PELHAM- The Sparkman boys bowling team came up just a few pins short in the finals of the AHSAA State Bowling Championship falling to Thompson 1,565-1,431 in the Championship Match. The Senators rolled to the finals with wins in the first round versus Southside-Gadsden (1,563-1,259), Auburn (1,491-14,73) and Oak Mountain (1,422-1,280).

In girls action, the Lady Senators passed Pelham (1,208-1,028) and Vestavia Hills (1,186-1,146) before falling to eventual state champion Southside-Gadsden (1,533-1,295) in the semifinals to finish fourth in the state.

“Our boys did a great job and my assistant coach, Monica Davis, stepped right in and helped with the squad and was their biggest cheerleader,” said Lisa Ivey, Sparkman head coach. “The biggest surprise in the tournament was the fact the competition level has risen tremendously over the last couple of years. The sport of bowling is really growing among the high schools in Alabama.”

Sparkman junior Cole Arsenault defended his individual 2019 state championship with a rousing 26-pin victory to take home his second consecutive state title. His advantage was over Jacob Acker of Thompson. Arsenault rolled 244-253-224 for a 711 series to take home the title.

The 6-foot-3 junior, who took up bowling just three years ago, leaned heavily on his experiences of last year’s state event calmly rolled the top series with a 237 average per game. He uses a two-handed style of bowling and rolls a 15-pound ball.

“Cole certainly showed out with some great games and the healthy competition is something he thrives on,” said Ivey.

In the girls quarterfinals, Angela Webber of Sparkman had the highest game as the freshman rolled a 225. Dalton Tolgo, also of Sparkman, posted a 234 game in the first round of the team matches, which was good enough for fifth best for the Sparkman freshman.

“I’m so proud of our girls finishing among the top four teams is awesome,” added Ivey. “Angela finished at number six and that was superb since she is just a freshman.”

Both Senators squads advanced to the State Tournament by way of tremendous efforts in the North Regional Tournaments.

The boys nailed down a regional championship by defeating Hewitt-Trussville 1,433-1,323 in the finals. In the championship round three Sparkman bowlers took the top three spots- Joseph Collier (214), Dalton Tolgo (183) and Alfonso Carrington (181).

The Lady Senators finished second behind Southside Gadsden 1,452-1,243. Daylin Tolgo posted the second highest game in the finals round with a score of 201. Earlier rounds featured both Emily Lindsey and Ashlee Hull helping the Senators to victory.