Laurel Lanes Junior Bowlers Win National Championship

(L-R, front) Andrew Morin and Drew McCarthy; (center) Marshall Deane, Kristen Heller and Nicholas Gables; (rear) coach Lori Deane.

Five youths from Laurel Lanes are flying on a cloud of happiness and have every reason to be. Nicholas Gables, Kristen Heller, Marshall Deane, Andrew Morin and Drew McCarthy went to Hagerstown, Maryland on June 28-30, setting a goal for themselves to come back as "Winsted Laurel Lanes #1 National Champions"—and they achieved this goal!

The Laurel Junior League has been running for approximately 30 years and has won several State Championships, but this is the first National Championship. In recent years, Laurel Lanes has placed 2nd on at least three occasions, being as close as 1 pin away from the national title.

These children, ages 7-9, won their State Championship in April of this year. Winning the State Championship entitled them to an all expense paid trip to Maryland, including the Rock ‘N’ Bowl pizza party, awards banquet, hotel and meals.

After a competitive match against other teams from metro Washington, northeastern Maryland, southwestern Maryland, western Maryland, Rhode Island and Virginia, Laurel Lanes excelled as champions of the Prep Division. That evening at the awards banquet, these kids were surprised to learn that not only did they win the tournament including handicap; they also won their division "scratch." All of the kids won a plaque for the championship as well as a smaller plaque for winning Team Scratch.

Also, Andrew Morin won an individual award for High Scratch Triple for his age. And Drew McCarthy was recently notified that he will be receiving a plaque for having the highest season average for the Prep Division (ages 7-9) with a 105 average. He will also receive a plaque for the NDYA All-American Team. This award is given to the top five bowlers in each age division, boy and girl, with the highest season league averages.

Congratulations to all of the kids; you have something to cherish and be proud of for the rest of your lives. This tournament was well-attended by parents and grandparents, and the championship is a great honor for them as well.

The Laurel Lanes Junior League bowls every Saturday at 11 a.m. from October through May.