The Nebraska Bowling Tournament wrapped up on Feb. 11 and Feb. 12, and Westview made some noise in the tournament.
Westview had several representatives who participated in state bowling. For girls’ bowling, Kate Alley, 10, Alexis Kavan, 10, Jemma Hart, 12, and Peyton Riddle, 12, qualified for the girls’ team for the state championship. Meanwhile for boys, Conner Hinken, 11, qualified for boys’ single bowling.
The Wolverines traveled to Lincoln on Feb. 11, with a loud and cheery sendoff from Westview students and teachers. The girls’ first game was a three and six seed battle against Millard South.
Westview would dominate this entire game, beating Millard South 3-0 in the game. Westview would drop their first game against the eventual champions, Grand Island, in a 3-1 set. The girls’ team would have a redemption game against Millard South but would eventually lose 3-0.
The Westview girls performed very well all season, ending with a final record of 24-5 including playoff games. Although they did not win the state championship, they still had an incredible season, and they have a lot to be proud of going into next year.
“I am proud of everything the bowling teams have accomplished this year. The number one thing I am proud about is how our girls team stays together and supports one another. At any point, any of our bowlers would step up and be a leader. Anyone can post a good score or have a good day on the lanes, but great bowlers have the mental game to back up their physical game. Out of all the teams I saw this year, I believe our girls had the best mentality,” Kendyl Hofmeister, bowling coach, said.
Kate Alley also participated in state for individual girls’ bowling. She would win her first game and then lose her second game to the eventual champion of the entire tournament.
As for the boys, Hinken played his first game on Feb. 12 at Sun Valley Lanes and Games in Lincoln. Hinken would come up short and place 23 for individual boys bowling.
“I feel proud about myself individually as well as representing my school at state because I’m glad to represent such great people that contribute to creating a positive school environment,” Hinken said.
Westview bowling has competed in state bowling for two years in a row now, and their improvement has been drastic from where they started. The Westview boys’ team were 7-13 in the 2023-2024 season, and now they were just a couple of wild card points away from entering the state tournament. In coming years, it will be exciting to see how the program continues to grow and compete against other schools.
