(Wikimedia Commons)
The Vikes quickly returned to business after Winter Break with three matches last week. The first was a rivalry, as Academy suited up to take on the Bexley Lions at HP Lanes on Monday, January 6. The Vikings took home the victory for both boys and girls in this one. Our boys won 1603 to 1584, led by Ryan Reagan‘22 and his phenomenal second game explosion, going from 130 in the first game to a staggering 194. Our girls won 1476 to 1306, with Gigi Bates’20 putting up an impressive 112 and 174.
Next up for both squads was the Wayne’s Webb Columbus Bowl. The boys and girls both played twice in this one, first against Marion Franklin and then Teays Valley. For the boys, captain Donovan Simpson led the way with a 141 and 153 in an unfortunate 1851 to 1586 loss on Tuesday, January 7. Following an injury that ended his wrestling career, Simpson, who is also a football captain, has become “an irreplaceable leader” for this team according to Vincent White‘21. Closely following Simpson was White with 144 and 140 and Jacob Mowery‘23 with 134 and 142. After the close loss, our boys took on the toughest opponent of the season in Teays Valley on January 8. In the battle of the Vikings, Teays Valley put up a mindblowing 2239, which beat Academy’s 1652. Simpson once again led in scoring, having a 145 and 156. Michael Hoffman’20 had 127 and 149, with White bowling 150 and 126. Cole Leis’20 followed closely behind, with 152 and 115.
Our girls had a little more luck in the Wayne’s Webb Columbus Bowl. CA got the ball rolling with a first match win of 1420 to 1257 against Marion Franklin, also on Tuesday, January 7. The seniors led the way to victory, with Bates bowling 113 and 162 and senior Nikki Turley putting up 110 and 153. Unfortunately, our girls fell to Teays Valley the next day, 1468 to 1405. Bates put up 162 and 115, but Evie Olexio’21 had a breakout match, bowling 118 and 154.
Both squads will continue the season with a Saturday, January 11, bout with Whitehall at Holiday Lanes, followed by what is sure to be an emotional Monday, January 13, Senior Night match against West High School at HP Lanes.
