Way to go, Rockets
Eight Tuscarawas County bowlers traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in the Special Olympics National Unified Bowling Tournament.
On March 4-8 eight Tuscarawas County bowlers traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in the Special Olympics National Unified Bowling Tournament. The Rockets received many medals and ribbons.
Each bowler participated in team and doubles competition. Athletes from all over the United States including Michigan, Texas, Arizona, Florida, South Carolina and many other states participated in the event.
Individual performances included Alex Adkins, two silver medals, team and doubles competition; Michael Johnson, two bronze medals, team and doubles competition; Angelica Mendoza, two silver medals, team and doubles competition; Russ Shiar, one bronze medal (team competition) and 1-6th place ribbon (doubles competition); Nathanial Wells, one bronze medal (team competition) and 1-6th place ribbon (doubles competition); Jon Wheeler, two bronze medals, team and doubles competition; Kershel Zehnder, one silver medal (team competition) and 1-4th place ribbon (doubles competition); and Kory Zehnder, one silver medal (team competition) and 1-4th place ribbon (doubles competition).
While in Las Vegas the bowlers also were able to participate in a clinic hosted by United States Bowling Congress and were able to visit various landmarks and sites.
For Wheeler it was his first time on an airplane.
When asked about his trip, Adkins said, “It was unreal. It was the time of my life.”
“The bonding that took place was just incredible,” said Kelly Wells, who attended in support of her son Nathanial and the other Rockets.
Wabash Lanes served as the practice site for the bowlers throughout the year and for the national tournament. Sponsors for the trip included The Rainbow Connection, The Ruth Carlson - Starlight Foundation, Signs and Graphics by Coney, The Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Tuscarawas County Special Olympics, and The VFW Post 1445.
Heather Menefee serves as head coach for the Rockets bowlers and was very proud of their efforts in Las Vegas.
The Rockets will begin another spring bowling season on April 7. For questions about Special Olympics or bowling with the Rockets, call local coordinator Richelle Lefler at 330-308-7173 or email her at tuscarawascountyspecialolympic@gmail.com.