Sports : Viking boys prepare for first-ever State tournament appearance

New tradition: Ehlinger's welcomes VS bowlers to honor them for advancing to State event.

A new tradition for Vinton-Shellsburg athletes who earn the right to compete at the State level in their sports has begun. 

Ehlinger's Vinton Express and McDonald's welcomed the V-S bowling team to the business on Thursday evening to give residents a chance to congratulate the bowlers. The convenience store offered the team free fountain beverages or hot chocolate; McDonald's offered free ice cream to those wearing V-S clothing. 

Manager Mel Davis said the tradition began with the cross country team earlier this year, and will continue with other sports. She attempted to arrange a similar event for Viking wrestlers, but scheduling problems kept that from happening. 

Thursday's reception celebrated the fact that the Vinton-Shellsburg High School boys bowlers scored the highest among Class 1A teams in their district event in Manchester on Tuesday. Cole Garwood tallied the highest individual two-game score of 492. Vikette bowler Taylor Berry has also earned a spot at State.

The state berth is a big accomplishment for a team in just its second year of existence. 

"We had one girl, Alyssa Bunge, go to State last year," said coach Amber Pattee. "People commented on how unusual it was for a team to have someone at State its first year."

With just a couple of seniors, the VS bowling team has lots of depth, says the coach. There are 42 members on the bowling team. The bowlers encourage and challenge each other, says the coach. 

The Vikings will compete in the State meet on Monday, Feb. 23, at the Plaza Lanes in Des Moines. 

See District results HERE. 

There are now more than 100 schools in Iowa with high school bowling teams. There are three classes, based on school size. 

At the State Tournament, the top three teams in each class will receive trophies and medals while the top 10 individuals will also medal.

Viking bowlers competing as individuals at State will include Garwood, Jordan Schoettmer and Jacob Gosse.

Girls State meet: Taylor Berry qualifies for Individual event

While the Vikette bowlers fell short of the team score needed to advance to state, freshman Taylor Berry rolled a two-game 423 to advance to the individual event, which also takes place Monday.