LETTS, Iowa–Winning back to back championships represents an accomplishment. Winning three or more really starts to draw positive attention. For Louisa-Muscatine’s bowling dynasty though, having many consecutive state wins seems to come almost naturally. At this year’s 1A state bowling tournament Feb. 21 and 22 in Waterloo, Louisa-Muscatine’s bowlers showed off their legendary talent once again. For the sixth straight year, the girls won the 1A state championship. The boys had a successful tournament as well, earning second place just barely behind Shenandoah.
Following a full season of top-tier play, Louisa-Muscatine’s bowlers looked forward to returning to the state tournament. Though many of the bowlers had experienced state tournament play before, this year looked a little different, as all team play consisted of Baker rounds. Rather than having bowlers bowl individually and add their scores together, bowlers from the same team bowl together in the same game. Because Baker rounds create more of a cohesive team feel, Louisa-Muscatine Bowling Coach Al Jordan found that his players liked it. “It was successful, as far as I’m concerned,” he shared.
Throughout the tournament, Louisa-Muscatine’s bowlers played well, demonstrating how hard they worked throughout the season and how much effort they put into their final rounds of competition. More than just having excellent technique though, Jordan felt good about how well the bowlers encouraged each other throughout the tournament. “Both the boys and girls play as one team and support each other, win or lose,” he observed.
In the end, the girls wound up bringing home their seventh ever championship and the boys earned runner-up, only shy of first by a few pins. Though they had wanted to win a second state championship (they earned first in 2021 following their second-place finish in 2020) Jordan thought the boys still distinguished themselves. “They were disappointed, but it was nothing to hang your head about–they played with class,” he shared.
In individual play, Louisa-Muscatine had one bowler place in the top eight as well. Jersey Lessenger placed sixth overall in girls’ individual competition.
Reflecting on the whole state tournament experience, Jordan believed Louisa-Muscatine’s bowlers really shone. “They all stood out as far as I’m concerned,” stated Jordan. “It was just a great two days and a great tournament.”
When bowling season rolls back around next winter, Louisa-Muscatine stands poised to do well again. With only one senior from the girls’ team and two seniors from the boys’ team graduating, Louisa-Muscatine will have many experienced players ready to work their way back up to state tournament play next year. “The future looks bright for L-M!” Jordan beamed.
