On today’s countdown of the top 10 Norwalk sports stories from the 2024-25 school year, the number 8 spot goes to a late-season charge by the boys bowling team.

Without a senior on the varsity roster, the Warriors peaked at the right time and placed fifth in the Class 2A Team State Tournament in February. Junior Tanner Housley also qualified for the individual state tournament with his 715 series at the 2A State Qualifying Meet in Newton. He finished 29th in Class 2A.

Following a 4-7 dual season, Norwalk averaged 204 pins during 15 Baker games to place second at the State Qualifier, clinching the program’s first state meet appearance in 15 years. 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.

“To say I’m ecstatic with the performance… would be an understatement,” he said. “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.”

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.

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.