Without a senior on the varsity roster, the Norwalk boys bowling team peaked at the right time and placed fifth in the Class 2A Team State Tournament in February.

Following a 4-7 dual season, the Warriors averaged 204 pins during 15 Baker games to place second at the 2A State Qualifying Meet in Newton. Their performance clinched the program’s first state meet appearance in 15 years. Junior Tanner Housley also qualified for state as an individual with a 715 series.

At the state tournament in Waterloo, Norwalk was seeded eighth after the pre-bracket Baker games series, but regrouped and won several very close matches in bracket play. The Warriors defeated Clinton 3-2 and Burlington 3-1 to win the consolation bracket and place fifth overall. Head coach Russ Greenwood admired the team’s grit, tenacity and determination.

“I am extremely pleased with how this team came back from adversity and had a never-die attitude… continually wanted to fight and get as many pins as they could,” Greenwood said.

Tanner Housley finished 29th in the 2A individual state tournament, bowling a three-game series of 558. Coach Greenwood expects Housley will learn from the experience and gain confidence going forward.

On the season, sophomore Blake Halsted led Norwalk with a 217 average and a high game of 279 that tied a school record. He was named second team All-State, first team All-District and first team All-Conference. Tanner Housley and sophomore Brytan Bassman were both named second team All-Conference and sophomore Gavin Housley received honorable mention All-Conference. The varsity squad also included junior Jude Soper and sophomores Gavin Phillips and Wyatt Funk.

Coach Greenwood tells KNIA Sports that he is very excited to have the entire boys team back  and expects them to compete very well next season.