the Wolves moved on to play Kent State and, in a full seven-game match, the team tasted victory, moving into the semis. In the semis, the Wolves met tough competition as they faced reigning national champions Saginaw Valley State University.

After being defeated in the first two games of the rocky start, the Wolves showed promise in the third game. After winning the third, the Wolves were unable to carry their momentum and Saginaw Valley won the fourth game. The fifth game caused some controversy as a ruling was in question against Saginaw, but the tournament directors did overturn the outcome.

"Inadvertently manipulating the tournament rules, they were able to squeak by with a six-pin victory in the fifth game, to take the match four games to one," Kiel said.

Since the tournament was a double-elimination format, the Wolves were optimistic and had a chance to restore their winning ways.

But, after a long day the day before, the Wolves concluded their season against Ferris State, losing their first and only match the final day.

UM-D finished the tournament in sixth place of the 19 teams, thus resulting in their best finish in a conference event to date.

Junior Mike Ligeski said, "Could we have taken out Saginaw? We'll never know now, but the situation left a bad taste in our mouth and surely affected the rest of our play."

The team's future looks bright as they are gaining strength with new members and seem to be adapting to the overall evolution of the sport.

"Each season has proved to be a learning experience, and from it has come much progression," Kiel said.

The Wolves hope to hire a coach for next season which, in turn, will hopefully have a positive effect on the team.

"Sure, we are disappointed that we didn't return to the USBC Collegiate National Championship Sectional Qualifier again this season," Kiel said. "However, this was only our second full season and we are still fighting to get better. I think I speak for everyone when I say we are excited to go into next season. The core group of guys plan on having a stellar senior year."

Kiel made First Team All-Conference and Martez Banks was awarded Second Team All-Conference honors. Kiel and Banks, along with Ryan Bedo, Jason Kantner and Ligeski, were also among those selected to the Academic All-American Award.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools