CHANUTE — The Iola High School Unified Sports team hosted the second annual SEK Unified Bowling Duel at C&H Lanes in Chanute on Wednesday night.
Chanute High and Caney Valley High Unified Sports teams had multiple teams competing.
“Last year was the first year we competed and it was with Caney Valley and Oswego,” said Iola coach Ann Bates.
Chanute Gold took first place with 707 points, followed by Chanute Blue with 642 points and Iola Gold with 589 points.
On the Iola Gold team were Jaden Smith, who collected one spare and one strike; Marlee Westhoff, three spares; Steph Fees, six spares and one strike; Guilis Pina, three spares and two strikes, and Reese Curry’s four spares.
“It’s just rewarding to see the athletes and their peer buddies doing things outside of school, having those interactions and building relationships that aren’t in the school setting. I can see a change in our athletes and buddies.They are talking and joking around with each other. You can definitely tell the difference since August,” said Bates.
The Iola Blue team took fifth place with 510 points and were led by Gavin Doolittle’s two spares, Shaun McLaughlin’s five spares and one strike, Zach Pfaff’s two spares and three strikes and Kaden Priddy’s one spare.
“They definitely teach me new things every day. We’re figuring out what works for each of us. I’m learning just as much from them as I’m teaching them,” Bates said.
Bates said the Iola team is eager for when Chanute hosts the next competition.
